The following text is adapted from Dr. Maria Santos's research journal from her 2019 fieldwork in Costa Rica.When we began...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The following text is adapted from Dr. Maria Santos's research journal from her 2019 fieldwork in Costa Rica.
When we began our biodiversity survey in the Monteverde cloud forest last month, I was confident our team had prepared adequately. However, after three weeks of data collection, it became clear that our initial methodology was insufficient for the terrain's complexity. The forest canopy created such intricate light patterns, and the species distribution varied so dramatically between microsites, that our standardized sampling protocols failed to capture the ecosystem's true diversity. By the end of our stay, I had to acknowledge that we needed to fundamentally revise our approach.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
The researcher describes the beauty and complexity of a cloud forest ecosystem during an extended study.
The researcher recounts a field study and acknowledges that the methodology proved inadequate.
The researcher explains the scientific importance of biodiversity surveys in tropical environments.
The researcher details the solutions her team developed to overcome research challenges.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "When we began our biodiversity survey in the Monteverde cloud forest last month, I was confident our team had prepared adequately." |
|
| "However, after three weeks of data collection, it became clear that our initial methodology was insufficient for the terrain's complexity." |
|
| "The forest canopy created such intricate light patterns, and the species distribution varied so dramatically between microsites, that our standardized sampling protocols failed to capture the ecosystem's true diversity." |
|
| "By the end of our stay, I had to acknowledge that we needed to fundamentally revise our approach." |
|
Passage Architecture
Main Point: A researcher recounts how her team's field study revealed that their methodology was inadequate for the forest's complexity and needed fundamental revision.
Argument Flow: The passage follows a classic expectation-vs-reality structure. Dr. Santos starts with confidence in their preparation, but field experience reveals their standardized approach cannot handle the forest's complexity, leading to her acknowledgment that they must fundamentally change their methods.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The central message or main idea of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the primary focus and overall point Dr. Santos is making
Any limiting keywords? N/A
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should focus on a researcher recounting how their field study methodology proved inadequate and needed to be changed.
The researcher describes the beauty and complexity of a cloud forest ecosystem during an extended study.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on describing beauty and complexity of the forest.
- The passage isn't primarily about describing the forest's characteristics but about research methodology problems.
The researcher recounts a field study and acknowledges that the methodology proved inadequate.
✓ Correct
- Captures that she "recounts a field study" and "acknowledges that the methodology proved inadequate" which directly matches her realization that their approach was "insufficient" and needed "fundamental revision."
The researcher explains the scientific importance of biodiversity surveys in tropical environments.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the passage explains why biodiversity surveys are scientifically important.
- The passage doesn't discuss the importance of such surveys in general but focuses on one specific study's methodology problems.
The researcher details the solutions her team developed to overcome research challenges.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims she "details the solutions her team developed."
- She only mentions they "needed to fundamentally revise" their approach but provides no details about actual solutions.