Text 1 Archaeological excavations at several Neolithic settlements have uncovered sophisticated geometric patterns in building layouts and communal s...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Text 1
Archaeological excavations at several Neolithic settlements have uncovered sophisticated geometric patterns in building layouts and communal stone circles positioned at precise astronomical alignments. Dr. Sarah Chen and her research team interpret these findings as evidence of advanced ritual planning and ceremonial architecture, suggesting these early communities possessed complex spiritual and social organizational systems.
Text 2
While such discoveries are certainly significant, it's important to consider that geometric patterns and alignments might reflect practical rather than ceremonial concerns. Factors like optimal drainage, defensive positioning, seasonal sun exposure for crop cultivation, and basic structural engineering could account for many of these seemingly intentional design features without requiring complex ritual explanations.
Based on the texts, what criticism would the author of Text 2 most likely make regarding Dr. Chen's team's interpretation in Text 1?
The archaeological evidence might be explained by practical considerations rather than by assuming the communities engaged in complex ritual planning.
The geometric patterns likely indicate that these Neolithic communities were attempting to benefit themselves through improved agricultural yields.
The evidence may not demonstrate advanced planning because not all excavated settlements contained similar geometric features.
The patterns might have resulted from the communities' unfamiliarity with their new settlement locations rather than from astronomical knowledge.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Archaeological excavations at several Neolithic settlements have uncovered sophisticated geometric patterns in building layouts and communal stone circles positioned at precise astronomical alignments." |
|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen and her research team interpret these findings as evidence of advanced ritual planning and ceremonial architecture, suggesting these early communities possessed complex spiritual and social organizational systems." |
|
| "While such discoveries are certainly significant, it's important to consider that geometric patterns and alignments might reflect practical rather than ceremonial concerns." |
|
| "Factors like optimal drainage, defensive positioning, seasonal sun exposure for crop cultivation, and basic structural engineering could account for many of these seemingly intentional design features without requiring complex ritual explanations." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Two different interpretations exist for geometric patterns found at Neolithic sites—one emphasizing ritual/ceremonial purposes and another suggesting practical considerations.
Argument Flow: Text 1 presents archaeological discoveries and Dr. Chen's interpretation that these patterns indicate complex ritual planning. Text 2 acknowledges the significance of these discoveries but argues that the same patterns could be explained by practical needs like drainage, defense, and agriculture rather than ceremonial purposes.
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
- Based on our analysis, Text 2's author would likely criticize Dr. Chen's interpretation by arguing that:
- The geometric patterns don't necessarily indicate ritual planning
- There are practical explanations that could account for the same evidence
- We shouldn't assume complex ceremonial purposes when simpler practical needs could explain the patterns
- The criticism would essentially be: "Before jumping to conclusions about ritual complexity, consider that these patterns might have practical explanations like drainage, defense, or agricultural needs."
The archaeological evidence might be explained by practical considerations rather than by assuming the communities engaged in complex ritual planning.
- This directly captures Text 2's main argument that practical considerations could explain the patterns
- Matches our prethinking perfectly—Text 2 specifically argues against "requiring complex ritual explanations"
The geometric patterns likely indicate that these Neolithic communities were attempting to benefit themselves through improved agricultural yields.
- Text 2 mentions seasonal sun exposure as just one of several practical factors, not the primary alternative explanation
The evidence may not demonstrate advanced planning because not all excavated settlements contained similar geometric features.
- Text 2 never mentions inconsistency between different excavated settlements
- This introduces information not present in either text
The patterns might have resulted from the communities' unfamiliarity with their new settlement locations rather than from astronomical knowledge.
- Text 2 doesn't suggest the communities were unfamiliar with their locations
- The criticism isn't about lack of astronomical knowledge but about having practical rather than ceremonial motivations