While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Marine biologists established the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative in 2018...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Marine biologists established the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative in 2018 to save deteriorating coral ecosystems.
- The project aimed to prevent the extinction of vulnerable coral species in the Caribbean Sea.
- Scientists collected coral fragments from healthy reefs across different locations and transported them to specialized facilities.
- Research teams included experts from universities in Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica.
- The initiative used advanced aquaculture techniques to grow coral colonies under controlled conditions before replanting them in damaged reef areas.
The student wants to explain how the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative worked to save coral ecosystems. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Coral Reef Restoration Initiative brought together marine biologists from Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica to study coral ecosystems.
Scientists gathered coral fragments from various healthy reefs and used aquaculture techniques to cultivate them before replanting in damaged areas.
Established in 2018, the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative aimed to prevent coral species extinction in the Caribbean Sea.
Universities from Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica contributed marine biology experts to the coral restoration project.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Marine biologists established the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative in 2018 to save deteriorating coral ecosystems." |
|
| "The project aimed to prevent the extinction of vulnerable coral species in the Caribbean Sea." |
|
| "Scientists collected coral fragments from healthy reefs across different locations and transported them to specialized facilities." |
|
| "Research teams included experts from universities in Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica." |
|
| "The initiative used advanced aquaculture techniques to grow coral colonies under controlled conditions before replanting them in damaged reef areas." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Coral Reef Restoration Initiative is a 2018 project that saves coral ecosystems by collecting healthy coral fragments, growing them in controlled facilities, and replanting them in damaged areas.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes what the initiative is and why it exists, then details the step-by-step restoration process from collection through replanting, and notes the international collaboration involved.
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
- Since the question asks how the initiative worked, we need an answer that describes the actual process used to save coral ecosystems
- The restoration process involved collecting coral fragments from healthy reefs, using aquaculture techniques to grow them under controlled conditions, and then replanting them in damaged areas
- The right answer should focus on this process rather than on who was involved, when it started, or where it took place
The Coral Reef Restoration Initiative brought together marine biologists from Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica to study coral ecosystems.
- Focuses on who was involved rather than how the process worked
- Mentions studying ecosystems, but the question asks about saving them, not studying them
Scientists gathered coral fragments from various healthy reefs and used aquaculture techniques to cultivate them before replanting in damaged areas.
- Captures the complete restoration process: gathering fragments, using aquaculture techniques, and replanting
- Directly answers how by describing the method from start to finish
Established in 2018, the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative aimed to prevent coral species extinction in the Caribbean Sea.
- Provides background information but doesn't explain how the process worked
- Focuses on the what and why rather than the how
Universities from Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica contributed marine biology experts to the coral restoration project.
- Focuses on who contributed rather than the restoration method
- Doesn't explain any part of how coral ecosystems were actually saved