While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Haber-Bosch process is an industrial process used to manufacture...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Haber-Bosch process is an industrial process used to manufacture ammonia (\(\mathrm{NH_3}\)).
- It was invented by chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch in 1910.
- The process's primary reaction combines nitrogen (\(\mathrm{N_2}\)) from the air with hydrogen (\(\mathrm{H_2}\)).
- It requires an iron catalyst and high temperatures and pressures.
- Most of the ammonia produced by this process is used in fertilizers.
The student wants to provide an overview of the Haber-Bosch process. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Haber-Bosch process needs nitrogen, hydrogen, and an iron catalyst.
The Haber-Bosch process uses an iron catalyst along with high temperatures and pressures to manufacture ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.
Chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch invented an industrial process to manufacture ammonia to be used in fertilizers.
In 1910, chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch invented the Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperatures and pressures.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Haber-Bosch process is an industrial process used to manufacture ammonia (\(\mathrm{NH_3}\))." |
|
| "It was invented by chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch in 1910." |
|
| "The process's primary reaction combines nitrogen (\(\mathrm{N_2}\)) from the air with hydrogen (\(\mathrm{H_2}\))." |
|
| "It requires an iron catalyst and high temperatures and pressures." |
|
| "Most of the ammonia produced by this process is used in fertilizers." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Haber-Bosch process is an industrial method invented in 1910 that uses specific chemical conditions to convert nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia for fertilizer production.
Argument Flow: The notes systematically present the Haber-Bosch process by first defining its purpose, then providing historical context, followed by the technical details of how it works (reaction and conditions), and finally explaining what the ammonia is used for.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best provides a comprehensive overview
What type of answer do we need? A summary that captures the essential elements of the process
Any limiting keywords? "Overview" suggests we need breadth rather than focus on just one aspect; "most effectively uses relevant information" means we should include the most important details from the notes
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- For a true "overview," we need a choice that captures the essential elements of what the Haber-Bosch process actually is and does
- From our analysis, the most crucial information includes what the process produces (ammonia), what it uses as inputs (nitrogen and hydrogen), and what conditions it requires (iron catalyst, high temperatures and pressures)
- The right answer should combine the core technical elements to give readers a complete picture of how the Haber-Bosch process works
The Haber-Bosch process needs nitrogen, hydrogen, and an iron catalyst.
✗ Incorrect
- Too narrow - reads like a shopping list rather than an overview
- Misses the fundamental purpose (manufacturing ammonia)
The Haber-Bosch process uses an iron catalyst along with high temperatures and pressures to manufacture ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.
✓ Correct
- Captures the complete process: what it does (manufactures ammonia), what it uses (nitrogen and hydrogen), and how it works (iron catalyst plus high temperatures and pressures)
- Provides the technical essence while remaining accessible
Chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch invented an industrial process to manufacture ammonia to be used in fertilizers.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on historical context and end use rather than the process itself
- Doesn't explain what the process actually does or how it works
In 1910, chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch invented the Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperatures and pressures.
✗ Incorrect
- Emphasizes historical details but omits crucial information about what the process produces or what raw materials it uses