While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world's...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world's oceans, located in the Pacific Ocean near Guam.
- It reaches depths of over 36,000 feet below sea level.
- Bioluminescent organism tracking uses light-sensitive equipment to detect organisms that produce their own light.
- Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen employed bioluminescent organism tracking during her recent expedition to the Mariana Trench.
- Chen's research identified twelve previously unknown species of deep-sea creatures.
- These organisms had never been documented by scientists before.
The student wants to present Chen's research to an audience unfamiliar with deep-sea exploration. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Through specialized light-detection methods, Chen discovered twelve unknown species in the Mariana Trench, the ocean's deepest region.
Chen employed bioluminescent organism tracking during her expedition and identified twelve previously undocumented species.
Bioluminescent organism tracking uses light-sensitive equipment that Chen utilized to detect organisms producing their own light.
Located in the Pacific Ocean near Guam, the Mariana Trench reaches depths of over 36,000 feet and contains unknown species.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world's oceans, located in the Pacific Ocean near Guam." |
|
| "It reaches depths of over 36,000 feet below sea level." |
|
| "Bioluminescent organism tracking uses light-sensitive equipment to detect organisms that produce their own light." |
|
| "Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen employed bioluminescent organism tracking during her recent expedition to the Mariana Trench." |
|
| "Chen's research identified twelve previously unknown species of deep-sea creatures." |
|
| "These organisms had never been documented by scientists before." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen used specialized light-detection methods during her Mariana Trench expedition and discovered twelve previously unknown deep-sea species.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the research context by describing both the location (Mariana Trench as the deepest ocean region) and the scientific method (bioluminescent tracking). They then show how Dr. Chen applied this method at this extreme location, leading to her significant discovery of twelve species that had never been documented by scientists before.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to select information that effectively presents Chen's research to an audience unfamiliar with deep-sea exploration.
What type of answer do we need? A synthesis that combines relevant details from the notes while being accessible to people who don't know about deep-sea exploration.
Any limiting keywords? The key limitation is "unfamiliar with deep-sea exploration" - this means we need to provide enough context and explanation so non-experts can understand the significance.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Since the audience is unfamiliar with deep-sea exploration, the right answer needs to:
- Explain what Chen actually did (her research method)
- Highlight her key discovery (the twelve new species)
- Provide enough context about the location or significance so non-experts understand why this matters
- The answer shouldn't assume the audience knows technical terms or understands the importance of places like the Mariana Trench without explanation
Through specialized light-detection methods, Chen discovered twelve unknown species in the Mariana Trench, the ocean's deepest region.
- Explains Chen's method in accessible terms ("specialized light-detection methods")
- States her key discovery (twelve unknown species)
- Provides crucial context for unfamiliar audiences (explains that Mariana Trench is "the ocean's deepest region")
- Perfect balance of technical detail and accessible explanation
Chen employed bioluminescent organism tracking during her expedition and identified twelve previously undocumented species.
- Uses technical term "bioluminescent organism tracking" without explanation
- Mentions the discovery but provides no context about where it happened or why it's significant
Bioluminescent organism tracking uses light-sensitive equipment that Chen utilized to detect organisms producing their own light.
- Focuses entirely on explaining the tracking method
- Doesn't mention Chen's actual discovery of twelve new species
Located in the Pacific Ocean near Guam, the Mariana Trench reaches depths of over 36,000 feet and contains unknown species.
- Provides good context about the Mariana Trench location
- Completely omits Chen and her specific research contributions