While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The green iguana is a species of reptile.It can be...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The green iguana is a species of reptile.
- It can be found in Central America and Brazil.
- The green iguana primarily eats leaves and fruit.
- It has an average length of 4.8 feet.
The student wants to specify the average length of the green iguana. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The green iguana can be found in Central America.
The green iguana has an average length of 4.8 feet.
One species of reptile found in Brazil primarily eats leaves and fruit.
The green iguana is a reptile that primarily eats leaves and fruit.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The green iguana is a species of reptile.' |
|
| 'It can be found in Central America and Brazil.' |
|
| 'The green iguana primarily eats leaves and fruit.' |
|
| 'It has an average length of 4.8 feet.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: GREEN IGUANA FACTS: Classification (reptile), Location (Central America, Brazil), Diet (leaves, fruit), Size (4.8 ft average)
Main Point: These notes provide basic factual information about the green iguana, covering its classification, habitat, diet, and physical measurements.
Argument Flow: The notes present a straightforward collection of facts about the green iguana, moving from classification to geographic range to behavioral and physical characteristics.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best accomplishes the goal of specifying the iguana's average length
What type of answer do we need? A statement that directly communicates the length measurement
Any limiting keywords? 'specify' (meaning to state precisely), 'average length' (the specific measurement), 'most effectively' (best choice for the purpose)
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The student wants to specify the average length, so the correct answer must:
- Directly state the measurement (4.8 feet)
- Be clear and specific about what this measurement refers to
- Use the relevant information from the notes without unnecessary details
- So the right answer should simply and directly state that the green iguana has an average length of 4.8 feet
The green iguana can be found in Central America.
- States where the iguana can be found (Central America)
- Doesn't mention length at all
- Fails to accomplish the goal
The green iguana has an average length of 4.8 feet.
- Directly states 'has an average length of 4.8 feet'
- Perfectly matches the goal of specifying the average length
- Uses exactly the relevant information needed from the notes
One species of reptile found in Brazil primarily eats leaves and fruit.
- Mentions diet information (leaves and fruit) and location (Brazil)
- Doesn't specify length
- Doesn't accomplish the stated goal
The green iguana is a reptile that primarily eats leaves and fruit.
- Focuses on classification (reptile) and diet (leaves and fruit)
- Completely ignores the length information needed for the goal