Art historians study how cultural movements develop and spread across regions and time periods. One approach to this analysis has...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Art historians study how cultural movements develop and spread across regions and time periods. One approach to this analysis has gained particular prominence in recent decades. This method is termed 'cultural diffusion theory.' Cultural diffusion theory examines how artistic styles, techniques, and ideas migrate from one culture to another through trade routes, migration patterns, and cross-cultural contact. Art historian Dr. Elena Rodriguez applied this framework to study Renaissance artistic techniques in Northern Europe. Her research revealed that oil painting methods, previously associated only with Flemish masters, had actually originated in earlier Byzantine traditions. Cultural diffusion theory helped explain this unexpected artistic lineage across centuries.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It establishes a theoretical framework that guides the subsequent analysis.
It highlights the complexity of Dr. Rodriguez's research methodology.
It presents Dr. Rodriguez's conclusions about artistic origins.
It contrasts two different approaches to art historical study.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Art historians study how cultural movements develop and spread across regions and time periods.' |
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| 'One approach to this analysis has gained particular prominence in recent decades.' |
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| 'This method is termed 'cultural diffusion theory.'' |
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| 'Cultural diffusion theory examines how artistic styles, techniques, and ideas migrate from one culture to another through trade routes, migration patterns, and cross-cultural contact.' |
|
| 'Art historian Dr. Elena Rodriguez applied this framework to study Renaissance artistic techniques in Northern Europe.' |
|
| 'Her research revealed that oil painting methods, previously associated only with Flemish masters, had actually originated in earlier Byzantine traditions.' |
|
| 'Cultural diffusion theory helped explain this unexpected artistic lineage across centuries.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Cultural diffusion theory provides a valuable framework for art historians to understand how artistic techniques and styles spread across cultures and time periods.
Argument Flow: The passage begins by establishing the broader context of art historical study, then introduces and names a specific theoretical approach that has gained importance. After defining what this theory examines, it demonstrates the theory's value through Dr. Rodriguez's research, which used the framework to uncover surprising connections in Renaissance art history.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the underlined portion ('This method is termed 'cultural diffusion theory.'') in relation to the text as a whole.
What type of answer do we need? We need to identify what role or purpose this specific sentence serves within the overall passage structure and argument.
Any limiting keywords? 'Function' tells us we're looking at purpose/role, and 'in the text as a whole' means we need to consider how this sentence serves the entire passage, not just its immediate context.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The underlined portion comes right after the passage introduces 'one approach' that has gained prominence
- The underlined sentence gives this approach its specific name: 'cultural diffusion theory'
- The entire rest of the passage is built around this theory - defining it, showing how Dr. Rodriguez applied it, and demonstrating its explanatory power
- The underlined portion serves to identify and name the theoretical framework that the passage will then explore and demonstrate
- It's the pivot point where we move from 'some approach' to 'this specific theory' that drives everything that follows
- The right answer should recognize that this sentence establishes the theoretical framework that guides the subsequent analysis and examples
It establishes a theoretical framework that guides the subsequent analysis.
✓ Correct
- This perfectly captures what the underlined portion does - it establishes cultural diffusion theory as the theoretical framework
- Everything that follows in the passage (the definition, Dr. Rodriguez's application, the explanatory success) is guided by this framework
- Matches our prethinking exactly about the sentence serving as the foundation for the subsequent analysis
It highlights the complexity of Dr. Rodriguez's research methodology.
✗ Incorrect
- This choice focuses on the complexity of Dr. Rodriguez's methodology
- The underlined portion doesn't highlight complexity - it simply names the theory
- Dr. Rodriguez and her research methods aren't even introduced until later in the passage
It presents Dr. Rodriguez's conclusions about artistic origins.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the underlined portion presents conclusions about artistic origins
- The underlined portion just names the theory - Dr. Rodriguez's actual conclusions about oil painting origins come much later
- Students might confuse the framework identification with the research findings that come from applying the framework
It contrasts two different approaches to art historical study.
✗ Incorrect
- This implies the sentence contrasts two different approaches
- The underlined portion doesn't contrast anything - it identifies and names the single approach mentioned in the previous sentence
- There's no second approach presented for comparison anywhere in the passage