While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Leigh Torres is a marine ecologist.She conducted a study of...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Leigh Torres is a marine ecologist.
- She conducted a study of blue whales in New Zealand's South Taranaki Bight region.
- She wanted to know how ocean temperature affects where the whales forage for krill in that region.
- She found that during a marine heat wave, the whales foraged farther offshore than they had during cooler periods.
- The offshore waters, which were colder than areas closer to shore, had a higher relative abundance of krill.
The student wants to emphasize the aim of the research study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Analyzing ocean temperature data, Torres found that during a marine heat wave, blue whales foraged farther offshore than they had during cooler periods.
In her study, Torres sought to determine how ocean temperature affects where blue whales forage for krill in the South Taranaki Bight region.
Torres's study revealed that blue whales were attracted to offshore waters with a relatively high abundance of krill.
Torres, a marine ecologist, studied blue whales in the South Taranaki Bight region, where the whales forage.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Leigh Torres is a marine ecologist." |
|
| "She conducted a study of blue whales in New Zealand's South Taranaki Bight region." |
|
| "She wanted to know how ocean temperature affects where the whales forage for krill in that region." |
|
| "She found that during a marine heat wave, the whales foraged farther offshore than they had during cooler periods." |
|
| "The offshore waters, which were colder than areas closer to shore, had a higher relative abundance of krill." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Torres studied how ocean temperature affects where blue whales forage for krill and found they move to colder offshore waters during heat waves because those areas have more food.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to emphasize "the aim of the research study" using relevant information from the notes.
What type of answer do we need? The aim is clearly stated in the notes: Torres wanted to know how ocean temperature affects where whales forage for krill.
Any limiting keywords? Focus on the research aim/objective, not findings or background.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct choice must focus on Torres's research question or objective, not her findings or background
- It should mention that Torres sought to determine something about the relationship between ocean temperature and whale foraging behavior
Analyzing ocean temperature data, Torres found that during a marine heat wave, blue whales foraged farther offshore than they had during cooler periods.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on what Torres "found" (the results) rather than what she aimed to study
In her study, Torres sought to determine how ocean temperature affects where blue whales forage for krill in the South Taranaki Bight region.
✓ Correct
- Directly states what "Torres sought to determine" - clearly indicating this was her aim
Torres's study revealed that blue whales were attracted to offshore waters with a relatively high abundance of krill.
✗ Incorrect
- Describes what the study "revealed" (findings) rather than what Torres aimed to discover
Torres, a marine ecologist, studied blue whales in the South Taranaki Bight region, where the whales forage.
✗ Incorrect
- Only provides background information about Torres and the general location