Environmental scientist Dr. James Chen wanted to increase public awareness about declining bird populations. He began using advanced drone technology...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Environmental scientist Dr. James Chen wanted to increase public awareness about declining bird populations. He began using advanced drone technology to document wildlife behavior in remote habitats. While traditional field research required researchers to spend weeks in difficult terrain to observe single species, drone technology allowed Chen to efficiently survey multiple habitats and species simultaneously. His documentary series featured both the daily survival struggles of common species and the remarkable adaptations of rare birds. This comprehensive coverage helped viewers understand the interconnectedness of different species within their shared environments. The drone approach represented a significant methodological advancement that enhanced both the scope and accessibility of wildlife research.
According to the text, what contribution does Chen's use of drone technology make to his conservation work?
Drone technology provided Chen with equipment that was cost-effective for his research budget.
Chen became internationally recognized once he started incorporating drone technology into his work.
Drone technology allowed Chen to expand the scope and efficiency of his wildlife documentation compared to traditional methods.
Chen was one of the first environmental scientists to use drones for wildlife documentation.
Looking at this SAT question, I'll work through the systematic process to help students understand both the content and the thinking approach.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Environmental scientist Dr. James Chen wanted to increase public awareness about declining bird populations." |
|
| "He began using advanced drone technology to document wildlife behavior in remote habitats." |
|
| "While traditional field research required researchers to spend weeks in difficult terrain to observe single species, drone technology allowed Chen to efficiently survey multiple habitats and species simultaneously." |
|
| "His documentary series featured both the daily survival struggles of common species and the remarkable adaptations of rare birds." |
|
| "This comprehensive coverage helped viewers understand the interconnectedness of different species within their shared environments." |
|
| "The drone approach represented a significant methodological advancement that enhanced both the scope and accessibility of wildlife research." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's use of drone technology revolutionized wildlife research by dramatically expanding what could be documented efficiently compared to traditional field methods.
Argument Flow: The passage starts with Chen's conservation goal, introduces his drone solution, contrasts it favorably with traditional methods, describes his comprehensive results, and concludes by emphasizing the technological advancement's broader significance for wildlife research.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The specific contribution that Chen's drone technology makes to his conservation work
What type of answer do we need? A description of how the drone technology specifically helps or advances his conservation efforts
Any limiting keywords? "According to the text" means we need to stick to what's explicitly stated in the passage
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Drone technology offers Chen several key advantages
- Efficiency compared to traditional methods (weeks vs. simultaneous surveying)
- Expanded scope (multiple habitats and species instead of single species)
- Better accessibility for remote research
- The passage makes a clear contrast between old methods (time-consuming, limited to single species) and Chen's drone approach (efficient, comprehensive coverage)
Drone technology provided Chen with equipment that was cost-effective for his research budget.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on cost-effectiveness and budget considerations
- The passage never mentions costs, budgets, or financial aspects of Chen's research
Chen became internationally recognized once he started incorporating drone technology into his work.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Chen gained international recognition from using drone technology
- The passage discusses the impact of his work on viewers but never mentions Chen's personal recognition or fame
Drone technology allowed Chen to expand the scope and efficiency of his wildlife documentation compared to traditional methods.
✓ Correct
- States that drone technology allowed Chen to expand scope and efficiency compared to traditional methods
- This directly matches our passage analysis: traditional methods required "weeks in difficult terrain to observe single species" while drones allowed Chen to "efficiently survey multiple habitats and species simultaneously"
Chen was one of the first environmental scientists to use drones for wildlife documentation.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Chen was among the first environmental scientists to use drones for wildlife documentation
- The passage presents Chen's work as significant but never suggests he was a pioneer or first adopter of this technology