While conducting research, a scientist has compiled the following information:The monarch butterfly migration spans approximately 3,000 milesThis phen...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While conducting research, a scientist has compiled the following information:
- The monarch butterfly migration spans approximately 3,000 miles
- This phenomenon occurs annually during autumn months
- Monarchs travel from Canada and the northern United States to central Mexico
- The journey can take up to two months to complete
- Multiple generations are involved in completing the full migration cycle.
The researcher wants to identify when this migration occurs. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The monarch butterfly migration involves multiple generations completing the cycle.
This migration phenomenon occurs annually during autumn months.
Monarchs travel approximately 3,000 miles from north to south.
The complete journey can take up to two months.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The monarch butterfly migration spans approximately 3,000 miles' |
|
| 'This phenomenon occurs annually during autumn months' |
|
| 'Monarchs travel from Canada and the northern United States to central Mexico' |
|
| 'The journey can take up to two months to complete' |
|
| 'Multiple generations are involved in completing the full migration cycle' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The research notes provide comprehensive details about monarch butterfly migration including its scale, timing, route, duration, and biological mechanisms.
Argument Flow: The notes present factual information about monarch migration in a systematic way, covering the physical scope (distance and route), temporal aspects (when and how long), and biological processes (generational involvement) that characterize this phenomenon.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The researcher wants to identify when the migration occurs, and we need to choose which option most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this specific goal.
What type of answer do we need? We need information that directly addresses timing - when the migration happens.
Any limiting keywords? None specified
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The researcher specifically wants to know 'when' this migration occurs
- Looking at our notes, we have one piece of information that directly answers this timing question: 'This phenomenon occurs annually during autumn months'
- This tells us both the frequency (annually) and the season (autumn months)
- The other information covers distance, route, duration, and biological mechanism, but none directly address when the migration occurs
The monarch butterfly migration involves multiple generations completing the cycle.
✗ Incorrect
- References information about multiple generations being involved
- This addresses how the migration is accomplished, not when it occurs
This migration phenomenon occurs annually during autumn months.
✓ Correct
- Uses the note stating 'This phenomenon occurs annually during autumn months'
- Directly addresses the researcher's goal of identifying when the migration occurs
Monarchs travel approximately 3,000 miles from north to south.
✗ Incorrect
- References the 3,000-mile distance and north-to-south direction
- This addresses where and how far, not when the migration occurs
The complete journey can take up to two months.
✗ Incorrect
- Uses information about the two-month duration
- This tells us how long the migration takes, not when it starts or occurs