Archaeologists Maria Rodriguez and James Chen conducted excavations at two ancient settlement sites using different methodologies. At Site A, they...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Archaeologists Maria Rodriguez and James Chen conducted excavations at two ancient settlement sites using different methodologies. At Site A, they employed traditional grid-based excavation with careful stratigraphic recording, while at Site B, they used newer open-area excavation techniques that expose larger horizontal surfaces. Their analysis revealed that while both methods successfully uncovered artifact assemblages, the traditional approach at Site A yielded more precise dating information and better-preserved contextual relationships between objects. In contrast, Site B's open-area method, though faster, resulted in some loss of vertical stratigraphic data and reduced precision in temporal sequencing.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
It investigates the findings of a study that assessed the effectiveness of different archaeological excavation approaches.
It describes competing theories about the most appropriate methods for analyzing ancient settlement patterns.
It presents evidence supporting the hypothesis that traditional excavation methods are superior to modern techniques.
It compares the relative costs and time requirements of two distinct archaeological methodologies.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Archaeologists Maria Rodriguez and James Chen conducted excavations at two ancient settlement sites using different methodologies." |
|
| "At Site A, they employed traditional grid-based excavation with careful stratigraphic recording, while at Site B, they used newer open-area excavation techniques that expose larger horizontal surfaces." |
|
| "Their analysis revealed that while both methods successfully uncovered artifact assemblages, the traditional approach at Site A yielded more precise dating information and better-preserved contextual relationships between objects." |
|
| "In contrast, Site B's open-area method, though faster, resulted in some loss of vertical stratigraphic data and reduced precision in temporal sequencing." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Rodriguez and Chen's comparative study found that both traditional and newer archaeological excavation methods have distinct advantages and trade-offs in terms of data quality and efficiency.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement about the overall function or goal of the passage
Any limiting keywords? "Main purpose" - we need the primary, overarching reason this text was written
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Based on our analysis, the passage describes Rodriguez and Chen conducting a study where they tested two different excavation methods at different sites, then reports what they discovered about how each method performed
- The correct answer should capture that this is about presenting findings from a comparative study about different archaeological approaches
It investigates the findings of a study that assessed the effectiveness of different archaeological excavation approaches.
✓ Correct
- Correctly captures that this describes "findings of a study" and identifies that the study "assessed the effectiveness" of different approaches
- Matches our prethinking perfectly
It describes competing theories about the most appropriate methods for analyzing ancient settlement patterns.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrectly calls these "competing theories" when they're actually practical methodologies being tested
- Says it's about "analyzing ancient settlement patterns" when the focus is on excavation method effectiveness
It presents evidence supporting the hypothesis that traditional excavation methods are superior to modern techniques.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage "presents evidence supporting the hypothesis" that traditional methods are superior
- While traditional methods had some advantages, the passage doesn't frame this as testing a superiority hypothesis
It compares the relative costs and time requirements of two distinct archaeological methodologies.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on "costs and time requirements" when these aren't the main focus
- Only speed is briefly mentioned; cost isn't discussed at all