While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:During the 1920s, historian Mary Beard examined previously unstudied correspondence...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
During the 1920s, historian Mary Beard examined previously unstudied correspondence in the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library. She initially questioned whether certain unsigned letters were authentic Hayes documents or later forgeries. Beard applied handwriting analysis techniques, comparing letter formations and ink composition with verified Hayes samples. Her analysis revealed that the questioned documents contained consistent pen pressure patterns and period-appropriate iron gall ink matching authenticated Hayes letters. She determined that the correspondence represented genuine Hayes writings that had been overlooked by earlier scholars.
The student wants to present Beard's research and her discoveries. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
During the 1920s, Beard examined Hayes correspondence and initially questioned whether certain letters were authentic documents or forgeries.
In her 1920s research, Beard used handwriting analysis and ink composition studies to examine questioned Hayes letters, discovering that consistent pen pressure patterns and period-appropriate materials confirmed the documents as genuine overlooked writings.
Beard's examination of Hayes correspondence in the 1920s focused on previously unstudied materials in the presidential library.
In the 1920s, Beard applied handwriting analysis techniques to Hayes correspondence, comparing letter formations with verified samples.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "During the 1920s, historian Mary Beard examined previously unstudied correspondence in the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library." |
|
| "She initially questioned whether certain unsigned letters were authentic Hayes documents or later forgeries." |
|
| "Beard applied handwriting analysis techniques, comparing letter formations and ink composition with verified Hayes samples." |
|
| "Her analysis revealed that the questioned documents contained consistent pen pressure patterns and period-appropriate iron gall ink matching authenticated Hayes letters." |
|
| "She determined that the correspondence represented genuine Hayes writings that had been overlooked by earlier scholars." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Mary Beard used scientific analysis techniques in the 1920s to authenticate previously questioned Hayes correspondence, determining they were genuine overlooked documents.
Argument Flow: The passage follows a classic research narrative - establishing the context and problem, describing the methodology, presenting findings, and drawing conclusions. Beard moved from initial skepticism about unsigned letters to scientific verification through handwriting and ink analysis, ultimately discovering genuine historical documents.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to present Beard's research and her discoveries.
What type of answer do we need? A choice that incorporates information about both her research methods AND her discoveries/findings.
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" means we need the choice that best accomplishes the dual goal, and "relevant information" means we need actual details from the notes, not vague summaries.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer needs to include both aspects mentioned in the goal: Beard's research methods (handwriting analysis, ink composition comparison) and her discoveries/findings (what the analysis revealed and her conclusions)
- The answer should efficiently combine her methodology with her results to show both the scientific approach and the historical significance of what she found
During the 1920s, Beard examined Hayes correspondence and initially questioned whether certain letters were authentic documents or forgeries.
- Only covers the initial questioning phase of her work
- Completely omits her research methods and analytical techniques
- Provides no information about her discoveries or conclusions
In her 1920s research, Beard used handwriting analysis and ink composition studies to examine questioned Hayes letters, discovering that consistent pen pressure patterns and period-appropriate materials confirmed the documents as genuine overlooked writings.
- Includes her research methods: "handwriting analysis and ink composition studies"
- Details her discoveries: "consistent pen pressure patterns and period-appropriate materials confirmed the documents as genuine overlooked writings"
- Efficiently combines methodology with findings and directly addresses both components of the student's goal using specific relevant information from the notes
Beard's examination of Hayes correspondence in the 1920s focused on previously unstudied materials in the presidential library.
- Only mentions what she examined (the correspondence and library context)
- Omits both her analytical methods and her discoveries
- Too focused on the setting rather than the research process and results
In the 1920s, Beard applied handwriting analysis techniques to Hayes correspondence, comparing letter formations with verified samples.
- Covers her research method (handwriting analysis and comparison techniques)
- Completely omits her discoveries and conclusions
- Only addresses half of the student's stated goal