While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:While researching a topic, a student has taken the following...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The tundra is a type of environment characterized by especially harsh winter conditions.
- Winter temperatures in the tundra average a frigid \(-30\) degrees Fahrenheit.
- Animals that have adapted to these conditions can survive tundra winters.
- During the tundra's short growing season, average temperatures can reach a relatively mild \(54\) degrees Fahrenheit.
- Around 1,700 different kinds of plants are able to grow in the tundra.
The student wants to emphasize how harsh the conditions can be in the tundra. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Winters in the tundra are especially harsh, with temperatures averaging a frigid \(−30\) degrees Fahrenheit.
Animals that have adapted to harsh winter conditions can survive tundra winters.
There are around 1,700 different kinds of plants that can live in the tundra, where average temperatures can reach a mild \(54\) degrees Fahrenheit.
Along with animals that have adapted to the tundra's conditions, around 1,700 different kinds of plants can live in the tundra.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The tundra is a type of environment characterized by especially harsh winter conditions." |
|
| "Winter temperatures in the tundra average a frigid −30 degrees Fahrenheit." |
|
| "Animals that have adapted to these conditions can survive tundra winters." |
|
| "During the tundra's short growing season, average temperatures can reach a relatively mild 54 degrees Fahrenheit." |
|
| "Around 1,700 different kinds of plants are able to grow in the tundra." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The tundra is an environment with especially harsh winter conditions, but it also supports diverse life during milder periods.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the tundra as a harsh winter environment with frigid temperatures, then show how life adapts to and thrives in these conditions, including a brief contrast with the milder growing season that supports substantial plant diversity.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses the notes to emphasize how harsh tundra conditions can be.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that highlights and emphasizes the harsh aspects of the tundra environment.
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" tells us we need the choice that does the best job emphasizing harshness, and "uses relevant information from the notes" means we must draw from the provided research.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct choice should focus directly on the harsh aspects mentioned in the notes
- From our analysis, the harsh elements are the "especially harsh winter conditions" and the "frigid −30 degrees Fahrenheit" temperatures
- The right answer should emphasize these brutal conditions rather than focusing on how life adapts or thrives there
Winters in the tundra are especially harsh, with temperatures averaging a frigid \(−30\) degrees Fahrenheit.
✓ Correct
- Directly states "winters are especially harsh" and includes the specific temperature evidence "−30 degrees Fahrenheit" from the notes
- Uses the descriptive word "frigid" which emphasizes how brutal these temperatures are
- Focuses entirely on harsh conditions without mentioning anything that contradicts this emphasis
Animals that have adapted to harsh winter conditions can survive tundra winters.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions "harsh winter conditions" but immediately shifts focus to survival and adaptation
- Emphasizes what animals CAN do rather than how harsh the conditions are
- The main message becomes about successful adaptation, not about harshness
There are around 1,700 different kinds of plants that can live in the tundra, where average temperatures can reach a mild \(54\) degrees Fahrenheit.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on plant diversity (1,700 species) which suggests the environment supports abundant life
- Mentions "mild 54 degrees Fahrenheit" which directly contradicts emphasizing harshness
Along with animals that have adapted to the tundra's conditions, around 1,700 different kinds of plants can live in the tundra.
✗ Incorrect
- Centers on biodiversity with both animals and plants thriving
- Presents the tundra as a place where life flourishes rather than emphasizing harsh conditions