While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Çatalhöyük Research Project is an ongoing archaeological study that...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Çatalhöyük Research Project is an ongoing archaeological study that began in 1993.
- Located in central Turkey, Çatalhöyük is one of the world's earliest known urban settlements, dating to approximately 7500 BCE.
- The project's primary objective is to document and preserve the site's unique Neolithic architecture and artifacts.
- Researchers employ advanced 3D scanning technology combined with traditional excavation methods to create comprehensive digital records.
- The project uses non-invasive ground-penetrating radar to map subsurface structures before excavation begins.
- The digital documentation allows scholars worldwide to study the site remotely and helps preserve fragile archaeological evidence.
The student wants to present the project's purpose and approach. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dedicated to documenting and preserving Neolithic architecture and artifacts, the Çatalhöyük Research Project employs advanced 3D scanning technology combined with ground-penetrating radar and traditional excavation methods.
The Çatalhöyük Research Project, which began in 1993, focuses on one of the world's earliest urban settlements dating to approximately 7500 BCE.
Using non-invasive ground-penetrating radar and 3D scanning technology, the Çatalhöyük Research Project creates digital records that scholars worldwide can access.
Located in central Turkey, Çatalhöyük represents a unique Neolithic settlement that researchers have been studying since 1993 using both traditional and advanced technological methods.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Çatalhöyük Research Project is an ongoing archaeological study that began in 1993." |
|
| "Located in central Turkey, Çatalhöyük is one of the world's earliest known urban settlements, dating to approximately 7500 BCE." |
|
| "The project's primary objective is to document and preserve the site's unique Neolithic architecture and artifacts." |
|
| "Researchers employ advanced 3D scanning technology combined with traditional excavation methods to create comprehensive digital records." |
|
| "The project uses non-invasive ground-penetrating radar to map subsurface structures before excavation begins." |
|
| "The digital documentation allows scholars worldwide to study the site remotely and helps preserve fragile archaeological evidence." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Çatalhöyük Research Project combines traditional and advanced technological methods to document and preserve one of the world's earliest urban settlements.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the project's background and significance, clearly state its primary objective of documentation and preservation, detail the specific technological and traditional methods employed, and conclude by explaining how these approaches benefit the broader scholarly community and archaeological preservation efforts.
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
- Based on our analysis, the correct answer needs to include:
- The project's purpose: documenting and preserving Neolithic architecture and artifacts
- The project's approach: the specific methods mentioned - 3D scanning technology, ground-penetrating radar, and traditional excavation methods
- These elements should be combined in a way that directly addresses the student's goal
- So the right answer should clearly state the project's documentation/preservation purpose while also specifying the technological and traditional methods it uses to accomplish this goal.
Dedicated to documenting and preserving Neolithic architecture and artifacts, the Çatalhöyük Research Project employs advanced 3D scanning technology combined with ground-penetrating radar and traditional excavation methods.
✓ Correct
- This choice directly states the purpose ("documenting and preserving Neolithic architecture and artifacts") from our third bullet point
- It includes the key technological approaches: "advanced 3D scanning technology," "ground-penetrating radar," and "traditional excavation methods"
- This perfectly matches our prethinking by addressing both the purpose and approach as requested
The Çatalhöyük Research Project, which began in 1993, focuses on one of the world's earliest urban settlements dating to approximately 7500 BCE.
✗ Incorrect
- This choice focuses on background information (start date, site significance) rather than purpose and approach
- While it mentions the project "focuses on" the settlement, it doesn't specify what the project actually aims to accomplish or how it works
- What trap this represents: Students might choose this because it sounds comprehensive with dates and historical context, but it doesn't answer what was actually asked for
Using non-invasive ground-penetrating radar and 3D scanning technology, the Çatalhöyük Research Project creates digital records that scholars worldwide can access.
✗ Incorrect
- This mentions some methods (radar and 3D scanning) and an outcome (digital records for global access)
- However, it doesn't clearly state the primary purpose of documentation and preservation
- What trap this represents: Students might think this covers "approach" since it mentions technology, but it focuses more on outcomes rather than the core purpose
Located in central Turkey, Çatalhöyük represents a unique Neolithic settlement that researchers have been studying since 1993 using both traditional and advanced technological methods.
✗ Incorrect
- This choice describes the site itself and mentions general "traditional and advanced technological methods"
- It doesn't specify the project's purpose or the specific methods used
- The focus is on the settlement rather than the research project's goals and approach