While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: Wool is a natural—and economically important—fiber that is obtained...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Wool is a natural—and economically important—fiber that is obtained from animals like sheep.
- Australia is a leading producer of wool.
- The thickness of wool fibers varies across sheep breeds.
- Merino sheep produce fine wool that is used for apparel.
- Rambouillet sheep produce fine wool that is used for apparel.
- Romney sheep produce thick wool that is used for rugs and blankets.
The student wants to emphasize how Romney wool differs from Merino and Rambouillet wool. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Romney wool is just one of the many kinds of wools, each originating from a different breed of sheep.
Sheep wool varies from breed to breed, so Romney wool will be different than other kinds of wool.
The fine wool produced by Merino and Rambouillet sheep is used for apparel, whereas the thicker wool of Romney sheep is used in rugs and blankets.
Wool is an economically important fiber—especially in Australia—that can be used to make apparel or even rugs and blankets.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Wool is a natural—and economically important—fiber that is obtained from animals like sheep." |
|
| "Australia is a leading producer of wool." |
|
| "The thickness of wool fibers varies across sheep breeds." |
|
| "Merino sheep produce fine wool that is used for apparel." |
|
| "Rambouillet sheep produce fine wool that is used for apparel." |
|
| "Romney sheep produce thick wool that is used for rugs and blankets." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Different sheep breeds produce wool of varying thickness, which determines the end use of their wool products.
Argument Flow: The notes establish wool as an important natural fiber, then organize different sheep breeds by their wool thickness. Fine wool breeds (Merino and Rambouillet) serve the apparel industry, while thick wool breeds (Romney) serve the home goods industry with rugs and blankets.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to find which choice most effectively emphasizes how Romney wool differs from Merino and Rambouillet wool.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that highlights the specific contrasts between Romney wool and the other two breeds mentioned.
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" means we need the choice that does the best job at this specific comparison, and "uses relevant information from the notes" means it must draw directly from the provided research notes.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our analysis, the key contrast is clear: Merino and Rambouillet both produce fine wool used for apparel, while Romney produces thick wool used for rugs and blankets
- The right answer should highlight this specific difference in both wool characteristics (fine vs. thick) and end uses (apparel vs. rugs/blankets)
Romney wool is just one of the many kinds of wools, each originating from a different breed of sheep.
- States Romney is "just one of many kinds" without specific comparison
- Doesn't mention Merino or Rambouillet at all
- ✗ Incorrect
Sheep wool varies from breed to breed, so Romney wool will be different than other kinds of wool.
- Makes general statement that wool varies by breed
- Says Romney "will be different" but doesn't specify how
- ✗ Incorrect
The fine wool produced by Merino and Rambouillet sheep is used for apparel, whereas the thicker wool of Romney sheep is used in rugs and blankets.
- Directly contrasts fine wool from Merino and Rambouillet (used for apparel) with thick wool from Romney (used for rugs and blankets)
- Uses specific information from the notes about both wool characteristics and end uses
- ✓ Correct
Wool is an economically important fiber—especially in Australia—that can be used to make apparel or even rugs and blankets.
- Focuses on wool's economic importance and geographic production
- Mentions general uses but doesn't connect specific breeds to specific applications
- ✗ Incorrect