As more archaeological evidence accumulated supporting the existence of advanced metallurgy in ancient Peru, the sophisticated bronze-working techniqu...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
As more archaeological evidence accumulated supporting the existence of advanced metallurgy in ancient Peru, the sophisticated bronze-working techniques once dismissed by historians became increasingly ______.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
rudimentary
credible
derivative
contentious
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "As more archaeological evidence accumulated supporting the existence of advanced metallurgy in ancient Peru," |
|
| "the sophisticated bronze-working techniques once dismissed by historians" |
|
| "became increasingly ______." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: As archaeological evidence mounted, bronze-working techniques that historians had previously dismissed underwent a change in perception.
Argument Flow: The sentence presents a cause-and-effect relationship where mounting archaeological evidence leads to a shift in how previously dismissed techniques are now viewed. The missing word captures this transformation in perception.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The word must show how the techniques changed as evidence accumulated
- It should reflect a shift from dismissal (negative) to acceptance (positive)
- The logical flow is: more evidence supporting advanced metallurgy leads to techniques once dismissed becoming increasingly more accepted/believable
rudimentary
✗ Incorrect
- "Rudimentary" means basic or primitive
- This contradicts the passage - if evidence shows advanced metallurgy, techniques wouldn't become more basic
- Creates illogical progression from "sophisticated" and "advanced" to "rudimentary"
credible
✓ Correct
- "Credible" means believable or worthy of acceptance
- Perfectly captures the logical shift from dismissal to acceptance
- Creates coherent flow: evidence accumulated leads to dismissed techniques becoming increasingly believable
derivative
✗ Incorrect
- "Derivative" means copied from or based on something else
- Doesn't address the relationship between evidence and changing perception
- The issue isn't about originality but about believability
contentious
✗ Incorrect
- "Contentious" means controversial or disputed
- Would suggest the techniques remain debated rather than accepted
- This is a trap - students might think more evidence would create more debate, but the passage shows evidence supporting the techniques