Urban planners have long debated the optimal level of pedestrian activity in residential neighborhoods. Comprehensive studies by planning researcher J...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Urban planners have long debated the optimal level of pedestrian activity in residential neighborhoods. Comprehensive studies by planning researcher James Mitchell have conclusively demonstrated that increased foot traffic directly correlates with stronger community connections, enhanced neighborhood safety, and greater resident satisfaction. Multiple follow-up investigations have confirmed these findings across diverse urban environments. Given this research consensus, city officials should recognize that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
residential neighborhoods require different pedestrian management strategies based on local demographics.
evidence-based planning policies should prioritize pedestrian-friendly neighborhood design.
the relationship between foot traffic and community wellbeing remains inconclusive pending further research.
successful urban planning must balance pedestrian needs with vehicular traffic requirements.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Urban planners have long debated the optimal level of pedestrian activity in residential neighborhoods.' |
|
| 'Comprehensive studies by planning researcher James Mitchell have conclusively demonstrated that increased foot traffic directly correlates with stronger community connections, enhanced neighborhood safety, and greater resident satisfaction.' |
|
| 'Multiple follow-up investigations have confirmed these findings across diverse urban environments.' |
|
| 'Given this research consensus, city officials should recognize that' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Research has established a consensus that increased pedestrian activity benefits residential neighborhoods, leading to an implication for city officials.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from describing an ongoing debate to presenting conclusive research evidence that resolves the debate, then transitions to what this research consensus should mean for policy makers.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should acknowledge that research has established clear benefits of increased pedestrian activity
- Connect these research findings to what city officials should actually do or recognize about policy
- Be a logical conclusion that follows from the evidence about community connections, safety, and satisfaction
- So the right answer should recognize that this research consensus points toward policies that encourage pedestrian-friendly neighborhood design
residential neighborhoods require different pedestrian management strategies based on local demographics.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims neighborhoods need different pedestrian strategies based on demographics
- This doesn't follow from the passage's emphasis on research consensus showing general benefits
- The passage presents universal findings confirmed across diverse urban environments, not demographic-specific needs
evidence-based planning policies should prioritize pedestrian-friendly neighborhood design.
✓ Correct
- States that evidence-based policies should prioritize pedestrian-friendly design
- This directly follows from the research consensus showing pedestrian activity benefits and matches our prethinking by connecting the established evidence to policy implications
the relationship between foot traffic and community wellbeing remains inconclusive pending further research.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the relationship between foot traffic and wellbeing remains inconclusive
- This directly contradicts the passage's emphasis on research consensus and conclusively demonstrated findings
- Students might miss the strength of language like conclusively and consensus
successful urban planning must balance pedestrian needs with vehicular traffic requirements.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on balancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic needs
- The passage research is specifically about pedestrian benefits, not transportation balance, and introduces vehicular concerns not mentioned in the passage