While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The city of Portland implemented two major transportation initiatives in...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The city of Portland implemented two major transportation initiatives in 2023.
- The Green Line streetcar extension connects downtown to the Pearl District.
- It cost $45 million and serves 12,000 daily riders.
- The bike share program provides 500 electric bicycles throughout the city.
- It cost $2.3 million and serves 3,000 daily users.
The student wants to emphasize how these initiatives differ in scope. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Portland's Green Line extension and bike share program both aim to improve urban transportation.
While Portland's bike share program cost $2.3 million for 3,000 users, the Green Line extension required $45 million to serve 12,000 riders.
The Green Line streetcar extension connects downtown Portland to the Pearl District using rail infrastructure.
Portland's 2023 transportation initiatives include both the Green Line extension and a citywide bike share program.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The city of Portland implemented two major transportation initiatives in 2023." |
|
| "The Green Line streetcar extension connects downtown to the Pearl District." |
|
| "It cost $45 million and serves 12,000 daily riders." |
|
| "The bike share program provides 500 electric bicycles throughout the city." |
|
| "It cost $2.3 million and serves 3,000 daily users." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Portland launched two transportation initiatives in 2023 with significantly different scales of investment and usage.
Argument Flow: The notes establish Portland's 2023 transportation efforts, then present detailed information about each initiative—first the Green Line streetcar with its route and substantial cost/ridership numbers, then the bike share program with its citywide scope and much smaller financial investment and user base.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best highlights the differences in scale/magnitude between the two transportation initiatives.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that clearly contrasts the scope of the Green Line extension versus the bike share program.
Any limiting keywords? The student's goal is to "emphasize how these initiatives differ in scope."
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Present data that shows the different scales of these two projects
- Contrast the financial investment ($45M vs $2.3M) and/or usage numbers (12,000 vs 3,000)
- Make the scope difference clear and prominent rather than just mentioning both projects exist
Portland's Green Line extension and bike share program both aim to improve urban transportation.
- States both initiatives "aim to improve urban transportation" which shows what they have in common, not how they differ in scope
While Portland's bike share program cost $2.3 million for 3,000 users, the Green Line extension required $45 million to serve 12,000 riders.
- Directly contrasts the costs ($2.3 million vs $45 million) and user numbers (3,000 vs 12,000). The "while" structure creates a clear comparison that emphasizes scope differences.
The Green Line streetcar extension connects downtown Portland to the Pearl District using rail infrastructure.
- Only describes the Green Line extension and its route. Provides no comparison or contrast with the bike share program.
Portland's 2023 transportation initiatives include both the Green Line extension and a citywide bike share program.
- Simply states that both initiatives exist in 2023. Shows no differences in scope, cost, or usage.