While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was a mathematician at NASA.She performed critical...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was a mathematician at NASA.
- She performed critical calculations for early space missions.
- Her precise trajectory calculations were essential for John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight.
- Glenn specifically requested that Johnson verify the computer calculations before his mission.
- She was one of the first African American women to work as a NASA scientist.
The student wants to introduce Katherine Johnson to an audience unfamiliar with her contributions. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson was one of the first African American women scientists at the agency, performing critical calculations for early space missions, including the essential trajectory work for John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight.
Katherine Johnson performed precise trajectory calculations that were essential for John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight.
John Glenn specifically requested that Katherine Johnson verify computer calculations before his 1962 orbital mission.
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was a mathematician who worked at NASA and performed calculations for space missions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was a mathematician at NASA." |
|
| "She performed critical calculations for early space missions." |
|
| "Her precise trajectory calculations were essential for John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight." |
|
| "Glenn specifically requested that Johnson verify the computer calculations before his mission." |
|
| "She was one of the first African American women to work as a NASA scientist." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Katherine Johnson was a groundbreaking NASA mathematician whose precise calculations were essential for early space missions and who broke barriers as one of the first African American women scientists at the agency.
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 establish who Johnson was (mathematician at NASA)
- Show the significance of her work (critical calculations that were essential)
- Provide a concrete example (like the Glenn mission) to make her contributions tangible
- Mention her historical significance (first African American women scientist) since this helps unfamiliar readers understand her broader impact
NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson was one of the first African American women scientists at the agency, performing critical calculations for early space missions, including the essential trajectory work for John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight.
✓ Correct - Establishes her role, historical significance, shows importance of her work, and provides specific example efficiently combining all key elements from the notes into a comprehensive introduction
Katherine Johnson performed precise trajectory calculations that were essential for John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight.
✗ Incorrect - Only focuses on one specific mission, misses her broader role and historical significance, too narrow for introducing her to an unfamiliar audience
John Glenn specifically requested that Katherine Johnson verify computer calculations before his 1962 orbital mission.
✗ Incorrect - Makes Glenn the subject rather than Johnson, focuses on Glenn's request rather than Johnson's qualifications, doesn't establish Johnson's role or significance
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was a mathematician who worked at NASA and performed calculations for space missions.
✗ Incorrect - Too general and vague, misses the critical importance of her work and historical significance, doesn't provide specific examples