While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The 2020 census revealed significant population growth in urban areas...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The 2020 census revealed significant population growth in urban areas across the southwestern United States.
- Phoenix, Arizona experienced a 15% population increase between 2010-2020.
- Austin, Texas experienced a 21% population increase during the same period.
- Both cities attracted residents due to growing technology sectors and relatively affordable housing.
- Phoenix's growth was primarily driven by retirees and remote workers seeking warm weather.
- Austin's growth was primarily driven by young professionals drawn to the city's tech companies and cultural scene.
The student wants to contrast the demographic factors driving growth in Phoenix and Austin. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Phoenix and Austin both experienced significant population growth between 2010-2020, with Austin's 21% increase surpassing Phoenix's 15% growth rate.
While Phoenix attracted mainly retirees and remote workers seeking warm weather, Austin drew young professionals to its tech companies and cultural offerings.
Both Phoenix and Austin benefited from growing technology sectors and relatively affordable housing during their periods of rapid expansion.
The 2020 census data shows that southwestern cities like Phoenix and Austin have become major destinations for Americans relocating from other regions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The 2020 census revealed significant population growth in urban areas across the southwestern United States." |
|
| "Phoenix, Arizona experienced a 15% population increase between 2010-2020." |
|
| "Austin, Texas experienced a 21% population increase during the same period." |
|
| "Both cities attracted residents due to growing technology sectors and relatively affordable housing." |
|
| "Phoenix's growth was primarily driven by retirees and remote workers seeking warm weather." |
|
| "Austin's growth was primarily driven by young professionals drawn to the city's tech companies and cultural scene." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[REGIONAL CONTEXT: SW urban growth] leads to [GROWTH DATA] Phoenix: +15% and Austin: +21% leads to [SHARED FACTORS: tech + housing] leads to [DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES] Phoenix: retirees + remote workers (weather) and Austin: young professionals (tech + culture)
Main Point:
Both Phoenix and Austin experienced significant population growth between 2010-2020, but they attracted different demographic groups for different reasons.
Argument Flow:
The notes start with broad regional context, then narrow to specific growth figures for two cities. After establishing shared economic factors, the notes distinguish between the different demographic groups each city primarily attracted.
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
- The right answer should focus on the different types of people each city attracted
- Mention Phoenix's appeal to retirees and remote workers seeking warm weather
- Mention Austin's appeal to young professionals drawn to tech and culture
- Clearly show these as contrasting demographic patterns
Phoenix and Austin both experienced significant population growth between 2010-2020, with Austin's 21% increase surpassing Phoenix's 15% growth rate.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on growth rate comparison (21% vs 15%)
- Doesn't address demographic factors at all
- Gives statistical contrast but not the demographic contrast requested
While Phoenix attracted mainly retirees and remote workers seeking warm weather, Austin drew young professionals to its tech companies and cultural offerings.
✓ Correct
- Directly contrasts the demographic groups: "retirees and remote workers" vs "young professionals"
- Shows different motivations: "warm weather" vs "tech companies and cultural offerings"
- Uses specific information from the notes to highlight demographic differences
Both Phoenix and Austin benefited from growing technology sectors and relatively affordable housing during their periods of rapid expansion.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on similarities (technology sectors and affordable housing) rather than differences
- Does the opposite of what's requested - shows commonalities instead of contrasts
The 2020 census data shows that southwestern cities like Phoenix and Austin have become major destinations for Americans relocating from other regions.
✗ Incorrect
- Too broad and general about southwestern cities overall
- Doesn't provide specific demographic information about either Phoenix or Austin
- Doesn't contrast the two cities at all