Archaeologists have discovered a runestone in Norway that may contain the earliest example of written words in Scandinavia. Carbon dating...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Archaeologists have discovered a runestone in Norway that may contain the earliest example of written words in Scandinavia. Carbon dating at the discovery site revealed that the stone was likely carved between 1 and 250 CE. Runologist Kristel Zilmer believes the stone will be helpful in learning more about the use of runic alphabets in early Iron Age Scandinavia.
Which choice best states the main topic of the text?
Battles of the Iron Age
A runestone found in Norway
A new method for dating rock samples
The research interests of Kristel Zilmer
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Archaeologists have discovered a runestone in Norway that may contain the earliest example of written words in Scandinavia." |
|
| "Carbon dating at the discovery site revealed that the stone was likely carved between 1 and 250 CE." |
|
| "Runologist Kristel Zilmer believes the stone will be helpful in learning more about the use of runic alphabets in early Iron Age Scandinavia." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeologists have discovered a Norwegian runestone that may represent the earliest written words in Scandinavia and will be valuable for research.
Argument Flow: The passage announces a significant archaeological discovery, provides dating evidence to establish its historical importance, and concludes with expert opinion on its research value for understanding early Scandinavian writing systems.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main topic of the text - the central subject matter the passage focuses on
What type of answer do we need? A broad statement that captures what the passage is primarily about
Any limiting keywords? Content Genre: Sciences, Content Format: Text-only, Question Type: Main Point or Purpose (entire), Language Complexity: Accessible
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage centers on a specific archaeological discovery - a runestone found in Norway
- The significance relates to it potentially being the earliest Scandinavian writing
- Everything else (dating, expert opinion) supports this main discovery
- So the right answer should identify the Norwegian runestone discovery as the central focus
Battles of the Iron Age
- "Battles of the Iron Age" isn't mentioned anywhere in the passage
- The passage discusses a runestone discovery, not military conflicts
A runestone found in Norway
- Perfectly captures the main focus: "a runestone found in Norway"
- This is exactly what the passage announces in the first sentence and develops throughout
A new method for dating rock samples
- "A new method for dating rock samples" misrepresents the passage
- Carbon dating is mentioned but it's not new, and it's just supporting information about when the stone was carved
The research interests of Kristel Zilmer
- "The research interests of Kristel Zilmer" makes her the focus
- Zilmer is only mentioned in the final sentence to provide expert opinion