While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that existed millions of years ago.In...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that existed millions of years ago.
- In a 2021 study, Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan analyzed fragments of pterosaur jawbones located in the Sahara Desert.
- She was initially unsure if the bones belonged to juvenile or adult pterosaurs.
- She used advanced microscope techniques to determine that the bones had few growth lines relative to the bones of fully grown pterosaurs.
- She concluded that the bones belonged to juveniles.
The student wants to present the study and its findings. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
In 2021, Chinsamy-Turan studied pterosaur jawbones and was initially unsure if the bones belonged to juveniles or adults.
Pterosaur jawbones located in the Sahara Desert were the focus of a 2021 study.
In a 2021 study, Chinsamy-Turan used advanced microscope techniques to analyze the jawbones of pterosaurs, flying reptiles that existed millions of years ago.
In a 2021 study, Chinsamy-Turan determined that pterosaur jawbones located in the Sahara Desert had few growth lines relative to the bones of fully grown pterosaurs and thus belonged to juveniles.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that existed millions of years ago.' |
|
| 'In a 2021 study, Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan analyzed fragments of pterosaur jawbones located in the Sahara Desert.' |
|
| 'She was initially unsure if the bones belonged to juvenile or adult pterosaurs.' |
|
| 'She used advanced microscope techniques to determine that the bones had few growth lines relative to the bones of fully grown pterosaurs.' |
|
| 'She concluded that the bones belonged to juveniles.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Chinsamy-Turan's 2021 study used microscopy techniques to determine that pterosaur jawbone fragments found in the Sahara Desert belonged to juvenile rather than adult pterosaurs.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to choose which option most effectively presents both the study AND its findings, according to the student's stated goal.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that accomplishes the specific goal of presenting 'the study and its findings' - so we need both the research information AND the conclusions.
Any limiting keywords? 'Most effectively presents' - indicating we need the option that best accomplishes the dual goal of covering both study and findings.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Since the student's goal is to present 'the study and its findings,' the correct answer must include: Information about the 2021 study itself (who conducted it, what was studied) and the actual findings/conclusions from the research (that the bones belonged to juveniles)
In 2021, Chinsamy-Turan studied pterosaur jawbones and was initially unsure if the bones belonged to juveniles or adults.
- Mentions the study and researcher but stops at the research question
- Fails to include the findings/conclusion that the bones belonged to juveniles
Pterosaur jawbones located in the Sahara Desert were the focus of a 2021 study.
- Very general statement about the study location and year
- Doesn't mention the researcher or any findings
In a 2021 study, Chinsamy-Turan used advanced microscope techniques to analyze the jawbones of pterosaurs, flying reptiles that existed millions of years ago.
- Mentions the study, researcher, and methods but completely omits the actual findings/conclusion
In a 2021 study, Chinsamy-Turan determined that pterosaur jawbones located in the Sahara Desert had few growth lines relative to the bones of fully grown pterosaurs and thus belonged to juveniles.
- Includes the study details (2021, Chinsamy-Turan, Sahara Desert location)
- Presents the key evidence (few growth lines relative to adult bones)
- States the actual finding/conclusion (bones belonged to juveniles)
- Fully accomplishes the goal of presenting both study and findings