While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Wetland restoration involves recreating natural water filtration systems that have...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Wetland restoration involves recreating natural water filtration systems that have been damaged by development.
- Phase 1: Engineers grade the land to create proper water flow patterns and install drainage systems that mimic natural hydrology.
- Phase 2: Native soil amendments are added to establish the chemical conditions necessary for plant growth and water purification.
- Phase 3: Indigenous plant species are introduced in specific zones based on their water tolerance and filtering capabilities.
- Phase 4: Over 2-3 years, the restored wetland develops its full ecosystem function as plants mature and wildlife returns.
- These restored systems can filter pollutants from stormwater runoff while providing habitat for local species.
The student wants to explain how restored wetlands function as water filtration systems. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
In wetland restoration, engineers create water flow patterns and add soil amendments before introducing plants that filter stormwater over several years.
Restored wetlands function as filtration systems by establishing proper hydrology and soil conditions, then introducing native plants that filter pollutants as the ecosystem develops its full function.
Wetland restoration recreates natural filtration by grading land for proper drainage, establishing chemical conditions, and introducing indigenous plants based on their filtering capabilities.
Restored wetlands filter water through native plants introduced in specific zones, with full ecosystem function developing as plants mature and wildlife returns.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Wetland restoration involves recreating natural water filtration systems that have been damaged by development." |
|
| "Phase 1: Engineers grade the land to create proper water flow patterns and install drainage systems that mimic natural hydrology." |
|
| "Phase 2: Native soil amendments are added to establish the chemical conditions necessary for plant growth and water purification." |
|
| "Phase 3: Indigenous plant species are introduced in specific zones based on their water tolerance and filtering capabilities." |
|
| "Phase 4: Over 2-3 years, the restored wetland develops its full ecosystem function as plants mature and wildlife returns." |
|
| "These restored systems can filter pollutants from stormwater runoff while providing habitat for local species." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Wetland restoration is a systematic four-phase process that recreates natural water filtration systems by establishing proper physical, chemical, and biological conditions.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to explain how restored wetlands function as water filtration systems.
What type of answer do we need? An explanation that shows the mechanism or process by which restored wetlands actually filter water, not just the restoration steps themselves.
Any limiting keywords? The word "function" tells us we need to focus on how the system works operationally, connecting the restoration process to the actual filtering mechanism.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- To explain how restored wetlands function as filtration systems, we need an answer that shows the relationship between the setup phases and the filtering capability
- Identifies what specifically does the filtering (the plants)
- Explains that this develops over time as the ecosystem matures
In wetland restoration, engineers create water flow patterns and add soil amendments before introducing plants that filter stormwater over several years.
✗ Incorrect
- Lists the restoration steps but doesn't clearly explain the filtering mechanism
- Mentions that plants filter stormwater over several years but doesn't connect this to how the filtration actually works
Restored wetlands function as filtration systems by establishing proper hydrology and soil conditions, then introducing native plants that filter pollutants as the ecosystem develops its full function.
✓ Correct
- Clearly shows the relationship between setup (proper hydrology and soil conditions) and function (plants filter pollutants)
- Explains the filtering mechanism: native plants do the actual filtering work
- Includes the development timeline showing how filtration capability grows as the ecosystem matures
Wetland restoration recreates natural filtration by grading land for proper drainage, establishing chemical conditions, and introducing indigenous plants based on their filtering capabilities.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses heavily on the restoration process but weak on explaining actual filtration function
- Mentions plants have filtering capabilities but doesn't explain how this creates water filtration
Restored wetlands filter water through native plants introduced in specific zones, with full ecosystem function developing as plants mature and wildlife returns.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions that plants filter water but doesn't explain the foundational setup needed
- Misses the crucial connection between establishing proper conditions and enabling filtration