During her research activities, an archaeologist has gathered the following details:Dr. Maria Rodriguez directs excavation projects for the archaeolog...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
During her research activities, an archaeologist has gathered the following details:
- Dr. Maria Rodriguez directs excavation projects for the archaeology department at the University of Barcelona.
- Rodriguez's research team has recently unearthed a Phoenician commercial ship dating back 3,000 years.
- This ship constitutes the most intact specimen of ancient Mediterranean nautical engineering ever found.
- The find occurred during underwater archaeological work conducted off Sicily's coastline.
The archaeologist seeks to indicate where the Phoenician ship was found.
Which option best utilizes the available information to achieve this objective?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, affiliated with the University of Barcelona, directs an archaeological research team.
The Phoenician commercial ship was found off Sicily's coastline.
Rodriguez's research team has recently discovered the most intact specimen of ancient Mediterranean nautical engineering.
The ship, dating back 3,000 years, constitutes important archaeological evidence from the Phoenician era.
Looking at this rhetorical synthesis question, I need to help the student understand how to identify which option best achieves the stated goal using the available research notes.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Dr. Maria Rodriguez directs excavation projects for the archaeology department at the University of Barcelona. |
|
| Rodriguez's research team has recently unearthed a Phoenician commercial ship dating back 3,000 years. |
|
| This ship constitutes the most intact specimen of ancient Mediterranean nautical engineering ever found. |
|
| The find occurred during underwater archaeological work conducted off Sicily's coastline. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Rodriguez's team discovered an exceptionally well-preserved ancient Phoenician ship off Sicily's coast.
Argument Flow: The information starts by establishing Rodriguez's credentials, then presents the major discovery her team made, explains why this discovery is historically significant, and finally provides the specific location where it was found.
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 right answer should clearly state that the Phoenician ship was found off Sicily's coastline, as this directly addresses the goal of indicating where the ship was found
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, affiliated with the University of Barcelona, directs an archaeological research team.
✗ Incorrect
- States Rodriguez's affiliation with University of Barcelona but doesn't mention the location of the find at all
The Phoenician commercial ship was found off Sicily's coastline.
✓ Correct
- Directly states the Phoenician commercial ship was found off Sicily's coastline, perfectly matching the goal of indicating where the discovery occurred
Rodriguez's research team has recently discovered the most intact specimen of ancient Mediterranean nautical engineering.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on what was discovered rather than where, providing no location information
The ship, dating back 3,000 years, constitutes important archaeological evidence from the Phoenician era.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions the age and significance of the ship but not the location