While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The popular wood-wide web theory posits that trees can communicate...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The popular wood-wide web theory posits that trees can communicate and exchange resources with one another via common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) of fungi.
- Ecologist Dr. Suzanne Simard first suggested this theory in 1997.
- She described trees as 'super-cooperators.'
- In the 2022 study 'The Decay of the Wood-Wide Web?,' mycologist Dr. Justine Karst and colleagues evaluated dozens of CMN studies.
- They write that CMNs 'have captured the interest of broad audiences. We are concerned, however, that recent claims about CMNs in forests are disconnected from evidence.'
The student wants to use a quotation to emphasize a potential problem with the wood-wide web theory. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Describing trees as 'super-cooperators,' Simard first suggested that trees can exchange resources with one another in 1997.
In 'The Decay of the Wood-Wide Web?,' Karst and colleagues note that common mycorrhizal networks 'have captured the interest of broad audiences.'
After evaluating dozens of CMN studies, Karst and colleagues expressed concern that recent claims about common mycorrhizal networks are 'disconnected from evidence.'
Despite the concerns expressed in the 2022 study 'The Decay of the Wood-Wide Web?,' the wood-wide web theory remains popular.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| The popular wood-wide web theory posits that trees can communicate and exchange resources with one another via common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) of fungi. |
|
| Ecologist Dr. Suzanne Simard first suggested this theory in 1997. |
|
| She described trees as super-cooperators. |
|
| In the 2022 study The Decay of the Wood-Wide Web?, mycologist Dr. Justine Karst and colleagues evaluated dozens of CMN studies. |
|
| They write that CMNs have captured the interest of broad audiences. We are concerned, however, that recent claims about CMNs in forests are disconnected from evidence. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Recent scientific evaluation suggests the popular wood-wide web theory may lack sufficient evidence despite widespread interest.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the wood-wide web theory and its origins with Simard, then presents a contrasting perspective from recent research by Karst and colleagues who found that while the theory is popular, it may not be well-supported by evidence.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to use a quotation to emphasize a potential problem with the wood-wide web theory.
What type of answer do we need? A choice that includes a direct quote that highlights issues or concerns with the theory.
Any limiting keywords? quotation (must include quoted material), emphasize (must highlight/stress), and potential problem (must point to issues with the theory).
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must include a direct quotation that points out a problem or concern with the wood-wide web theory
- From our analysis, Karst and colleagues raised concerns about the theory - specifically that claims are disconnected from evidence
- This is exactly the type of problem the student wants to emphasize
- The answer should quote this criticism directly and make it clear this represents a problem with the theory
Describing trees as 'super-cooperators,' Simard first suggested that trees can exchange resources with one another in 1997.
✗ Incorrect
- This quotes Simard calling trees super-cooperators which supports the theory
- This emphasizes the theory's positive aspects, not problems with it
In 'The Decay of the Wood-Wide Web?,' Karst and colleagues note that common mycorrhizal networks 'have captured the interest of broad audiences.'
✗ Incorrect
- This quotes that CMNs have captured the interest of broad audiences
- This emphasizes the theory's popularity, not any problems
After evaluating dozens of CMN studies, Karst and colleagues expressed concern that recent claims about common mycorrhizal networks are 'disconnected from evidence.'
✓ Correct
- This uses the quotation disconnected from evidence which directly points to a problem
- It clearly shows Karst and colleagues expressing concern about the theory's evidence base
- This perfectly matches what the student wants - using a quote to emphasize a potential problem
Despite the concerns expressed in the 2022 study 'The Decay of the Wood-Wide Web?,' the wood-wide web theory remains popular.
✗ Incorrect
- While it mentions concerns exist, it doesn't include any quotation
- It focuses on the theory remaining popular rather than emphasizing the problems
- The question specifically requires using a quotation