While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Meteorites found on Earth are divided into two categories.A meteorite...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Meteorites found on Earth are divided into two categories.
- A meteorite that was observed falling to Earth before being recovered is known as a meteorite fall.
- All other meteorites found on Earth are known as meteorite finds.
- There have been about 1,200 recorded meteorite falls.
- There have been over 60,000 recorded meteorite finds.
The student wants to contrast the number of meteorite falls with the number of meteorite finds. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Meteorites found on Earth are divided into two categories." |
|
| "A meteorite that was observed falling to Earth before being recovered is known as a meteorite fall." |
|
| "All other meteorites found on Earth are known as meteorite finds." |
|
| "There have been about 1,200 recorded meteorite falls." |
|
| "There have been over 60,000 recorded meteorite finds." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Meteorites are classified into two categories—falls and finds—with vastly different quantities recorded for each type.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to choose a sentence that contrasts the number of meteorite falls with the number of meteorite finds.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that highlights the numerical difference between the two categories using relevant information from the notes.
Any limiting keywords? "Contrast" is key—the answer must show the difference between the numbers, not just present information about one or both categories.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
To effectively contrast the numbers, the right answer should:
- Include both quantities (about 1,200 falls and over 60,000 finds)
- Use language that emphasizes the dramatic difference between them
- Make clear that finds vastly outnumber falls
✗ Incorrect - Simply defines what each category means with no numerical data at all
✗ Incorrect - Only states that meteorites are divided into categories with no numerical information about either type
✗ Incorrect - Only provides the number for meteorite falls (1,200) with no information about the number of finds
✓ Correct - Includes both key quantities and uses contrasting language with "While there have been only about..." and "there have been over..." The word "only" emphasizes how small 1,200 is compared to 60,000+