While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Sarah Chen led an archaeological expedition to examine ancient...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
Dr. Sarah Chen led an archaeological expedition to examine ancient settlements in Peru's Nazca region. Her team discovered a previously unknown ceremonial complex that showed evidence of sophisticated astronomical alignments. Carbon dating analysis of organic materials found at the site indicated the complex was constructed around 800 CE. The discovery was significant because it provided new insights into pre-Columbian astronomical knowledge. Chen's findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, establishing the site as one of the most important recent discoveries in South American archaeology.
The student wants to determine when the ceremonial complex was built. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Sarah Chen's archaeological expedition in Peru's Nazca region led to the discovery of a ceremonial complex with sophisticated astronomical alignments.
Carbon dating analysis indicated that the ceremonial complex discovered by Dr. Chen's team was constructed around 800 CE.
The ceremonial complex discovered in Peru provided new insights into pre-Columbian astronomical knowledge and was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
Dr. Chen's findings established the site as one of the most important recent discoveries in South American archaeology.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen led an archaeological expedition to examine ancient settlements in Peru's Nazca region.' |
|
| 'Her team discovered a previously unknown ceremonial complex that showed evidence of sophisticated astronomical alignments.' |
|
| 'Carbon dating analysis of organic materials found at the site indicated the complex was constructed around 800 CE.' |
|
| 'The discovery was significant because it provided new insights into pre-Columbian astronomical knowledge.' |
|
| 'Chen's findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, establishing the site as one of the most important recent discoveries in South American archaeology.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's archaeological team discovered an important ceremonial complex in Peru that provides new insights into ancient astronomical knowledge.
Argument Flow: The notes begin by establishing the research context and team, then present the key discovery of a ceremonial complex with advanced features. Scientific dating places the construction at 800 CE, and the passage concludes by emphasizing the discovery's significance through publication and recognition in the archaeological community.
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
- From our analysis, we know the student's goal is specifically to determine when the complex was built
- Looking at our notes breakdown, only one piece of information directly addresses timing: the carbon dating analysis that indicated construction around 800 CE
- The right answer must include this specific dating information since it's the only content in the notes that actually tells us when the complex was constructed
Dr. Sarah Chen's archaeological expedition in Peru's Nazca region led to the discovery of a ceremonial complex with sophisticated astronomical alignments.
- Mentions the expedition, discovery, and astronomical alignments
- Provides no timing or dating information whatsoever
- Doesn't accomplish the goal of determining when the complex was built
Carbon dating analysis indicated that the ceremonial complex discovered by Dr. Chen's team was constructed around 800 CE.
- Directly states the carbon dating analysis indicated construction around 800 CE
- This is exactly the information needed to determine when the complex was built
- Perfectly matches our prethinking about what information accomplishes the stated goal
The ceremonial complex discovered in Peru provided new insights into pre-Columbian astronomical knowledge and was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
- Focuses on the insights about pre-Columbian knowledge and publication details
- Contains no dating or timing information
- Students might think insights about pre-Columbian astronomical knowledge somehow addresses timing, but this describes the discovery's significance, not when it was built
Dr. Chen's findings established the site as one of the most important recent discoveries in South American archaeology.
- Discusses the importance and recognition of the discovery
- Provides no construction date or timing information
- Completely misses the specific goal of determining when the complex was built