The following text is from a research methodology paper published in 2019. Dr. Sarah Chen has been investigating whether a...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The following text is from a research methodology paper published in 2019. Dr. Sarah Chen has been investigating whether a newly discovered enzyme can break down plastic polymers. Her colleague Dr. Martinez has suggested that Chen's preliminary findings may not be conclusive enough to support broader applications.
DR. CHEN: The enzyme activity we observed was minimal, more like preliminary indication than definitive proof. Did we not detect some polymer breakdown in our initial trials?
DR. MARTINEZ: You did observe breakdown, Sarah, and more promising results than expected. But how significant is this finding? What other applications do you see in the broader scope of environmental remediation? If you can demonstrate effectiveness with these specific polymers, you might also demonstrate effectiveness with related synthetic materials.
In the text, which point does Dr. Martinez most directly make about Chen's research and its implications?
Chen's ability to demonstrate enzyme effectiveness with specific polymers suggests that she may also be able to demonstrate effectiveness with related synthetic materials.
Chen's uncertainty about the significance of one result is affecting her confidence and seems to be making her hesitant to explore broader environmental applications.
Chen's preliminary findings about enzyme activity have a tentative quality that reveals her cautious approach to her current research direction.
Chen's assessment of polymer breakdown is vague because she is interpreting results she had hypothesized about as a researcher rather than results that had occurred in reality.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| DR. CHEN: The enzyme activity we observed was minimal, more like preliminary indication than definitive proof. |
|
| Did we not detect some polymer breakdown in our initial trials? |
|
| DR. MARTINEZ: You did observe breakdown, Sarah, and more promising results than expected. |
|
| But how significant is this finding? What other applications do you see in the broader scope of environmental remediation? |
|
| If you can demonstrate effectiveness with these specific polymers, you might also demonstrate effectiveness with related synthetic materials. |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
- Research Context: Chen investigating enzyme for plastic breakdown
- Dialogue structure
- Chen: Cautious self-assessment
- Minimal enzyme activity
- Seeks confirmation of breakdown
- Martinez: Encouraging response
- Confirms positive results
- Questions broader significance
- Suggests wider applications possible
Main Point: Dr. Martinez encourages Dr. Chen to see broader potential in her enzyme research beyond the specific polymers tested.
Argument Flow: Chen presents a cautious view of her enzyme research findings, downplaying their significance. Martinez counters with encouragement, confirming her results were actually promising, then pushes her to consider broader environmental applications and suggests her specific polymer success might extend to related synthetic materials.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which point Dr. Martinez most directly makes about Chen's research and its implications
What type of answer do we need? A specific point/argument Martinez makes
Any limiting keywords? 'most directly' - needs to be explicit in Martinez's words; 'implications' - about broader meaning/consequences
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at Martinez's statements, he makes several points: he confirms Chen got good results, questions their significance, asks about broader environmental applications, and then suggests that effectiveness with specific polymers might extend to related synthetic materials
- The most direct point with clear implications is his final statement about how success with specific polymers suggests potential success with related synthetic materials - this is a concrete logical extension he proposes
- So the right answer should capture Martinez's suggestion that Chen's polymer success implies broader potential with similar materials
Chen's ability to demonstrate enzyme effectiveness with specific polymers suggests that she may also be able to demonstrate effectiveness with related synthetic materials.
- Directly captures Martinez's final statement about demonstrating effectiveness with specific polymers suggesting effectiveness with related synthetic materials
- Matches exactly what Martinez says about implications of Chen's research
Chen's uncertainty about the significance of one result is affecting her confidence and seems to be making her hesitant to explore broader environmental applications.
- Focuses on Chen's uncertainty and hesitation, not a point Martinez makes
- Martinez actually encourages Chen and sees promise in her work
Chen's preliminary findings about enzyme activity have a tentative quality that reveals her cautious approach to her current research direction.
- Describes Chen's tentative approach, not Martinez's point about implications
- Martinez doesn't focus on Chen's cautiousness but on the research potential
Chen's assessment of polymer breakdown is vague because she is interpreting results she had hypothesized about as a researcher rather than results that had occurred in reality.
- Claims Chen's assessment is vague due to interpreting hypothetical vs real results
- Martinez doesn't make this point - he confirms real breakdown occurred
- What trap this represents: Students might confuse the distinction between preliminary results and hypothetical results