While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In the 19th century, several transportation methods were used to...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In the 19th century, several transportation methods were used to move people and goods across long distances.
- Stagecoaches were a primary means of overland travel before railroads became widespread.
- Both stagecoaches and canal boats offered relatively comfortable travel for passengers.
- Stagecoaches could travel overland directly between destinations.
- Canal boats moved slowly along waterways, making frequent stops at towns.
- The Pony Express used individual riders on horseback to carry mail rapidly across the continent.
- Unlike stagecoaches and canal boats, Pony Express riders traveled alone and prioritized speed over passenger comfort.
The student wants to emphasize how Pony Express service differed from stagecoaches and canal boats. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Pony Express used individual riders traveling alone at high speed to carry mail, while stagecoaches and canal boats provided comfortable passenger transport with frequent stops.
Transportation in the 19th century included various methods such as the Pony Express, stagecoaches, and canal boats.
The Pony Express was just one of several transportation methods available during the 19th century.
Before railroads, Americans relied on transportation methods like stagecoaches, canal boats, and the Pony Express to travel long distances.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In the 19th century, several transportation methods were used to move people and goods across long distances." |
|
| "Stagecoaches were a primary means of overland travel before railroads became widespread." |
|
| "Both stagecoaches and canal boats offered relatively comfortable travel for passengers." |
|
| "Stagecoaches could travel overland directly between destinations." |
|
| "Canal boats moved slowly along waterways, making frequent stops at towns." |
|
| "The Pony Express used individual riders on horseback to carry mail rapidly across the continent." |
|
| "Unlike stagecoaches and canal boats, Pony Express riders traveled alone and prioritized speed over passenger comfort." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Pony Express differed significantly from stagecoaches and canal boats in that it prioritized speed for mail delivery over passenger comfort.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the historical context of 19th-century transportation, then present two similar methods (stagecoaches and canal boats) that both provided comfortable passenger travel. Finally, they introduce the Pony Express as a distinctly different service that carried mail with individual riders who prioritized speed over comfort.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student's goal is to "emphasize how Pony Express service differed from stagecoaches and canal boats."
What type of answer do we need? This is asking for a choice that highlights the contrasts and differences between the Pony Express and the other two transportation methods.
Any limiting keywords? None specified.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Based on our analysis, the correct answer should highlight that Pony Express carried mail while stagecoaches and canal boats carried passengers
- Emphasize that Pony Express prioritized speed while the others prioritized comfort
- Show that Pony Express riders worked alone while the others involved multiple people/passengers
The Pony Express used individual riders traveling alone at high speed to carry mail, while stagecoaches and canal boats provided comfortable passenger transport with frequent stops.
- Directly contrasts Pony Express (individual riders, alone, high speed, mail) with stagecoaches and canal boats (comfortable passenger transport, frequent stops)
- Uses specific details from the notes to highlight the key differences
- Fulfills the goal of emphasizing how services differed
Transportation in the 19th century included various methods such as the Pony Express, stagecoaches, and canal boats.
- Simply lists the three transportation methods without any differentiation
- Fails to emphasize differences - treats them as equivalent examples
The Pony Express was just one of several transportation methods available during the 19th century.
- Minimizes the Pony Express by calling it "just one of several" methods
- Completely fails to emphasize any differences
Before railroads, Americans relied on transportation methods like stagecoaches, canal boats, and the Pony Express to travel long distances.
- Groups all three methods together as things "Americans relied on"
- Focuses on their common purpose rather than their differences