During the World War II era, some Mexican American women adopted a striking new look called pachuca style. They wore...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
During the World War II era, some Mexican American women adopted a striking new look called pachuca style. They wore altered men's jackets or zoot suits (wide-legged, long-coated suits) and dramatic makeup, and they combed their hair into high, rounded shapes. Some people criticized pachuca style, saying it was dangerous and women should dress traditionally. But historians see things differently. They see pachuca style as a form of rebellion against the era's rigid social expectations for women. They say that it showed a desire for self-expression and freedom on the part of women who adopted the style.
According to the text, how do historians view pachuca style?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "During the World War II era, some Mexican American women adopted a striking new look called pachuca style." |
|
| "They wore altered men's jackets or zoot suits (wide-legged, long-coated suits) and dramatic makeup, and they combed their hair into high, rounded shapes." |
|
| "Some people criticized pachuca style, saying it was dangerous and women should dress traditionally." |
|
| "But historians see things differently." |
|
| "They see pachuca style as a form of rebellion against the era's rigid social expectations for women." |
|
| "They say that it showed a desire for self-expression and freedom on the part of women who adopted the style." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Historians view pachuca style as a form of rebellion that allowed Mexican American women to express themselves and resist rigid social expectations during the WWII era.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces pachuca style as a new look adopted by Mexican American women during WWII, describes its distinctive features, acknowledges that some people criticized it, but then contrasts this with historians' more positive interpretation of the style as rebellious self-expression against social constraints.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? How historians view pachuca style according to the text
What type of answer do we need? The historians' specific interpretation or perspective
Any limiting keywords? "According to the text" - must be directly stated in the passage
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should capture historians' view that pachuca style was a way for Mexican American women to rebel against rigid social expectations and express their desire for freedom
- Claims pachuca style continues to influence fashion today
- The passage never mentions anything about ongoing influence or modern fashion
- Matches exactly what historians say in the passage
- Includes both key elements: expressing themselves and resisting strict social expectations
- Claims pachuca style showed support for the United States during WWII
- The passage never connects pachuca style to patriotism or war support
- Suggests historians compared pachuca style to other fashion trends by different groups
- The passage doesn't mention any comparisons to other groups or trends