Analysis of Diego Rivera's murals reveals sophisticated symbolic layering that adapts across different cultural contexts, with the artist strategicall...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Analysis of Diego Rivera's murals reveals sophisticated symbolic layering that adapts across different cultural contexts, with the artist strategically manipulating meaning through visual metaphors. Such complex artistic techniques suggest that Rivera's work transcends simple categorization as _______ political messaging.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
straightforward
militant
contemporary
effective
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Analysis of Diego Rivera's murals reveals sophisticated symbolic layering that adapts across different cultural contexts, |
|
| with the artist strategically manipulating meaning through visual metaphors. |
|
| Such complex artistic techniques suggest that Rivera's work transcends simple categorization as |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| political messaging. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Diego Rivera's murals are too artistically sophisticated to be simply categorized as basic political messaging.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes Rivera's complex artistic techniques through two specific examples, then uses this evidence to argue that his work is more nuanced than simple political categorization would suggest.
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 passage emphasizes Rivera's sophisticated symbolic layering, strategic manipulation, and complex artistic techniques
- The blank comes right before political messaging in a sentence that says his work transcends simple categorization
- We need a word that contrasts with all this complexity - something that suggests the opposite of sophisticated, strategic, and complex
- The word should describe the type of political messaging that Rivera's work is NOT - something simple, direct, or uncomplicated
straightforward
- Straightforward means simple, direct, and uncomplicated
- Creates perfect contrast with sophisticated, strategic, and complex
- Fits the logic: Rivera's complex work transcends simple categorization as basic political messaging
militant
- Militant refers to aggressive or combative political messaging
- Does not create the needed contrast with complexity - militant messaging can be just as sophisticated as any other type
contemporary
- Contemporary means modern or current
- No logical contrast with complexity - contemporary political messaging can be just as sophisticated as historical messaging
effective
- Effective means successful or producing desired results
- Creates the wrong relationship - the passage is not saying Rivera's work transcends effective political messaging