While preparing a report on local institutions, a researcher has gathered the following information about the Riverside Institute for Environmental...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While preparing a report on local institutions, a researcher has gathered the following information about the Riverside Institute for Environmental Studies:
- The institute was established in 1995 by a consortium of three universities.
- It focuses on water quality research and ecosystem monitoring in the Pacific Northwest.
- The facility houses advanced laboratory equipment and maintains a database of regional environmental data.
- According to their annual report, the institute has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers.
- Current research projects include salmon habitat restoration and water treatment innovations.
The researcher wants to highlight the institute's established presence in the field. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information to accomplish this goal?
Operating for nearly three decades, the Riverside Institute for Environmental Studies has become a cornerstone of regional environmental research.
The Riverside Institute for Environmental Studies was founded in 1995 through collaboration between three universities.
With over 400 peer-reviewed publications, the Riverside Institute demonstrates significant research productivity.
The institute's current focus includes salmon habitat restoration and innovative water treatment technologies.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The institute was established in 1995 by a consortium of three universities.' |
|
| 'It focuses on water quality research and ecosystem monitoring in the Pacific Northwest.' |
|
| 'The facility houses advanced laboratory equipment and maintains a database of regional environmental data.' |
|
| 'According to their annual report, the institute has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers.' |
|
| 'Current research projects include salmon habitat restoration and water treatment innovations.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Riverside Institute is a well-established environmental research facility with substantial credentials and ongoing important work.
Argument Flow: The information moves from historical foundation through research scope and capabilities to demonstrate a comprehensive, productive institution with both past achievements and current relevance.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively shows established presence
What type of answer do we need? Evidence of longevity, recognition, or substantial achievement in the field
Any limiting keywords? 'established presence' - needs to show the institute is well-established and recognized
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- To show 'established presence,' we need something that demonstrates either:
- How long they've been operating (longevity)
- The scale/impact of their work (significance)
- Their recognition in the field (reputation)
- The right answer should combine time-based credibility with impact or should highlight substantial achievements that demonstrate they're a major player in environmental research
Operating for nearly three decades, the Riverside Institute for Environmental Studies has become a cornerstone of regional environmental research.
- Correct - Combines longevity ('nearly three decades') with status ('cornerstone of regional environmental research')
- Directly addresses 'established presence' by showing both time and importance
- Uses strong, definitive language that emphasizes their position in the field
The Riverside Institute for Environmental Studies was founded in 1995 through collaboration between three universities.
- Incorrect - Only provides founding information without showing established presence
- Doesn't demonstrate what they've accomplished or their current status
- Basic factual info that doesn't highlight significance
With over 400 peer-reviewed publications, the Riverside Institute demonstrates significant research productivity.
- Incorrect - Shows productivity but doesn't establish longevity or field presence
- 400+ publications could be recent; doesn't show 'established' over time
- This trap makes students think high numbers automatically show establishment, but without time context, it's just productivity
The institute's current focus includes salmon habitat restoration and innovative water treatment technologies.
- Incorrect - Only describes current work, not established presence
- Doesn't show longevity, track record, or recognized status
- Actually emphasizes 'current' rather than 'established'