While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: TechCorp reported $2.8text{ billion} in revenue last quarter. The...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- TechCorp reported \(\$2.8\text{ billion}\) in revenue last quarter.
- The company's profit margin was \(12\%\).
- TechCorp operates in 15 countries worldwide.
- DataSystems reported \(\$1.9\text{ billion}\) in revenue last quarter.
- The company's profit margin was \(18\%\).
- DataSystems operates in 8 countries worldwide.
The student wants to provide a comprehensive overview of both companies' performance.
Which choice most effectively uses information from the given sentences to provide a comprehensive overview of both companies' performance?
TechCorp operates in \(15\) countries and DataSystems operates in \(8\) countries, with revenues of \(\$2.8\) billion and \(\$1.9\) billion, respectively.
TechCorp achieved \(\$2.8\) billion in revenue with a \(12\) percent profit margin across \(15\) countries, while DataSystems generated \(\$1.9\) billion in revenue with an \(18\) percent profit margin across \(8\) countries.
Both TechCorp and DataSystems are international companies, with TechCorp reporting higher revenue but DataSystems showing better profitability.
The revenue figures for TechCorp and DataSystems were \(\$2.8\) billion and \(\$1.9\) billion, respectively, last quarter.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "TechCorp reported $2.8 billion in revenue last quarter." |
|
| "The company's profit margin was 12 percent." |
|
| "TechCorp operates in 15 countries worldwide." |
|
| "DataSystems reported $1.9 billion in revenue last quarter." |
|
| "The company's profit margin was 18 percent." |
|
| "DataSystems operates in 8 countries worldwide." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes present three key performance metrics (revenue, profit margin, and geographic presence) for two companies, TechCorp and DataSystems.
Argument Flow: The notes systematically provide the same three performance measures for each company - first establishing revenue figures, then profitability percentages, and finally operational scope through country count. This parallel structure allows for direct comparison across multiple business dimensions.
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
- A comprehensive overview of both companies' performance should include the three key metrics provided in the notes for each company: revenue figures, profit margins, and geographic scope
- For true comprehensiveness, the answer should mention all available performance data from the research notes
TechCorp operates in \(15\) countries and DataSystems operates in \(8\) countries, with revenues of \(\$2.8\) billion and \(\$1.9\) billion, respectively.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions geographic scope and revenue for both companies
- Completely omits profit margin data which represents a crucial performance metric
TechCorp achieved \(\$2.8\) billion in revenue with a \(12\) percent profit margin across \(15\) countries, while DataSystems generated \(\$1.9\) billion in revenue with an \(18\) percent profit margin across \(8\) countries.
✓ Correct
- Includes all three key metrics from the notes: revenue, profit margin, and geographic scope for both companies
- Providing the complete performance picture available
Both TechCorp and DataSystems are international companies, with TechCorp reporting higher revenue but DataSystems showing better profitability.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes general comparative statements without providing specific data from the notes
The revenue figures for TechCorp and DataSystems were \(\$2.8\) billion and \(\$1.9\) billion, respectively, last quarter.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions revenue figures for both companies
- Omits both profit margin and geographic scope data