While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Species belonging to the Orchidaceae (orchid) family can be found...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Species belonging to the Orchidaceae (orchid) family can be found in both tropical and temperate environments.
- Orchidaceae species diversity has not been well studied in temperate forests, such as those in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Arelee Estefanía Muñoz-Hernández led a study to determine how many different Orchidaceae species are present in the forests of Oaxaca.
- Muñoz-Hernández and her team collected orchids each month for a year at a site in Oaxaca.
- Seventy-four Orchidaceae species were present at the site.
The student wants to present the study and its findings. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A study led by Arelee Estefanía Muñoz-Hernández identified a total of 74 Orchidaceae species in the temperate forests of Oaxaca, Mexico.
There are orchids in many environments, but there are 74 Orchidaceae species in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oaxaca, Mexico, is home to temperate forests containing 74 Orchidaceae species.
Arelee Estefanía Muñoz-Hernández and her team wanted to know how many different Orchidaceae species are present in the forests of Oaxaca, Mexico, so they conducted a study to collect orchids.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Species belonging to the Orchidaceae (orchid) family can be found in both tropical and temperate environments.' |
|
| 'Orchidaceae species diversity has not been well studied in temperate forests, such as those in Oaxaca, Mexico.' |
|
| 'Arelee Estefanía Muñoz-Hernández led a study to determine how many different Orchidaceae species are present in the forests of Oaxaca.' |
|
| 'Muñoz-Hernández and her team collected orchids each month for a year at a site in Oaxaca.' |
|
| 'Seventy-four Orchidaceae species were present at the site.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Muñoz-Hernández conducted a year-long study in Oaxaca, Mexico that identified 74 orchid species in temperate forests where such diversity had been understudied.
Argument Flow: The notes establish that while orchids exist in various environments, temperate forest diversity remains understudied. They then describe how Muñoz-Hernández addressed this gap through systematic collection in Oaxaca, ultimately discovering 74 species at the site.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that presents both the study itself AND its findings, as stated in the goal: 'The student wants to present the study and its findings.'
Any limiting keywords? 'Most effectively' means we need the choice that best combines study information with results, and 'relevant information from the notes' means we should use the specific details provided.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must present both components mentioned in the goal:
- The study: Should identify who conducted it (Muñoz-Hernández) and what they were investigating (orchid species diversity)
- The findings: Should state the key result (74 species were found)
- Context details: Should provide relevant location information (Oaxaca, Mexico, temperate forests) to give the findings proper context
A study led by Arelee Estefanía Muñoz-Hernández identified a total of 74 Orchidaceae species in the temperate forests of Oaxaca, Mexico.
✓ Correct
- Identifies the study leader (Muñoz-Hernández)
- Provides the key finding (74 species)
- Includes important context (temperate forests of Oaxaca, Mexico)
- Successfully presents both the study AND its findings as required by the goal
There are orchids in many environments, but there are 74 Orchidaceae species in Oaxaca, Mexico.
✗ Incorrect
- States the finding (74 species) but barely acknowledges the study itself
- Opens with general information that doesn't focus on presenting the specific study
- Fails to identify who conducted the research
Oaxaca, Mexico, is home to temperate forests containing 74 Orchidaceae species.
✗ Incorrect
- States the finding (74 species) and location but presents it as a simple fact
- Completely omits any mention of the study, the researcher, or the research process
Arelee Estefanía Muñoz-Hernández and her team wanted to know how many different Orchidaceae species are present in the forests of Oaxaca, Mexico, so they conducted a study to collect orchids.
✗ Incorrect
- Effectively presents the study setup but completely omits the findings (74 species)
- Only accomplishes half of the stated goal