While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Public transportation systems help reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution.Bu...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Public transportation systems help reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution.
- Bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail are two common public transportation options.
- Bus rapid transit uses dedicated bus lanes on existing roadways.
- BRT systems require minimal infrastructure investment and can be implemented relatively quickly.
- Light rail systems use electric trains that run on dedicated tracks.
- Light rail requires extensive infrastructure development including track construction and electrical systems.
- Both systems can effectively move large numbers of passengers.
The student wants to emphasize a difference between BRT and light rail systems. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
While BRT systems require minimal infrastructure investment, light rail systems require extensive infrastructure development including track construction and electrical systems.
Bus rapid transit and light rail are both public transportation systems that can effectively move large numbers of passengers.
BRT uses dedicated bus lanes, and light rail systems use electric trains that run on tracks.
Both BRT and light rail systems help reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution by providing public transportation options.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Public transportation systems help reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution." |
|
| "Bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail are two common public transportation options." |
|
| "Bus rapid transit uses dedicated bus lanes on existing roadways." |
|
| "BRT systems require minimal infrastructure investment and can be implemented relatively quickly." |
|
| "Light rail systems use electric trains that run on dedicated tracks." |
|
| "Light rail requires extensive infrastructure development including track construction and electrical systems." |
|
| "Both systems can effectively move large numbers of passengers." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage compares two public transportation options (BRT and light rail) highlighting their different infrastructure requirements while noting shared benefits.
Argument Flow: Starts with general benefit, introduces two options, describes each system's characteristics emphasizing infrastructure differences, concludes with shared effectiveness.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to emphasize a difference between BRT and light rail systems.
What type of answer do we need? A choice that highlights contrast rather than similarities.
Any limiting keywords? "Difference" - need something showing how they differ, not how they're alike.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The most striking differences between BRT and light rail are:
- Infrastructure requirements: BRT needs minimal investment while light rail needs extensive development
- Implementation method: BRT uses existing roadways while light rail needs new dedicated tracks
- Setup time: BRT can be implemented quickly while light rail requires extensive construction
- The right answer should directly contrast these systems using specific details from the notes.
While BRT systems require minimal infrastructure investment, light rail systems require extensive infrastructure development including track construction and electrical systems.
✓ Correct
- Uses contrasting language "While BRT systems require minimal infrastructure investment, light rail systems require extensive infrastructure development."
- This pulls specific details and emphasizes the key difference.
Bus rapid transit and light rail are both public transportation systems that can effectively move large numbers of passengers.
✗ Incorrect
- States both systems "can effectively move large numbers of passengers."
- This emphasizes similarity, not difference.
BRT uses dedicated bus lanes, and light rail systems use electric trains that run on tracks.
✗ Incorrect
- Simply states what each system uses without emphasizing contrast.
- Lacks comparative language needed to highlight differences.
Both BRT and light rail systems help reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution by providing public transportation options.
✗ Incorrect
- Emphasizes that "Both BRT and light rail systems help reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution."
- Focuses on similarities rather than differences.