During a comprehensive study of medieval manuscript collections, researchers at Oxford University encountered an intriguing puzzle. Three illuminated ...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
During a comprehensive study of medieval manuscript collections, researchers at Oxford University encountered an intriguing puzzle. Three illuminated manuscripts housed in different European libraries were attributed to various monastic scriptoriums in their catalog records. However, detailed analysis of the ink composition, parchment materials, and distinctive artistic techniques revealed that all three manuscripts shared identical characteristics that could only have originated from the same workshop. The manuscripts also contained matching scribal errors and used identical pigment combinations unique to a specific region of medieval France. Given this evidence, the researchers concluded that _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
these manuscripts were probably created in the same French scriptorium despite their different attributions.
medieval monasteries commonly shared materials and techniques across different regions.
at least one of these manuscripts was likely copied from another manuscript in the collection.
the manuscripts represent different stages of artistic development within French scriptoriums.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'During a comprehensive study of medieval manuscript collections, researchers at Oxford University encountered an intriguing puzzle.' |
|
| 'Three illuminated manuscripts housed in different European libraries were attributed to various monastic scriptoriums in their catalog records.' |
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| 'However, detailed analysis of the ink composition, parchment materials, and distinctive artistic techniques revealed that all three manuscripts shared identical characteristics that could only have originated from the same workshop.' |
|
| 'The manuscripts also contained matching scribal errors and used identical pigment combinations unique to a specific region of medieval France.' |
|
| 'Given this evidence, the researchers concluded that _____' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Physical analysis of three manuscripts contradicts their different catalog attributions by showing they must have come from the same French workshop.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a research puzzle where official records show three manuscripts from different origins, but scientific analysis reveals identical characteristics that could only come from one workshop, leading to a conclusion that contradicts the original attributions.
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 evidence clearly shows that despite different catalog attributions, all three manuscripts have identical characteristics that could only come from the same workshop
- Plus, they share unique features specific to medieval France
- So the logical conclusion should acknowledge that the original attributions were wrong and these manuscripts actually came from the same French scriptorium
these manuscripts were probably created in the same French scriptorium despite their different attributions.
✓ Correct
- Directly follows from the evidence that identical characteristics could only have originated from the same workshop
- Addresses the contradiction between evidence and different attributions mentioned in the catalog records
- Incorporates the French region detail from the pigment evidence
medieval monasteries commonly shared materials and techniques across different regions.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a broad generalization about medieval monastery practices
- Does not address the specific puzzle these researchers encountered
- This trap leads students to think this explains why manuscripts share characteristics, but it ignores that evidence points to one specific workshop
at least one of these manuscripts was likely copied from another manuscript in the collection.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests copying between manuscripts rather than common origin
- Does not explain why all three would have identical workshop characteristics
- This trap confuses copying content with sharing production origin
the manuscripts represent different stages of artistic development within French scriptoriums.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims manuscripts show different stages when evidence emphasizes identical characteristics
- Directly contradicts the key finding of shared identical features
- Misses the point about contradicting the original different attributions