While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In geology, an Aeolian landform is one that has been...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In geology, an Aeolian landform is one that has been created by the wind.
- In Greek mythology, Aeolus is the keeper of the winds.
- Aeolian landforms are created when the wind erodes, transports, or deposits material.
- A mushroom rock is a rock formation in which the top is wider than the base.
- A mushroom rock can be formed when the wind erodes the base and the top at different rates.
The student wants to provide an explanation and an example of Aeolian landforms. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Aeolian landforms are created by different wind-based processes; for example, some are created by wind erosion.
Aeolian landforms—landforms created by the wind—include the mushroom rock, a rock formation in which the wind erodes the base of the rock faster than the top.
Erosion, transportation, and deposition are three examples of how the wind can create Aeolian landforms and mushroom rocks.
A mushroom rock is a rock formation that owes its shape to the wind, a natural force associated with Aeolus in Greek mythology.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In geology, an Aeolian landform is one that has been created by the wind." |
|
| "In Greek mythology, Aeolus is the keeper of the winds." |
|
| "Aeolian landforms are created when the wind erodes, transports, or deposits material." |
|
| "A mushroom rock is a rock formation in which the top is wider than the base." |
|
| "A mushroom rock can be formed when the wind erodes the base and the top at different rates." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: These research notes define Aeolian landforms as wind-created geological formations and provide mushroom rocks as a specific example of how wind erosion can create distinctive shapes.
Argument Flow: The notes begin with a clear definition of Aeolian landforms, provide mythological context for the name, explain the general processes involved, then focus on mushroom rocks as a specific example, showing how differential wind erosion creates their distinctive shape.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best accomplishes the dual goal of explaining what Aeolian landforms are and giving a specific example
What type of answer do we need? A statement that includes both an explanation (defining/describing Aeolian landforms) and a concrete example (a specific type of Aeolian landform)
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" tells us we're looking for the choice that best uses the research notes to accomplish both parts of the goal
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must do two things based on the student's goal
- First, it needs to explain what Aeolian landforms are - we have a clear definition from the notes that they're landforms created by wind
- Second, it needs to provide a specific example - the notes give us mushroom rocks as a concrete example, complete with how wind creates them through differential erosion
- The right answer should also connect these two elements logically, showing how the example illustrates the broader concept
- From our notes, mushroom rocks work perfectly because they demonstrate wind erosion in action
Aeolian landforms are created by different wind-based processes; for example, some are created by wind erosion.
✗ Incorrect
- Provides a general explanation about wind-based processes but the "example" is too vague
- Fails to give a specific landform example like mushroom rocks
Aeolian landforms—landforms created by the wind—include the mushroom rock, a rock formation in which the wind erodes the base of the rock faster than the top.
✓ Correct
- Gives a clear explanation: "landforms created by the wind" and provides a specific example: mushroom rock
- Explains the mechanism: wind erodes the base faster than the top
- Effectively combines the definition from the notes with the concrete example
Erosion, transportation, and deposition are three examples of how the wind can create Aeolian landforms and mushroom rocks.
✗ Incorrect
- Lists the three wind processes but doesn't actually explain what Aeolian landforms ARE
- Treats mushroom rocks as separate from Aeolian landforms rather than as an example
A mushroom rock is a rock formation that owes its shape to the wind, a natural force associated with Aeolus in Greek mythology.
✗ Incorrect
- Provides an example (mushroom rock) with mythological context but completely lacks an explanation of what Aeolian landforms are generally
- Only accomplishes half of the student's dual goal