Text 1American sculptor Edmonia Lewis is best known for her sculptures that represent figures from history and mythology, such as...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Text 1
American sculptor Edmonia Lewis is best known for her sculptures that represent figures from history and mythology, such as The Death of Cleopatra and Hagar. Although Lewis sculpted other subjects, her career as a sculptor is best represented by the works in which she depicted these historical and mythical themes.
Text 2
Art historians have typically ignored the many portrait busts Edmonia Lewis created. Lewis likely carved these busts (sculptures of a person's head) frequently throughout her long career. She is known for her sculptures that represent historical figures, but Lewis likely supported herself financially by carving portrait busts for acquaintances who paid her to represent their features. Thus, Lewis's portrait busts are a central aspect of her career as a sculptor.
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
Lewis's portrait busts have overshadowed her other work.
The Death of Cleopatra is Lewis's most famous piece.
Sculpting representations of historical figures was a short-lived trend.
Lewis's works are varied in the subjects they depict.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
Text 1:
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| American sculptor Edmonia Lewis is best known for her sculptures that represent figures from history and mythology, such as The Death of Cleopatra and Hagar. |
|
| Although Lewis sculpted other subjects, her career as a sculptor is best represented by the works in which she depicted these historical and mythical themes. |
|
Text 2:
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Art historians have typically ignored the many portrait busts Edmonia Lewis created. |
|
| Lewis likely carved these busts (sculptures of a person's head) frequently throughout her long career. |
|
| She is known for her sculptures that represent historical figures, but Lewis likely supported herself financially by carving portrait busts for acquaintances who paid her to represent their features. |
|
| Thus, Lewis's portrait busts are a central aspect of her career as a sculptor. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Text 1 argues Lewis's career is best represented by her historical and mythical sculptures, while Text 2 argues her portrait busts are central to her career as a sculptor.
Argument Flow: Text 1 establishes Lewis's reputation for historical/mythical work and argues this best represents her career despite acknowledging she did other subjects. Text 2 counters by highlighting the overlooked portrait busts, providing evidence for their frequency and financial importance, then concluding they're central to her career.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to find a statement that both authors would agree with.
What type of answer do we need? A point of agreement between two texts that present different perspectives on Lewis's career.
Any limiting keywords? Both texts
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Both texts acknowledge that Lewis worked in different types of sculpture - they just disagree about which type best represents or defines her career
- Text 1 says Lewis is best known for historical/mythical work but acknowledges Lewis sculpted other subjects
- Text 2 focuses on portrait busts but also mentions she is known for her sculptures that represent historical figures
- The right answer should acknowledge that Lewis's body of work included different types of subjects
Lewis's portrait busts have overshadowed her other work.
✗ Incorrect
- Both texts do not agree that portrait busts overshadowed other work
- Text 1 argues historical/mythical work best represents her career
The Death of Cleopatra is Lewis's most famous piece.
✗ Incorrect
- Neither text makes this specific claim about The Death of Cleopatra being her most famous work
Sculpting representations of historical figures was a short-lived trend.
✗ Incorrect
- Neither text suggests historical figure sculpture was a brief trend
Lewis's works are varied in the subjects they depict.
✓ Correct
- Both texts acknowledge Lewis worked in multiple subject areas
- Text 1 explicitly states Lewis sculpted other subjects beyond historical/mythical themes
- Text 2 discusses both portrait busts and historical figures as part of her work