While conducting research, an archaeologist has compiled the following notes:A ceramic vessel was discovered in 2018 during excavations at a...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While conducting research, an archaeologist has compiled the following notes:
- A ceramic vessel was discovered in 2018 during excavations at a Late Bronze Age site in Cyprus.
- The vessel dates to approximately 1200 BCE based on stratigraphic analysis and associated artifacts.
- It measures 15 centimeters in height and features intricate geometric patterns painted in red ochre.
- The vessel shows evidence of being used for storing olive oil, based on residue analysis.
- Similar vessels have been found throughout the eastern Mediterranean, suggesting extensive trade networks.
- The discovery site was likely a major trading hub connecting Cyprus with mainland Greece and Anatolia.
The archaeologist wants to emphasize why this discovery is significant for understanding Bronze Age trade. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The ceramic vessel was discovered in 2018 at a Late Bronze Age site and dates to approximately 1200 BCE based on careful analysis.
Measuring 15 centimeters tall with red ochre geometric patterns, the vessel was used for olive oil storage according to residue analysis.
Found at what was likely a major trading hub, this 1200 BCE vessel joins similar Mediterranean discoveries in demonstrating the extensive commercial networks that connected Cyprus, Greece, and Anatolia during the Bronze Age.
The vessel shows evidence of olive oil storage and features geometric patterns painted in red ochre, indicating sophisticated Bronze Age craftsmanship.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "A ceramic vessel was discovered in 2018 during excavations at a Late Bronze Age site in Cyprus." |
|
| "The vessel dates to approximately 1200 BCE based on stratigraphic analysis and associated artifacts." |
|
| "It measures 15 centimeters in height and features intricate geometric patterns painted in red ochre." |
|
| "The vessel shows evidence of being used for storing olive oil, based on residue analysis." |
|
| "Similar vessels have been found throughout the eastern Mediterranean, suggesting extensive trade networks." |
|
| "The discovery site was likely a major trading hub connecting Cyprus with mainland Greece and Anatolia." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The 1200 BCE ceramic vessel discovered in Cyprus represents evidence of extensive Bronze Age trade networks that connected the eastern Mediterranean region.
Argument Flow: The notes begin with basic discovery and dating information, then provide physical and functional details about the vessel. The significance emerges through comparative evidence showing similar vessels across the eastern Mediterranean and the interpretation that the discovery site was a major trading hub connecting multiple regions.
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 answer needs to accomplish the archaeologist's specific goal of emphasizing trade significance
- This means it should reference the broader pattern of similar vessels across the Mediterranean region
- Connect this discovery to evidence of commercial networks
- Mention the trading hub aspect of the site
- Show how this discovery helps us understand Bronze Age trade connections
The ceramic vessel was discovered in 2018 at a Late Bronze Age site and dates to approximately 1200 BCE based on careful analysis.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on basic discovery information with no trade significance
- Fails the goal
Measuring 15 centimeters tall with red ochre geometric patterns, the vessel was used for olive oil storage according to residue analysis.
✗ Incorrect
- Concentrates on physical description and functional use
- Misses the key trade network evidence entirely
Found at what was likely a major trading hub, this 1200 BCE vessel joins similar Mediterranean discoveries in demonstrating the extensive commercial networks that connected Cyprus, Greece, and Anatolia during the Bronze Age.
✓ Correct
- Establishes the site as a major trading hub
- References similar Mediterranean discoveries
- Explicitly discusses extensive commercial networks
- Directly accomplishes the goal of emphasizing trade significance
The vessel shows evidence of olive oil storage and features geometric patterns painted in red ochre, indicating sophisticated Bronze Age craftsmanship.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on craftsmanship and artistic aspects
- Completely missing the trade networks goal