While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In 1897, African American inventor Andrew Beard invented an automatic...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 1897, African American inventor Andrew Beard invented an automatic coupler.
- It improved on the existing design of train car couplers.
- It made the job of connecting train cars safer.
- In 1938, African American inventor Frederick Jones invented a mobile refrigeration system.
- It improved on the existing design of food transport trucks.
- It enabled trucks to carry perishable foods farther.
The student wants to emphasize a similarity between Beard's invention and Jones's invention. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Beard's automatic coupler and Jones's mobile refrigeration system both improved on existing designs.
In 1897, Beard invented an automatic coupler, which made the job of connecting train cars safer.
Beard's invention made the job of connecting train cars safer, whereas Jones's invention enabled food transport trucks to carry perishables farther.
Jones's mobile refrigeration system, which he invented in 1938, made it possible for food transport trucks to carry perishable foods farther.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In 1897, African American inventor Andrew Beard invented an automatic coupler." |
|
| "It improved on the existing design of train car couplers." |
|
| "It made the job of connecting train cars safer." |
|
| "In 1938, African American inventor Frederick Jones invented a mobile refrigeration system." |
|
| "It improved on the existing design of food transport trucks." |
|
| "It enabled trucks to carry perishable foods farther." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes document two African American inventors who each created improvements to existing transportation technology.
Argument Flow: The notes present parallel information about two inventors working in different time periods. For each inventor, we learn what they created, how it related to existing technology, and what practical benefit it provided.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best highlights a shared characteristic between the two inventions
What type of answer do we need? A statement that identifies commonalities rather than differences
Any limiting keywords? "similarity" is the key constraint - we must focus on what both inventions share
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Both inventions share several key similarities:
- Both inventors were African American
- Both created mechanical improvements to transportation systems
- Both "improved on existing designs" - this is explicitly stated for each
- Both provided practical benefits to their respective industries
- The most direct similarity mentioned in the notes is that both inventions "improved on existing designs" - this exact relationship is stated for both the automatic coupler and the mobile refrigeration system.
- So the right answer should identify this shared characteristic of improving upon previous technology.
Beard's automatic coupler and Jones's mobile refrigeration system both improved on existing designs.
- Directly states the key similarity: both inventions "improved on existing designs"
- This matches exactly what our notes tell us about both inventions and accomplishes the student's goal of emphasizing what the inventions have in common
In 1897, Beard invented an automatic coupler, which made the job of connecting train cars safer.
- Only discusses Beard's invention and its safety benefit
- Mentions nothing about Jones's invention
- Fails to show any similarity since it only covers one inventor
Beard's invention made the job of connecting train cars safer, whereas Jones's invention enabled food transport trucks to carry perishables farther.
- Uses "whereas" to contrast the two inventions rather than show similarity
- Emphasizes the differences in their benefits (safety vs. distance capability)
- Does the opposite of what the student wants - highlights differences, not similarities
Jones's mobile refrigeration system, which he invented in 1938, made it possible for food transport trucks to carry perishable foods farther.
- Only discusses Jones's invention and when he created it
- Says nothing about Beard's invention
- Cannot show similarity since it only addresses one inventor