The following text is adapted from a community newsletter article. A local resident is reviewing proposed development plans at a...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The following text is adapted from a community newsletter article. A local resident is reviewing proposed development plans at a town planning meeting.
James had been listening to the presentation for nearly an hour when the architect revealed the final design proposal. The plans showed a new community center featuring accessible gardens, multipurpose spaces, and sustainable energy systems. As the architect explained each element, James found himself drawn into the vision of how the center would transform the neighborhood. His eyes brightened as he imagined the positive impact on local families.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
James is initially skeptical about the development plans but becomes convinced of their merit.
James is studying the architectural plans because he wants to understand the technical specifications.
James is inspired and engaged by the community center design he sees presented.
James is pleased that the community center will finally address the neighborhood's long-standing needs.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "James had been listening to the presentation for nearly an hour" |
|
| "when the architect revealed the final design proposal." |
|
| "The plans showed a new community center featuring accessible gardens, multipurpose spaces, and sustainable energy systems." |
|
| "As the architect explained each element, James found himself drawn into the vision of how the center would transform the neighborhood." |
|
| "His eyes brightened as he imagined the positive impact on local families." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: James becomes inspired and engaged when he sees the architect's community center design during a town planning presentation.
Argument Flow: The passage sets up James as someone who has been attentively listening to a long presentation. When the architect finally reveals the main design with its specific features, James responds positively by becoming drawn into the vision and brightening as he imagines the benefits for families.
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 passage focuses on James's experience during the presentation, specifically his reaction when the architect shows the final community center design
- The key elements are that James becomes engaged and inspired by what he sees
- He moves from simply listening to being drawn into the vision and brightening with enthusiasm about the potential impact
- The right answer should capture James's positive engagement and inspiration when viewing the community center design
James is initially skeptical about the development plans but becomes convinced of their merit.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests James starts skeptical and changes his mind
- The passage shows no initial skepticism - only that he'd been listening attentively
- What trap this represents: Students might assume that listening for an hour implies boredom or skepticism, when the passage actually suggests sustained attention
James is studying the architectural plans because he wants to understand the technical specifications.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on studying technical specifications as James's motivation
- The passage shows James responding emotionally to the vision and community impact, not analyzing technical details
James is inspired and engaged by the community center design he sees presented.
✓ Correct
- Accurately captures James becoming "drawn into the vision"
- Matches the description of his eyes brightening as he imagined positive impacts
- Reflects the main focus of the passage on James's positive engagement with the design
James is pleased that the community center will finally address the neighborhood's long-standing needs.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions "long-standing needs" which aren't referenced in the passage
- While James is pleased, the passage doesn't establish that these were previously unaddressed neighborhood problems