Video Game Availability by Initial Release YearsInitial release yearsPercentage of games still available1975-19790.891980-19843.651985-198915.381990-1...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Video Game Availability by Initial Release Years
| Initial release years | Percentage of games still available |
|---|---|
| 1975-1979 | 0.89 |
| 1980-1984 | 3.65 |
| 1985-1989 | 15.38 |
| 1990-1994 | 19.33 |
| 1995-1999 | 14.22 |
In a recent study, researchers found that relatively few video games released over the decades remain available today. For example, only 14.22 percent of games are still available that were initially released in ______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
2000–2004
1995–1999
1970–1974
1985–1989
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a recent study, researchers found that relatively few video games released over the decades remain available today." |
|
| "For example, only 14.22 percent of games are still available that were initially released in ______" |
|
| [DATA TABLE] |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[RESEARCH FINDING] → [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE with missing data] → [COMPLETE DATA TABLE]
Main Point: Research shows that very few video games from past decades remain available today, with availability varying by release period.
Argument Flow: The text presents a research finding about low game availability, gives a specific percentage as an example, then provides the complete data table that contains all the availability percentages for different time periods.
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 correct choice must match exactly with the \(14.22\%\) figure mentioned in the statement
- We need to look at the table and find which time period shows \(14.22\%\) availability
2000–2004
✗ Incorrect
- 2000-2004 doesn't appear in the data table at all
1995–1999
✓ Correct
- Looking at the table, 1995-1999 shows exactly 14.22% availability
- This perfectly matches the percentage mentioned in the statement
1970–1974
✗ Incorrect
- 1970-1974 doesn't appear in the data table
1985–1989
✗ Incorrect
- 1985-1989 shows 15.38% availability according to the table
- This doesn't match the 14.22% figure