While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Ford Motor Company was established by Henry Ford in...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Ford Motor Company was established by Henry Ford in 1903.
- Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the assembly line method.
- This innovation dramatically reduced the time needed to build automobiles.
- Before Ford's methods, cars were luxury items affordable only to the wealthy.
- The Model T, introduced in 1908, became the first mass-produced affordable car.
- Ford's manufacturing approach enabled middle-class families to purchase automobiles for the first time.
The student wants to place Ford's assembly line innovation in its economic context. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and introduced the Model T in 1908.
When Henry Ford introduced assembly line manufacturing, cars transformed from luxury items to affordable transportation, enabling middle-class families to purchase automobiles for the first time.
Ford's assembly line method dramatically reduced automobile manufacturing time compared to previous methods.
The Model T became the first mass-produced affordable car, revolutionizing the automobile industry.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Ford Motor Company was established by Henry Ford in 1903." |
|
| "Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the assembly line method." |
|
| "This innovation dramatically reduced the time needed to build automobiles." |
|
| "Before Ford's methods, cars were luxury items affordable only to the wealthy." |
|
| "The Model T, introduced in 1908, became the first mass-produced affordable car." |
|
| "Ford's manufacturing approach enabled middle-class families to purchase automobiles for the first time." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Ford's assembly line innovation transformed automobiles from luxury items for the wealthy into affordable transportation accessible to middle-class families.
Argument Flow: The notes establish Ford's innovation, then create a clear before-and-after economic picture. Before Ford, cars were luxury items only the wealthy could afford. Ford's assembly line made mass production possible, exemplified by the Model T, which enabled middle-class families to purchase automobiles for the first time.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should show the economic transformation Ford's innovation created
- It should connect the assembly line method to changes in who could afford cars
- It should demonstrate the shift from cars being luxury items to becoming accessible to middle-class families
Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and introduced the Model T in 1908.
- Simply states establishment date and Model T introduction date
- Provides chronological information but no economic context
- Doesn't explain how the innovation affected affordability or accessibility
When Henry Ford introduced assembly line manufacturing, cars transformed from luxury items to affordable transportation, enabling middle-class families to purchase automobiles for the first time.
- Shows the complete economic transformation: from luxury items to affordable transportation
- Directly connects Ford's assembly line innovation to the economic change
- Demonstrates the impact on accessibility by enabling middle-class families to purchase automobiles for the first time
Ford's assembly line method dramatically reduced automobile manufacturing time compared to previous methods.
- Focuses only on manufacturing efficiency (reduced time)
- Doesn't address economic impact or affordability changes
- Students might think manufacturing improvements automatically constitute economic context, but the question specifically asks for economic context, not just production improvements
The Model T became the first mass-produced affordable car, revolutionizing the automobile industry.
- Mentions mass production and affordability but misses the transformation aspect
- Doesn't show the before-and-after economic change or impact on middle-class accessibility