During their research process, a student has compiled the following information:Springfield University operates as a state-funded institution within I...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
During their research process, a student has compiled the following information:
- Springfield University operates as a state-funded institution within Illinois.
- State-funded universities are academic establishments that depend on government resources to fulfill their community obligations.
- These institutions provide diverse educational offerings to their student body.
- Springfield University maintains a student population of roughly 12,400 individuals.
- The Illinois public university system encompasses 12 institutions statewide.
The student aims to highlight Springfield University's scale. Which option most successfully incorporates pertinent details from the research to achieve this objective?
Springfield University provides diverse educational offerings as a state-funded institution within Illinois.
Springfield University, operating as a state-funded institution within Illinois, maintains a student population of roughly 12,400 individuals.
Springfield University represents one of 12 academic establishments receiving government resources in Illinois.
State-funded universities such as Springfield University fulfill community obligations by providing educational offerings to their student body.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Springfield University operates as a state-funded institution within Illinois.' |
|
| 'State-funded universities are academic establishments that depend on government resources to fulfill their community obligations.' |
|
| 'These institutions provide diverse educational offerings to their student body.' |
|
| 'Springfield University maintains a student population of roughly 12,400 individuals.' |
|
| 'The Illinois public university system encompasses 12 institutions statewide.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The research provides background information and specific data about Springfield University as a state-funded Illinois institution.
Argument Flow: The notes start by identifying Springfield University, then explain what state-funded universities do generally, and finally provide two key pieces of numerical data - Springfield's student population and the total number of public universities in Illinois.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- When we want to show scale, we need concrete details that demonstrate size or magnitude
- Looking at our research notes, the most direct information about Springfield's scale would be the student population number (roughly 12,400 individuals) - this gives us a specific sense of how big the university is
- The right answer should incorporate the specific numerical information about Springfield's size, particularly the student population, since numbers provide the clearest picture of scale
Springfield University provides diverse educational offerings as a state-funded institution within Illinois.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on diverse educational offerings rather than scale
- Mentions Springfield is state-funded but doesn't include any information that shows size or magnitude
Springfield University, operating as a state-funded institution within Illinois, maintains a student population of roughly 12,400 individuals.
✓ Correct
- Incorporates the specific student population number (roughly 12,400 individuals) which directly demonstrates scale
- Also includes the institutional context
- Perfectly matches our prethinking by using concrete numerical data to show Springfield's substantial size
Springfield University represents one of 12 academic establishments receiving government resources in Illinois.
✗ Incorrect
- Uses the 12 institutions detail but applies it in a way that makes Springfield seem like just one among many
- This actually diminishes rather than highlights Springfield's scale
State-funded universities such as Springfield University fulfill community obligations by providing educational offerings to their student body.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on community obligations and educational offerings
- Uses Springfield only as an example of state-funded universities generally
- Contains no specific information about Springfield's actual scale or size