While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez conducted a three-year study on...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez conducted a three-year study on coral reef restoration from 2019 to 2022.
- The research took place at six sites along the Florida Keys.
- Her team developed an innovative technique called 'micro-fragmentation and fusion.'
- This technique involves breaking coral colonies into small pieces and allowing them to grow back together.
- The process accelerates natural coral growth rates by 25 to 50 times.
- Vasquez's method has been adopted by reef restoration projects worldwide.
The student wants to explain how the micro-fragmentation and fusion technique works. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Elena Vasquez's coral reef restoration research was conducted over three years at sites in the Florida Keys.
The micro-fragmentation and fusion technique breaks coral colonies into small pieces and allows them to grow back together.
Featuring an innovative approach to coral restoration, Dr. Vasquez's research accelerated natural growth rates significantly.
Dr. Vasquez developed the micro-fragmentation and fusion technique, which has been adopted by restoration projects worldwide.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez conducted a three-year study on coral reef restoration from 2019 to 2022.' |
|
| 'The research took place at six sites along the Florida Keys.' |
|
| 'Her team developed an innovative technique called 'micro-fragmentation and fusion.'' |
|
| 'This technique involves breaking coral colonies into small pieces and allowing them to grow back together.' |
|
| 'The process accelerates natural coral growth rates by 25 to 50 times.' |
|
| 'Vasquez's method has been adopted by reef restoration projects worldwide.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Vasquez developed an innovative coral restoration technique that dramatically accelerates growth by fragmenting and allowing corals to fuse back together.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student's goal is to 'explain how the micro-fragmentation and fusion technique works.'
What type of answer do we need? This means we need to focus on the process or mechanism, not just general information about the research or results.
Any limiting keywords? None specified.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our analysis, we know the technique works through a specific process: breaking coral colonies into small pieces and allowing them to grow back together
- The right answer needs to capture this mechanical process - the actual steps involved in the technique itself
Dr. Elena Vasquez's coral reef restoration research was conducted over three years at sites in the Florida Keys.
✗ Incorrect
- States who did the research, when, and where
- Completely ignores the HOW aspect the student wants to explain
The micro-fragmentation and fusion technique breaks coral colonies into small pieces and allows them to grow back together.
✓ Correct
- Directly explains the process: 'breaks coral colonies into small pieces and allows them to grow back together'
- Matches exactly what we identified in our passage analysis as the technique's methodology
Featuring an innovative approach to coral restoration, Dr. Vasquez's research accelerated natural growth rates significantly.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions that the approach is innovative and accelerated growth rates
- Focuses on the results (faster growth) rather than the process
Dr. Vasquez developed the micro-fragmentation and fusion technique, which has been adopted by restoration projects worldwide.
✗ Incorrect
- Tells us who developed it and that it's been adopted worldwide
- Focuses on the technique's impact and adoption rather than its methodology