Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamian sites reveals numerous small clay tokens scattered throughout residential areas. While these artifacts initi...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamian sites reveals numerous small clay tokens scattered throughout residential areas. While these artifacts initially appeared to serve purely decorative purposes, their systematic distribution patterns and association with storage facilities suggest their function wasn't ______; rather, the tokens likely operated as essential components of early accounting systems.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
ornamental
systematic
documented
intensive
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamian sites reveals numerous small clay tokens scattered throughout residential areas.' |
|
| 'While these artifacts initially appeared to serve purely decorative purposes,' |
|
| 'their systematic distribution patterns and association with storage facilities suggest their function wasn't _______;' |
|
| 'rather, the tokens likely operated as essential components of early accounting systems.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeological evidence reveals that Mesopotamian clay tokens, initially thought to be decorative, actually served as important parts of early accounting systems.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from discovery to initial misinterpretation, then presents contradicting evidence that leads to a revised understanding of the tokens' true practical function.
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 blank comes right after evidence that contradicts the initial 'decorative' interpretation
- The word 'rather' after the semicolon signals a strong contrast is coming
- We need a word that describes what the tokens' function WASN'T, setting up the contrast with their actual function as accounting tools
- The correct word should be something that opposes 'essential components of early accounting systems' - so something non-functional or non-practical
ornamental
✓ Correct
- 'Ornamental' means decorative or non-functional
- Creates perfect contrast with 'essential components of early accounting systems'
- Matches the initial assumption mentioned earlier that they 'appeared to serve purely decorative purposes'
systematic
✗ Incorrect
- 'Systematic' means organized or methodical
- This would actually describe their accounting function, not contrast with it
- Creates confusing logic since accounting systems ARE systematic
documented
✗ Incorrect
- 'Documented' means recorded or written down
- Doesn't create a meaningful contrast with accounting functions
- The sentence would read awkwardly and the logic doesn't follow
intensive
✗ Incorrect
- 'Intensive' means requiring a lot of effort or time
- Doesn't oppose the concept of accounting systems in a logical way
- Fails to connect with the earlier mention of decorative purposes