Anthropologists researching Southwest pottery traditions distinguish between Mesa Verde ceramics, known for intricate geometric patterns and black-on-...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Anthropologists researching Southwest pottery traditions distinguish between Mesa Verde ceramics, known for intricate geometric patterns and black-on-white designs, and Chaco Canyon pottery, characterized by bold red-orange colorations and ceremonial vessel forms. Technical analysis reveals shared clay preparation methods and firing temperatures across both traditions, suggesting common resource knowledge and production techniques, while archaeological distribution shows extensive trade networks connecting the regions throughout the 12th and 13th centuries. Nonetheless, decorative pigments and painting tools differ markedly between Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon ceramics, even though both cultures created pottery for identical ceremonial and daily-use functions. Archaeological evidence indicates that specialized mineral pigments were first developed by Ancestral Puebloan communities around 1150 CE and spread through established trading relationships, prompting researchers to determine that _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Mesa Verde potters likely learned pigment techniques directly from Chaco Canyon artisans through inter-regional trade relationships.
variation in pigment use between regions likely reflects different symbolic meanings assigned to colors in each culture's ceremonial practices.
both pottery traditions likely developed their distinctive decorative approaches after acquiring access to specialized mineral pigments through trade networks.
the establishment of Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon pottery traditions likely occurred before the development of specialized mineral pigments by Ancestral Puebloan communities.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Anthropologists researching Southwest pottery traditions distinguish between Mesa Verde ceramics, known for intricate geometric patterns and black-on-white designs, and Chaco Canyon pottery, characterized by bold red-orange colorations and ceremonial vessel forms." |
|
| "Technical analysis reveals shared clay preparation methods and firing temperatures across both traditions, suggesting common resource knowledge and production techniques," |
|
| "while archaeological distribution shows extensive trade networks connecting the regions throughout the 12th and 13th centuries." |
|
| "Nonetheless, decorative pigments and painting tools differ markedly between Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon ceramics," |
|
| "even though both cultures created pottery for identical ceremonial and daily-use functions." |
|
| "Archaeological evidence indicates that specialized mineral pigments were first developed by Ancestral Puebloan communities around 1150 CE and spread through established trading relationships," |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Two pottery traditions shared technical methods and trade connections but developed markedly different decorative approaches, leading researchers to draw conclusions about when these distinctive styles emerged.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a puzzle - two pottery traditions that were clearly connected through trade and shared basic techniques, yet developed very different decorative styles. It then provides a crucial timeline clue about when specialized pigments became available (1150 CE), setting up an inference about the relationship between pigment availability and decorative development.
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 creates a puzzle: two pottery traditions with shared techniques and trade connections, but very different decorative approaches
- Then it gives us a key piece of timing - specialized pigments were developed around 1150 CE and spread through trade networks
- The logical conclusion should connect this timeline to the development of the distinctive decorative styles
- The right answer should explain that the distinctive decorative approaches developed after the pigment technology became available through trade networks
Mesa Verde potters likely learned pigment techniques directly from Chaco Canyon artisans through inter-regional trade relationships.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Mesa Verde learned directly from Chaco Canyon
- Passage shows both regions had distinctive approaches, not that one copied the other
- Doesn't address the timing relationship with pigment development
variation in pigment use between regions likely reflects different symbolic meanings assigned to colors in each culture's ceremonial practices.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on symbolic meanings of colors
- Passage never discusses symbolism or ceremonial color meanings
- Misses the key timing evidence about pigment development
both pottery traditions likely developed their distinctive decorative approaches after acquiring access to specialized mineral pigments through trade networks.
✓ Correct
- Links the development of distinctive decorative approaches to gaining access to specialized pigments
- Matches the timeline logic - pigments developed 1150 CE, spread via trade
- Explains why both traditions developed different styles despite shared techniques
the establishment of Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon pottery traditions likely occurred before the development of specialized mineral pigments by Ancestral Puebloan communities.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims pottery traditions developed before specialized pigments
- Contradicts the timeline evidence - pigments developed 1150 CE and then spread