While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest particle...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest particle accelerator.
- It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
- Construction of the LHC was completed in 2008 after nearly two decades of work.
- The accelerator tunnel stretches 27 kilometers in circumference.
- CERN's main facility is situated on the border between France and Switzerland.
- The facility is located near Geneva, Switzerland.
The student wants to specify the location of CERN's main facility. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Large Hadron Collider, completed in 2008, stretches 27 kilometers in circumference.
CERN's main facility, home to the world's largest particle accelerator, is located near Geneva, Switzerland on the border between France and Switzerland.
Construction of the Large Hadron Collider was completed in 2008 after nearly two decades of work.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research built the world's largest particle accelerator.
Looking at this rhetorical synthesis question, I need to determine which choice best helps the student specify CERN's location using the available research notes.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest particle accelerator. |
|
| It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). |
|
| Construction of the LHC was completed in 2008 after nearly two decades of work. |
|
| The accelerator tunnel stretches 27 kilometers in circumference. |
|
| CERN's main facility is situated on the border between France and Switzerland. |
|
| The facility is located near Geneva, Switzerland. |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: These notes provide basic facts about the Large Hadron Collider and the location of CERN's main facility.
Argument Flow: The notes begin by defining the LHC and identifying its creator (CERN), then provide construction timeline and physical specifications. Finally, they specify where CERN's main facility is located geographically.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to specify the location of CERN's main facility
What type of answer do we need? An answer choice that uses the location-related information from the notes to tell us WHERE CERN is situated
Any limiting keywords? The question asks us to find the choice that most effectively uses relevant information to accomplish this specific goal of geographic specification
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer needs to focus specifically on CERN's location since that's the student's stated goal
- From our analysis, the relevant location information includes: CERN is on the France/Switzerland border and near Geneva, Switzerland
- The right answer should incorporate this geographic information rather than focusing on the LHC's technical details, construction timeline, or other non-location facts
The Large Hadron Collider, completed in 2008, stretches 27 kilometers in circumference.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on LHC completion date and size measurements
- Doesn't address CERN's location at all
- Completely misses the student's goal of specifying location
CERN's main facility, home to the world's largest particle accelerator, is located near Geneva, Switzerland on the border between France and Switzerland.
✓ Correct
- Directly states CERN's main facility is located near Geneva, Switzerland on the border between France and Switzerland
- Uses both key location details from the notes
- Perfectly accomplishes the student's goal of specifying CERN's location
Construction of the Large Hadron Collider was completed in 2008 after nearly two decades of work.
✗ Incorrect
- Only discusses LHC construction timeline
- Provides no location information about CERN
The European Organization for Nuclear Research built the world's largest particle accelerator.
✗ Incorrect
- Identifies CERN and what it built but gives no location information
- Doesn't accomplish the specific goal of specifying where CERN is located