While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Researchers in a 2021 study wanted to determine the rate...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Researchers in a 2021 study wanted to determine the rate at which 17 languages conveyed both information and syllables.
- They calculated the bits of information conveyed per second (the IR, or information rate).
- The IR was found to be approximately consistent across the 17 languages (an average of 39 bits per second).
- They calculated the number of syllables spoken per second (the SR, or syllable rate).
- Spanish had the second-fastest SR (7.7 syllables per second).
- Vietnamese had the sixteenth-fastest SR (5.3 syllables per second).
The student wants to present an overview of the study's findings. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The 2021 study determined the information rate (IR) of 17 languages in bits of information conveyed per second.
Researchers found that information was conveyed more quickly in Spanish, at 7.7 syllables per second, than in Vietnamese, at 5.3 syllables per second.
Vietnamese had the sixteenth-fastest syllable rate, lower than that of Spanish, which had the second-fastest; however, Spanish had the lower information rate of the two.
Though some of the languages differed in number of syllables spoken per second, all 17 conveyed information at roughly the same rate.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Researchers in a 2021 study wanted to determine the rate at which 17 languages conveyed both information and syllables.' |
|
| 'They calculated the bits of information conveyed per second (the IR, or information rate).' |
|
| 'The IR was found to be approximately consistent across the 17 languages (an average of 39 bits per second).' |
|
| 'They calculated the number of syllables spoken per second (the SR, or syllable rate).' |
|
| 'Spanish had the second-fastest SR (7.7 syllables per second).' |
|
| 'Vietnamese had the sixteenth-fastest SR (5.3 syllables per second).' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: 2021 Research: 17 languages → Two Measurements: Information Rate (IR) CONSISTENT across languages + Syllable Rate (SR) VARIED across languages (Spanish: 2nd fastest vs Vietnamese: 16th fastest)
Main Point: A 2021 study found that while languages vary significantly in how fast they produce syllables, they all convey information at roughly the same rate.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a study measuring two different rates across 17 languages. It reveals the central finding that information rates remained consistent despite variations in syllable rates, then provides specific examples showing this syllable rate variation between Spanish and Vietnamese.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to present an overview of the study's findings.
What type of answer do we need? An overview that captures the study's main findings using information from the research notes.
Any limiting keywords? Most effectively means we need the choice that best summarizes the key discoveries, and overview means we need a broad summary rather than focusing on just one aspect.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer should capture the study's main discovery - that there's an interesting contrast between how languages handle syllables versus information
- From our analysis, we see that languages varied significantly in syllable rates (Spanish at 7.7/sec vs Vietnamese at 5.3/sec), but maintained consistent information rates (around 39 bits/second across all languages)
- An effective overview should highlight this core finding rather than just listing individual measurements or focusing on only one type of rate
The 2021 study determined the information rate (IR) of 17 languages in bits of information conveyed per second.
- Only mentions information rate measurement, ignoring syllable rate entirely
- Doesn't actually state any findings - just describes what the study measured
- Fails to provide an overview since it omits half the study's focus
Researchers found that information was conveyed more quickly in Spanish, at 7.7 syllables per second, than in Vietnamese, at 5.3 syllables per second.
- Misinterprets the data by suggesting Spanish conveyed information more quickly
- The notes clearly state information rates were consistent across languages
- This represents the trap of confusing syllable rate with information rate
Vietnamese had the sixteenth-fastest syllable rate, lower than that of Spanish, which had the second-fastest; however, Spanish had the lower information rate of the two.
- Fabricates information about Spanish having lower information rate than Vietnamese
- This directly contradicts the notes stating information rates were consistent across languages
Though some of the languages differed in number of syllables spoken per second, all 17 conveyed information at roughly the same rate.
- Accurately captures both key findings: syllable rates differed but information rates were consistent
- Uses though to show the contrast between variable syllable rates and consistent information rates
- Provides a true overview by addressing both measurements and their relationship