While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Anthropologist Dr. Elena Vasquez specializes in documenting endangered cultural tra...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Anthropologist Dr. Elena Vasquez specializes in documenting endangered cultural traditions.
- Cultural traditions represent the collective wisdom and identity of communities worldwide.
- These practices often include ceremonial rituals, traditional crafts, and oral storytelling methods.
- The Wayuu people of Colombia maintain one of South America's most distinctive weaving traditions.
- Their intricate textile patterns have been passed down through generations for over 1,000 years.
- Each design carries specific cultural meanings and family histories.
The student wants to introduce the researcher and her area of expertise to a new audience. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Wayuu people of Colombia have maintained distinctive weaving traditions for over 1,000 years, with each design carrying specific cultural meanings.
Dr. Elena Vasquez studies endangered cultural traditions, including ceremonial rituals, traditional crafts, and oral storytelling methods practiced by communities worldwide.
Anthropologist Dr. Elena Vasquez specializes in documenting endangered cultural traditions, which represent the collective wisdom and identity of communities worldwide.
Cultural traditions often include ceremonial rituals and traditional crafts, making them valuable subjects for anthropological research and documentation.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Anthropologist Dr. Elena Vasquez specializes in documenting endangered cultural traditions.' |
|
| 'Cultural traditions represent the collective wisdom and identity of communities worldwide.' |
|
| 'These practices often include ceremonial rituals, traditional crafts, and oral storytelling methods.' |
|
| 'The Wayuu people of Colombia maintain one of South America's most distinctive weaving traditions.' |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Elena Vasquez is an anthropologist who studies endangered cultural traditions that preserve communities' collective wisdom and identity through practices like ceremonies, crafts, and storytelling.
Argument Flow: The notes begin by introducing the researcher and her specialty, then define the broader significance of cultural traditions, provide categories of these practices, and conclude with a detailed example of the Wayuu weaving tradition.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively introduces the researcher and her area of expertise to a new audience.
What type of answer do we need? A choice that presents both Dr. Vasquez as a person/professional AND explains what she does/studies.
Any limiting keywords? 'Most effectively' means we need the choice that best combines both elements (researcher introduction + expertise explanation).
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must introduce both the researcher and her area of expertise
- This means it should:
- Identify Dr. Elena Vasquez and her professional role (anthropologist)
- Explain what she specializes in (documenting endangered cultural traditions)
- Ideally provide some context about why this work matters
- The answer should NOT just focus on examples of cultural traditions or give general information about cultural practices without connecting them to Dr. Vasquez specifically
The Wayuu people of Colombia have maintained distinctive weaving traditions for over 1,000 years, with each design carrying specific cultural meanings.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses entirely on the Wayuu weaving tradition with no mention of Dr. Elena Vasquez at all
- Fails to introduce the researcher
Dr. Elena Vasquez studies endangered cultural traditions, including ceremonial rituals, traditional crafts, and oral storytelling methods practiced by communities worldwide.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions Dr. Vasquez and lists what she studies but is missing her professional identification as an anthropologist
- Incomplete introduction
Anthropologist Dr. Elena Vasquez specializes in documenting endangered cultural traditions, which represent the collective wisdom and identity of communities worldwide.
✓ Correct
- Introduces Dr. Elena Vasquez and identifies her as an anthropologist
- Specifies her area of expertise (documenting endangered cultural traditions)
- Adds context about why these traditions matter
- Perfectly balances both parts of the question's requirement
Cultural traditions often include ceremonial rituals and traditional crafts, making them valuable subjects for anthropological research and documentation.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes general statements about cultural traditions with no mention of Dr. Elena Vasquez whatsoever
- Completely fails to introduce the researcher