While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The calendar used by most of the world (the Gregorian...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
The calendar used by most of the world (the Gregorian calendar) has \(\mathrm{365}\) days.
Because \(\mathrm{365}\) days can't be divided evenly by \(\mathrm{7}\) (the number of days in a week), calendar dates fall on a different day of the week each year.
The Hanke-Henry permanent calendar, developed as an alternative to the Gregorian calendar, has \(\mathrm{364}\) days.
Because \(\mathrm{364}\) can be divided evenly by \(\mathrm{7}\), calendar dates fall on the same day of the week each year, which supports more predictable scheduling.
The student wants to explain an advantage of the Hanke-Henry calendar. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Gregorian calendar has 365 days, which is one day longer than the Hanke-Henry permanent calendar.
Adopting the Hanke-Henry permanent calendar would help solve a problem with the Gregorian calendar.
Designed so calendar dates would occur on the same day of the week each year, the Hanke-Henry calendar supports more predictable scheduling than does the Gregorian calendar.
The Hanke-Henry permanent calendar was developed as an alternative to the Gregorian calendar, which is currently the most-used calendar in the world.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The calendar used by most of the world (the Gregorian calendar) has 365 days." |
|
| "Because 365 days can't be divided evenly by 7 (the number of days in a week), calendar dates fall on a different day of the week each year." |
|
| "The Hanke-Henry permanent calendar, developed as an alternative to the Gregorian calendar, has 364 days." |
|
| "Because 364 can be divided evenly by 7, calendar dates fall on the same day of the week each year, which supports more predictable scheduling." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Hanke-Henry calendar offers more predictable scheduling than the Gregorian calendar because its 364-day structure creates consistent weekly date patterns.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the current Gregorian system and its mathematical inconsistency, then present the Hanke-Henry alternative and explain how its different day count solves the scheduling predictability problem.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to find which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to explain an advantage of the Hanke-Henry calendar.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that clearly presents a benefit of the Hanke-Henry system using relevant details from the research notes.
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" means we want the choice that explains an advantage well using specific information from the notes.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should identify a specific advantage of the Hanke-Henry calendar
- Explain how this advantage works using mathematical details from the notes
- Connect this technical feature to a practical benefit
- The answer should explain that the Hanke-Henry calendar creates more predictable scheduling because its day count allows dates to fall on the same day of the week each year
The Gregorian calendar has 365 days, which is one day longer than the Hanke-Henry permanent calendar.
✗ Incorrect
- Simply states a factual difference (365 vs 364 days) but doesn't explain any advantage or benefit of this difference
Adopting the Hanke-Henry permanent calendar would help solve a problem with the Gregorian calendar.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions solving a problem but doesn't specify what problem or explain the advantage
- Too vague to effectively accomplish the student's goal
Designed so calendar dates would occur on the same day of the week each year, the Hanke-Henry calendar supports more predictable scheduling than does the Gregorian calendar.
✓ Correct
- Explains the specific advantage (more predictable scheduling)
- Uses relevant technical information (dates occur on same day of week each year)
- Connects the calendar design to its practical benefit
The Hanke-Henry permanent calendar was developed as an alternative to the Gregorian calendar, which is currently the most-used calendar in the world.
✗ Incorrect
- Only states that it's an alternative to the Gregorian calendar without providing information about any advantage or benefit