Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen conducted groundbreaking research on coral reef restoration techniques in 2018, developing innovative methods for acce...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen conducted groundbreaking research on coral reef restoration techniques in 2018, developing innovative methods for accelerating coral growth in laboratory conditions. However, Chen's research remained largely confined to academic circles until environmental engineer Dr. Marcus Rivera discovered her work at a conference. Rivera not only implemented Chen's techniques in large-scale ocean restoration projects, but his modifications and practical applications of Chen's methods established Rivera as a key contributor to the field of marine restoration.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Rivera played a crucial role in applying and enhancing Chen's coral reef restoration research.
Chen's original coral reef research was more theoretically sound than Rivera's practical applications.
The most effective coral reef restoration techniques were developed through Rivera's independent research.
Chen and Rivera collaborated directly to develop new approaches to marine conservation.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen conducted groundbreaking research on coral reef restoration techniques in 2018, developing innovative methods for accelerating coral growth in laboratory conditions.' |
|
| 'However, Chen's research remained largely confined to academic circles until environmental engineer Dr. Marcus Rivera discovered her work at a conference.' |
|
| 'Rivera not only implemented Chen's techniques in large-scale ocean restoration projects, but his modifications and practical applications of Chen's methods established Rivera as a key contributor to the field of marine restoration.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: Chen's Research Achievement leads to Problem: Limited to Academia leads to Rivera's Discovery & Action which includes Implementation, Modification, and Practical Application resulting in Rivera becomes key contributor
Main Point: Rivera played a crucial role in taking Chen's academic coral restoration research and transforming it into practical, large-scale applications that established him as a key contributor to marine restoration.
Argument Flow: The passage begins by establishing Chen's innovative research contributions, then highlights the limitation that her work remained academic. It concludes by showing how Rivera bridged this gap by discovering, implementing, and enhancing Chen's methods in real-world applications, ultimately becoming a major figure in the field himself.
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 correct answer must capture that this passage is fundamentally about Rivera's role in making Chen's research practically useful
- Key elements it should include:
- Rivera's discovery and use of Chen's work
- Rivera's enhancements or modifications to her methods
- The practical, large-scale implementation that made Rivera significant
- The story isn't equally about both people - it's about how Rivera took Chen's academic work and made it impactful in the real world
- The right answer should emphasize Rivera's transformative role while acknowledging Chen's foundational research
Rivera played a crucial role in applying and enhancing Chen's coral reef restoration research.
✓ Correct
- Captures Rivera's 'crucial role' which matches how the passage presents him as the one who made Chen's research impactful
- 'Applying' fits Rivera implementing the techniques in large-scale projects
- 'Enhancing' matches Rivera's modifications that established him as a key contributor
- Acknowledges Chen's foundational research while emphasizing Rivera's transformative role
Chen's original coral reef research was more theoretically sound than Rivera's practical applications.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Chen's research was 'more theoretically sound' than Rivera's applications
- The passage never compares the quality or soundness of their work
- Misses the main point about Rivera's crucial role in practical implementation
The most effective coral reef restoration techniques were developed through Rivera's independent research.
✗ Incorrect
- States techniques were developed through 'Rivera's independent research'
- Contradicts the passage - Rivera used and modified Chen's existing techniques, didn't develop them independently
- What trap this represents: Students might focus on Rivera's importance and mistakenly think he created the techniques himself
Chen and Rivera collaborated directly to develop new approaches to marine conservation.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Chen and Rivera 'collaborated directly'
- The passage states Rivera discovered Chen's work at a conference - no direct collaboration mentioned
- Misrepresents their relationship as partnership rather than Rivera building on Chen's existing work