Dr. Elena Rodriguez and her archaeological team determined that ancient Mayan settlements in Guatemala's Petén region were far more densely...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Dr. Elena Rodriguez and her archaeological team determined that ancient Mayan settlements in Guatemala's Petén region were far more densely populated than previously estimated. The researchers combined traditional ground surveys with advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to penetrate the jungle canopy. Using LiDAR, the team mapped extensive urban networks, agricultural terraces, and defensive fortifications that had been invisible to conventional archaeological methods. Rodriguez and colleagues found that the population estimates for this region should be increased by approximately 300%.
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?
To outline an archaeological discovery and describe the methods that led to that finding
To compare the effectiveness of traditional ground surveys with modern LiDAR technology
To argue that previous population estimates of Mayan settlements were methodologically flawed
To suggest that LiDAR technology should replace conventional archaeological surveying methods
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Elena Rodriguez and her archaeological team determined that ancient Mayan settlements in Guatemala's Petén region were far more densely populated than previously estimated." |
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| "The researchers combined traditional ground surveys with advanced LiDAR technology to penetrate the jungle canopy." |
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| "Using LiDAR, the team mapped extensive urban networks, agricultural terraces, and defensive fortifications that had been invisible to conventional archaeological methods." |
|
| "Rodriguez and colleagues found that the population estimates for this region should be increased by approximately 300%." |
|
Main Point: Dr. Rodriguez's team discovered that ancient Mayan settlements were much more densely populated than previously thought by using LiDAR technology combined with traditional methods.
Argument Flow: The passage opens with the discovery, then explains the methodology that made it possible, provides specific details about what was found, and concludes with the quantified significance of the finding.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A description of what the passage is trying to accomplish overall
Any limiting keywords? Main purpose means we need the primary goal, not secondary elements
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage is structured to present a discovery and explain how it was made
- The right answer should acknowledge both the discovery itself and the methods that enabled it
To outline an archaeological discovery and describe the methods that led to that finding
- Captures both key elements - the discovery and the methods
- Matches the passage structure of discovery announcement, method explanation, findings, and impact
To compare the effectiveness of traditional ground surveys with modern LiDAR technology
- Focuses only on comparing methods rather than presenting the discovery
- The passage shows methods working together, not against each other
To argue that previous population estimates of Mayan settlements were methodologically flawed
- Makes the passage sound critical of previous methods when it actually presents new findings
- Confuses new information with methodological flaws
To suggest that LiDAR technology should replace conventional archaeological surveying methods
- Goes beyond what the passage argues by advocating for replacement rather than showing collaboration between old and new methods