While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In 2013, archaeologists studied cat bone fragments they had found...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 2013, archaeologists studied cat bone fragments they had found in the ruins of Quanhucun, a Chinese farming village.
- The fragments were estimated to be 5,300 years old.
- A chemical analysis of the fragments revealed that the cats had consumed large amounts of grain.
- The grain consumption is evidence that the Quanhucun cats may have been domesticated.
The student wants to present the Quanhucun study and its conclusions. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
As part of a 2013 study of cat domestication, a chemical analysis was conducted on cat bone fragments found in Quanhucun, China.
A 2013 analysis of cat bone fragments found in Quanhucun, China, suggests that cats there may have been domesticated 5,300 years ago.
In 2013, archaeologists studied what cats in Quanhucun, China, had eaten more than 5,000 years ago.
Cat bone fragments estimated to be 5,300 years old were found in Quanhucun, China, in 2013.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 2013, archaeologists studied cat bone fragments they had found in the ruins of Quanhucun, a Chinese farming village.' |
|
| 'The fragments were estimated to be 5,300 years old.' |
|
| 'A chemical analysis of the fragments revealed that the cats had consumed large amounts of grain.' |
|
| 'The grain consumption is evidence that the Quanhucun cats may have been domesticated.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A 2013 study of ancient cat bone fragments from China suggests that cats may have been domesticated 5,300 years ago based on evidence of grain consumption.
Argument Flow: The notes establish a research study context, provide the age of the evidence, present the key scientific finding (grain consumption), and then interpret what this finding means (possible evidence of domestication).
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to choose the option that most effectively presents both the Quanhucun study AND its conclusions.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that combines the study details with its findings in a way that accomplishes the student's goal of presenting both elements.
The student wants to present the Quanhucun study AND its conclusions, so we need both the research details and the domestication finding.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
The correct answer needs to accomplish the student's dual goal - presenting both the study details and the conclusions. This means it should include: The key study information (2013, Quanhucun location, cat bone analysis), the timeline (5,300 years ago), and the main conclusion (evidence of possible domestication).
As part of a 2013 study of cat domestication, a chemical analysis was conducted on cat bone fragments found in Quanhucun, China.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions that chemical analysis was conducted as part of a domestication study.
- Doesn't include the conclusion or findings from the analysis.
- Missing the conclusions part of what the student wants to present.
A 2013 analysis of cat bone fragments found in Quanhucun, China, suggests that cats there may have been domesticated 5,300 years ago.
✓ Correct
- Includes the study details (2013 analysis, Quanhucun location, cat bone fragments).
- Incorporates the timeline (5,300 years ago).
- Presents the conclusion (suggests cats may have been domesticated).
- Efficiently combines both the study information and its conclusions in one sentence.
In 2013, archaeologists studied what cats in Quanhucun, China, had eaten more than 5,000 years ago.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on what the cats ate rather than the significance of their diet.
- Mentions the study but misses the domestication conclusion entirely.
Cat bone fragments estimated to be 5,300 years old were found in Quanhucun, China, in 2013.
✗ Incorrect
- Only states that bone fragments were found.
- Completely omits the chemical analysis and domestication conclusions.
- Gives study context but no conclusions.