During Rome's republican period, which ended in the first century BCE, libraries were predominantly owned by wealthy individuals who tightly...

GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions

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Craft and Structure

Text Structure and Purpose

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During Rome's republican period, which ended in the first century BCE, libraries were predominantly owned by wealthy individuals who tightly controlled access to their book collections. The first public library became available in Rome in 28 BCE and was soon followed by one commissioned by Emperor Augustus. As modern scholar Fabio Fernandes notes, however, these two traditions aren't as distinct as they seem, as both the emperor and the private library owners viewed their libraries as extensions of their personal patronage, just on vastly differing scales.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

To give a brief overview of public access to libraries throughout Rome's republican period

To contend that early imperial leaders in Rome wielded too much influence over libraries

To assert that private and early public libraries in ancient Rome had an essential similarity

To call into question the notion that private Roman libraries disappeared during the first century BCE

Solution

Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage

Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table

Text from Passage	Analysis
"During Rome's republican period, which ended in the first century BCE, libraries were predominantly owned by wealthy individuals who tightly controlled access to their book collections."	What it says: Republican period (ended 1st cent BCE): libraries = wealthy owners, tight access control What it does: Establishes historical context about library ownership What it is: Background/context
"The first public library became available in Rome in 28 BCE and was soon followed by one commissioned by Emperor Augustus."	What it says: 1st public library = 28 BCE, Augustus commissioned another What it does: Introduces new development that contrasts with private ownership What it is: Historical development
"As modern scholar Fabio Fernandes notes, however, these two traditions aren't as distinct as they seem, as both the emperor and the private library owners viewed their libraries as extensions of their personal patronage, just on vastly differing scales."	What it says: Fernandes: private vs public not so different = both personal patronage (diff scales) What it does: Presents expert analysis that reframes the apparent contrast What it is: Scholarly interpretation/main claim

Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements

Main Point: Despite appearing different, private libraries during Rome's republican period and early public imperial libraries were fundamentally similar because both operated as extensions of personal patronage.

Argument Flow: The passage sets up what seems like a clear transition from private to public libraries, but then uses scholarly analysis to reveal that this apparent change masked an underlying continuity—both types were really about personal patronage, just at different scales.

Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely

What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? The central goal or function the author had in writing this passage
Any limiting keywords? "Main purpose" means we need the overarching intent, not a side point

Step 3: Prethink the Answer

The passage follows a specific pattern: it presents what looks like a major shift (from private to public libraries), but then reveals through scholarly analysis that there's actually an essential similarity underneath (both are personal patronage)
The main purpose isn't just to describe these library types—it's to highlight this deeper connection that might not be obvious at first glance
The right answer should emphasize the similarity or connection between private and public libraries, particularly focusing on how they're more alike than they appear

Answer Choices Explained

To give a brief overview of public access to libraries throughout Rome's republican period

• ✗ Incorrect - Focuses on "public access throughout Rome's republican period" but the passage barely discusses public access and doesn't give an overview of the entire republican period

The passage is more focused on the relationship between private and public libraries than on access patterns

To contend that early imperial leaders in Rome wielded too much influence over libraries

• ✗ Incorrect - Claims the passage argues imperial leaders had "too much influence" but the passage doesn't make a value judgment about whether influence was excessive

Fernandes's point is about similarity, not about problematic power dynamics

To assert that private and early public libraries in ancient Rome had an essential similarity

• ✓ Correct - Perfectly captures the passage's main argument through Fernandes's analysis

The word "assert" matches how the passage presents Fernandes's scholarly interpretation
"Essential similarity" directly corresponds to the patronage connection despite "vastly differing scales"
This choice reflects the passage's core structure: apparent difference then revealed similarity

To call into question the notion that private Roman libraries disappeared during the first century BCE

• ✗ Incorrect - Focuses on private libraries "disappearing," which isn't discussed

The passage doesn't question any notion about library disappearance

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