Archaeological findings from Indus Valley sites indicate that Bronze Age trade networks (approximately 2600-1900 BCE) simultaneously encompassed both ...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Archaeological findings from Indus Valley sites indicate that Bronze Age trade networks (approximately 2600-1900 BCE) simultaneously encompassed both highland mountain territories and lowland coastal zones, challenging earlier hypotheses that suggested a sequential transition between these regions. Artifacts characteristic of highland societies were discovered during excavations at Harappa. However, established theoretical frameworks anticipated that intensified mountain trade would necessarily diminish coastal trading activities. To examine this apparent inconsistency, archaeologist Dr. Sarah Chen and her research team conducted excavations at the coastal settlement of Dholavira, subsequently analyzing these results alongside the Harappa findings. Their research led them to conclude that Bronze Age commercial networks most likely underwent simultaneous expansion across multiple geographic directions, rather than adhering to a pattern of simple regional succession.
Which finding from Chen's team's excavation, if true, would most directly support their conclusion?
Both the Harappa site and the Dholavira site show evidence of artifacts from mountain regions and coastal communities during the same Bronze Age periods.
The Harappa site shows abundant mountain artifacts while the Dholavira site shows a complete absence of such materials during the Bronze Age.
Neither the Harappa site nor the Dholavira site shows significant variation in local pottery styles during the Bronze Age.
Both sites show evidence of economic decline and reduced trade activity throughout the Bronze Age period.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Archaeological findings from Indus Valley sites indicate that Bronze Age trade networks (approximately 2600-1900 BCE) simultaneously encompassed both highland mountain territories and lowland coastal zones, challenging earlier hypotheses that suggested a sequential transition between these regions." |
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| "Artifacts characteristic of highland societies were discovered during excavations at Harappa." |
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| "However, established theoretical frameworks anticipated that intensified mountain trade would necessarily diminish coastal trading activities." |
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| "To examine this apparent inconsistency, archaeologist Dr. Sarah Chen and her research team conducted excavations at the coastal settlement of Dholavira, subsequently analyzing these results alongside the Harappa findings." |
|
| "Their research led them to conclude that Bronze Age commercial networks most likely underwent simultaneous expansion across multiple geographic directions, rather than adhering to a pattern of simple regional succession." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeological evidence from Bronze Age Indus Valley sites suggests that trade networks expanded simultaneously across different geographic regions rather than transitioning sequentially from one region to another.
Argument Flow: The passage opens by presenting archaeological findings that challenge traditional theories about Bronze Age trade patterns. It then introduces Chen research methodology designed to investigate this inconsistency, ultimately leading to a conclusion that supports the simultaneous expansion model over the sequential transition model.
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
- Chen conclusion is that Bronze Age networks underwent simultaneous expansion across multiple geographic directions, not simple regional succession
- To support this conclusion, we need evidence showing that highland and coastal trade activities were happening at the same time, rather than one replacing the other
- The right answer should demonstrate that both mountain and coastal trading activities were active simultaneously during the Bronze Age period, which would directly contradict the old theory that intensified mountain trade would diminish coastal activities
Both the Harappa site and the Dholavira site show evidence of artifacts from mountain regions and coastal communities during the same Bronze Age periods.
✓ Correct
- Shows both highland and coastal artifacts present at both sites during same Bronze Age periods
- This directly supports simultaneous expansion by proving both types of trade were active concurrently
- This matches our prethinking by demonstrating concurrent rather than sequential activity
The Harappa site shows abundant mountain artifacts while the Dholavira site shows a complete absence of such materials during the Bronze Age.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows Harappa with mountain artifacts but Dholavira completely lacking them
- This would suggest geographic separation, not simultaneous expansion
- Students might think this supports the conclusion because it mentions mountain artifacts, but it actually shows division rather than simultaneous activity
Neither the Harappa site nor the Dholavira site shows significant variation in local pottery styles during the Bronze Age.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on pottery styles remaining consistent over time
- This does not address the central question of simultaneous vs sequential expansion patterns
- Pottery consistency does not relate to trade network expansion patterns
Both sites show evidence of economic decline and reduced trade activity throughout the Bronze Age period.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows both sites experiencing economic decline and reduced trade
- This contradicts the idea of expansion whether simultaneous or sequential
- Decline does not support Chen conclusion about expansion patterns