Archaeologists working at a Bronze Age settlement needed to establish the chronological sequence of different building phases across the excavation...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Archaeologists working at a Bronze Age settlement needed to establish the chronological sequence of different building phases across the excavation site. Dr. James Chen and his team determined that the eastern structures predated the western complex by several centuries through careful analysis of construction materials and techniques found in each area. The researchers established the relative dating of architectural features by examining pottery fragments embedded in foundation layers, measuring the depth of artifact deposits, and analyzing the composition of mortar samples from different wall sections. Structures with deeper artifact layers and primitive pottery styles were classified as earlier constructions, while those with shallower deposits and refined ceramic fragments indicated later building periods.
According to the text, how did the researchers determine the relative age of the architectural structures?
They compared the overall size and complexity of different building foundations.
They consulted historical records about construction dates in the region.
They examined pottery fragments, artifact depths, and mortar composition.
They used radiocarbon dating on wooden beams found in the structures.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Archaeologists working at a Bronze Age settlement needed to establish the chronological sequence of different building phases across the excavation site." |
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| "Dr. James Chen and his team determined that the eastern structures predated the western complex by several centuries through careful analysis of construction materials and techniques found in each area." |
|
| "The researchers established the relative dating of architectural features by examining pottery fragments embedded in foundation layers, measuring the depth of artifact deposits, and analyzing the composition of mortar samples from different wall sections." |
|
| "Structures with deeper artifact layers and primitive pottery styles were classified as earlier constructions, while those with shallower deposits and refined ceramic fragments indicated later building periods." |
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Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeologists determined the relative age of Bronze Age structures by analyzing pottery fragments, artifact depths, and mortar composition to establish that eastern buildings were centuries older than western ones.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from research problem to solution. First, we learn archaeologists needed to sequence building phases. Then we get the key finding that eastern structures are older. Finally, we learn the three-method approach they used and how they interpreted the evidence to make these age determinations.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? How the researchers determined the relative age of architectural structures
What type of answer do we need? The specific methods or techniques used
Any limiting keywords? "According to the text" means we need to stick strictly to what's stated
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer needs to match the three specific methods mentioned in the passage
- Examining pottery fragments in foundation layers
- Measuring artifact deposit depths
- Analyzing mortar composition
- These were the tools the researchers used to establish which structures were older or newer
They compared the overall size and complexity of different building foundations.
- Claims they compared building size and complexity
- The passage never mentions analyzing the overall size or structural complexity
They consulted historical records about construction dates in the region.
- Says they used historical records about construction dates
- The passage describes archaeological analysis, not consulting existing records
They examined pottery fragments, artifact depths, and mortar composition.
- Directly matches the three methods stated in the passage: pottery fragments, artifact depths, and mortar composition
- This perfectly aligns with our prethinking about the three-part methodology
They used radiocarbon dating on wooden beams found in the structures.
- Mentions radiocarbon dating on wooden beams
- The passage describes analysis of pottery, artifacts, and mortar with no mention of wood or radiocarbon dating