While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: James Richardson served as mayor of Springfield from 1995...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- James Richardson served as mayor of Springfield from 1995 to 2003
- During his mayoral tenure, Richardson implemented three major urban renewal projects
- He established the Springfield Community Development Fund in 1998
- The fund provided microloans to over 200 local small businesses
- Richardson left the mayor's office to run for state legislature in 2003
- He was elected to the state senate in 2004
- As state senator, Richardson authored the landmark Environmental Protection Act of 2007
- He is now widely recognized as one of the state's most influential environmental legislators
The student wants to emphasize Richardson's municipal-level accomplishments. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
James Richardson, now recognized as an influential environmental legislator, previously served as Springfield's mayor from 1995 to 2003.
During his tenure as Springfield's mayor, James Richardson established the Community Development Fund, which provided microloans to over 200 local businesses, before transitioning to state-level politics in 2004.
As Springfield's mayor from 1995 to 2003, James Richardson implemented three major urban renewal projects and established a community development fund that supported over 200 local small businesses.
James Richardson's political career has included mayoral service in Springfield, election to the state senate in 2004, and authorship of the Environmental Protection Act of 2007.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "James Richardson served as mayor of Springfield from 1995 to 2003" |
|
| "During his mayoral tenure, Richardson implemented three major urban renewal projects" |
|
| "He established the Springfield Community Development Fund in 1998" |
|
| "The fund provided microloans to over 200 local small businesses" |
|
| "Richardson left the mayor's office to run for state legislature in 2003" |
|
| "He was elected to the state senate in 2004" |
|
| "As state senator, Richardson authored the landmark Environmental Protection Act of 2007" |
|
| "He is now widely recognized as one of the state's most influential environmental legislators" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: James Richardson built a successful political career that began with significant municipal achievements in Springfield and evolved into influential state-level environmental leadership.
Argument Flow: The notes trace Richardson's political progression chronologically, starting with his eight-year mayoral tenure and specific local accomplishments, then documenting his transition to state politics and subsequent achievements in environmental legislation.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to choose which option most effectively uses the research notes to emphasize Richardson's municipal-level accomplishments.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that prioritizes and highlights Richardson's work as mayor of Springfield, rather than his later state-level career.
Any limiting keywords? The key word is "municipal-level" - we need to focus specifically on his mayoral work, not his broader political career or current environmental reputation.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- To emphasize municipal-level accomplishments, the correct answer should focus primarily or exclusively on Richardson's work as Springfield's mayor
- It should include specific details about what he achieved during that role - the urban renewal projects and the Community Development Fund that helped local businesses
- The answer should avoid giving equal weight to his later state-level career or leading with his current environmental reputation
James Richardson, now recognized as an influential environmental legislator, previously served as Springfield's mayor from 1995 to 2003.
- Leads with Richardson's current reputation as an environmental legislator
- Only mentions his mayoral service with dates but no specific accomplishments
- Structure emphasizes state-level recognition over municipal achievements
During his tenure as Springfield's mayor, James Richardson established the Community Development Fund, which provided microloans to over 200 local businesses, before transitioning to state-level politics in 2004.
- Focuses on only one municipal accomplishment (Community Development Fund)
- Mentions the transition to state politics which shifts attention away from municipal work
- Omits the urban renewal projects entirely
As Springfield's mayor from 1995 to 2003, James Richardson implemented three major urban renewal projects and established a community development fund that supported over 200 local small businesses.
- Begins immediately with Richardson's municipal role and timeframe
- Includes both major municipal accomplishments (urban renewal projects AND community development fund)
- Focuses exclusively on his mayoral work with no mention of later career
- Provides specific impact details
James Richardson's political career has included mayoral service in Springfield, election to the state senate in 2004, and authorship of the Environmental Protection Act of 2007.
- Gives equal treatment to all phases of Richardson's political career
- Lists municipal service as just one item among several achievements
- Emphasizes the breadth of his career rather than municipal accomplishments specifically