While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Katalin Karikó was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Katalin Karikó was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- Karikó spent decades researching messenger RNA (mRNA) technology at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Her work faced significant skepticism and funding challenges for years.
- The mRNA technology she developed became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines.
- The vaccines created using her research have been administered to billions of people worldwide.
The student wants to summarize Karikó's contribution for readers unfamiliar with her work. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Katalin Karikó, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, developed mRNA technology that became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines administered to billions worldwide.
The mRNA technology developed by Dr. Katalin Karikó faced skepticism for years but ultimately became the basis for COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr. Katalin Karikó spent decades researching messenger RNA technology at the University of Pennsylvania, despite facing significant funding challenges.
COVID-19 vaccines based on mRNA technology have been administered to billions of people worldwide, building on Dr. Katalin Karikó's research.
Looking at this rhetorical synthesis question, I need to determine which choice best summarizes Karikó's contribution for readers who don't know her work.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Katalin Karikó was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine." |
|
| "Karikó spent decades researching messenger RNA (mRNA) technology at the University of Pennsylvania." |
|
| "Her work faced significant skepticism and funding challenges for years." |
|
| "The mRNA technology she developed became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines." |
|
| "The vaccines created using her research have been administered to billions of people worldwide." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Katalin Karikó's decades of mRNA research, despite facing challenges, ultimately became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines used by billions worldwide and earned her the 2023 Nobel Prize.
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 introduce Karikó with her credentials
- State what she developed
- Explain the major impact of that work
- Should not focus primarily on challenges or bury her identity
Dr. Katalin Karikó, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, developed mRNA technology that became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines administered to billions worldwide.
✓ Correct
- Introduces Karikó with her Nobel Prize
- States her key contribution (developed mRNA technology)
- Shows the massive practical impact
- Perfect structure for unfamiliar audience
The mRNA technology developed by Dr. Katalin Karikó faced skepticism for years but ultimately became the basis for COVID-19 vaccines.
✗ Incorrect
- Opens with the technology rather than introducing Karikó first
- Focuses on skepticism which isn't most relevant for introducing her contribution
Dr. Katalin Karikó spent decades researching messenger RNA technology at the University of Pennsylvania, despite facing significant funding challenges.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on research process and funding challenges rather than breakthrough and impact
- Doesn't mention COVID vaccine connection
COVID-19 vaccines based on mRNA technology have been administered to billions of people worldwide, building on Dr. Katalin Karikó's research.
✗ Incorrect
- Starts with COVID vaccines rather than introducing Karikó first
- Treats her as secondary rather than central figure