While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world.They live...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world.
- They live on four islands in Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- The park has a total of twenty-nine islands.
The student wants to emphasize how many islands in Komodo National Park have Komodo dragons living on them. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, live on islands in Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
The largest lizards in the world are found in Komodo National Park.
Only four of the twenty-nine islands in Komodo National Park have Komodo dragons living on them.
There are twenty-nine islands in Indonesia's Komodo National Park.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world.' |
|
| 'They live on four islands in Komodo National Park, Indonesia.' |
|
| 'The park has a total of twenty-nine islands.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: These notes provide basic facts about Komodo dragons, establishing their size record and specific habitat within a larger park system.
Argument Flow: The notes move from a general defining characteristic of Komodo dragons to their specific location, then broaden out to provide context about the total size of their habitat area.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? The student's goal is to emphasize how many islands in Komodo National Park have Komodo dragons living on them.
- What type of answer do we need? This is asking us to find the choice that best highlights the specific number of islands (4) where Komodo dragons live, particularly in contrast to the total number of islands in the park.
- Any limiting keywords? None specified
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should clearly state that Komodo dragons live on 4 islands
- Emphasize this number rather than just mentioning it in passing
- Ideally show the contrast (4 out of 29 total islands) to make the limitation stand out
Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, live on islands in Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
✗ Incorrect
- States that Komodo dragons live on islands in the park but does not specify how many
- Fails to emphasize the specific number (4) that the student wants to highlight
The largest lizards in the world are found in Komodo National Park.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on the dragons being the largest lizards rather than the number of islands
- Does not mention the specific number of islands at all
Only four of the twenty-nine islands in Komodo National Park have Komodo dragons living on them.
✓ Correct
- Clearly states 'Only four of the twenty-nine islands' which directly emphasizes the number
- The word 'Only' adds emphasis to show how few islands have dragons compared to total
There are twenty-nine islands in Indonesia's Komodo National Park.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions the total number of islands (29) without any reference to Komodo dragons
- Completely fails to address the number of islands where dragons live