Matheus: Our city council is considering whether to zone the last undeveloped stretch of waterfront within the city limits for...

GMAT Two Part Analysis : (TPA) Questions

Source: Mock

Two Part Analysis

Verbal - CR

HARD

...

Notes

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Matheus: Our city council is considering whether to zone the last undeveloped stretch of waterfront within the city limits for industrial development. I think this land should become a nature preserve instead. It is a major nesting area for migratory waterfowl, some of them endangered species.

Ramizah: But our city suffers high unemployment, and industrial riverfront development would be among the most promising ways to create jobs. A short distance away, other undeveloped riverfront areas outside the city limits are available for migratory waterfowl.

Assuming the information provided is true, select Matheus for the statement that would, if true, most strongly support Matheus's position, and select Ramizah for the statement that would, if true, most strongly support Ramizah's position. Make only two selections, one in each column.

Matheus

Ramizah

The city council wants to protect migratory waterfowl.

Industrial riverfront development outside the city limits could create jobs in addition to those created through industrial development within the city limits.

Of the endangered waterfowl that nest in or near the city, the largest nesting population is found in the undeveloped waterfront within the city limits.

There are more undeveloped areas along the waterfront near but outside the city limits than there are inside the city limits.

Losing this one nesting area is unlikely to reduce the populations of any waterfowl species that nest in the area.

Solution

Phase 1: Owning the Dataset

Argument Analysis Table

Text from Passage	Analysis
"Our city council is considering whether to zone the last undeveloped stretch of waterfront within the city limits for industrial development."	What it says: There's a decision to be made about the last undeveloped waterfront area What it does: Sets up the context/situation Key connections: This is the LAST undeveloped area within city limits Visualization: A single remaining natural waterfront area surrounded by development
"I think this land should become a nature preserve instead."	What it says: Matheus wants preservation, not development What it does: States Matheus's position/conclusion Key connections: Direct opposition to industrial development Visualization: Protected natural habitat vs. factories
"It is a major nesting area for migratory waterfowl, some of them endangered species."	What it says: The area serves as critical habitat for birds, including endangered ones What it does: Provides evidence for Matheus's position Key connections: Environmental importance justifies preservation Visualization: Birds nesting, some species at risk of extinction
"But our city suffers high unemployment"	What it says: The city has a significant joblessness problem What it does: Provides context for Ramizah's counterargument Key connections: Economic need vs. environmental protection Visualization: People without work, economic hardship
"industrial riverfront development would be among the most promising ways to create jobs"	What it says: This development option offers strong job creation potential What it does: Evidence supporting industrial development Key connections: Direct solution to unemployment problem Visualization: Factories employing many workers
"other undeveloped riverfront areas outside the city limits are available for migratory waterfowl"	What it says: Alternative habitats exist beyond city boundaries What it does: Counters environmental concern Key connections: Suggests waterfowl have other options Visualization: Similar habitats nearby but outside city control

Argument Structure

Matheus's Position: Last waterfront should be nature preserve
Evidence: Major nesting area for endangered waterfowl
Assumption: Protecting this specific area is crucial for species survival

Ramizah's Position: Last waterfront should be industrially developed
Evidence 1: High unemployment needs addressing
Evidence 2: Industrial development creates jobs
Evidence 3: Alternative habitats exist outside city
Assumption: Jobs outweigh environmental concerns; birds can relocate

Phase 2: Question Analysis & Prethinking

Understanding What Each Part Asks

We need to find:

For Matheus column: A statement that most strongly supports the nature preserve position
For Ramizah column: A statement that most strongly supports the industrial development position

Prethinking for Each Position

What would strengthen Matheus's position?

Evidence that this specific area is uniquely important (not replaceable)
Data showing endangered species depend on this particular location
Information that alternatives aren't viable for the waterfowl

What would strengthen Ramizah's position?

Evidence that development won't harm waterfowl populations
Data showing job creation is especially critical
Information that waterfowl can successfully use other areas

Phase 3: Answer Choice Evaluation

Evaluating Each Choice

Choice A: "The city council wants to protect migratory waterfowl."

What it says: Council has pro-environment preference
For Matheus: Somewhat helpful - aligns with his goal
For Ramizah: Not helpful - opposes her position
Strength: Moderate for Matheus

Choice B: "Industrial riverfront development outside the city limits could create jobs in addition to those created through industrial development within the city limits."

What it says: Jobs could be created elsewhere too
For Matheus: Slightly helpful - suggests alternatives to developing this area
For Ramizah: Actually weakens her position - suggests developing inside city isn't necessary
Strength: Weak for both

Choice C: "Of the endangered waterfowl that nest in or near the city, the largest nesting population is found in the undeveloped waterfront within the city limits."

What it says: This specific area hosts the biggest endangered bird population
For Matheus: VERY strong - makes this area irreplaceable
For Ramizah: Not helpful - emphasizes environmental importance
Strength: Strongest for Matheus

Choice D: "There are more undeveloped areas along the waterfront near but outside the city limits than there are inside the city limits."

What it says: More alternative spaces exist outside the city
For Matheus: Not particularly helpful
For Ramizah: Somewhat helpful - reinforces her claim about alternatives
Strength: Moderate for Ramizah

Choice E: "Losing this one nesting area is unlikely to reduce the populations of any waterfowl species that nest in the area."

What it says: Development won't harm bird populations
For Matheus: Harmful - undermines his main concern
For Ramizah: VERY strong - eliminates the environmental objection
Strength: Strongest for Ramizah

The Correct Answers

For Matheus: Choice C

This directly strengthens his environmental argument by showing this specific area is uniquely critical
Makes the area irreplaceable for endangered species conservation

For Ramizah: Choice E

This eliminates the main objection to development (environmental harm)
Allows her economic argument to stand without environmental trade-offs

Common Traps to Highlight

Choice A seems tempting for Matheus but:

It's about general preference, not specific evidence
Choice C provides concrete data about why THIS area matters

Choice D seems logical for Ramizah but:

It only suggests alternatives exist, not that birds will be fine
Choice E directly addresses and removes the environmental concern

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