While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The excavation of the ancient Maya site at El Caracol...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The excavation of the ancient Maya site at El Caracol was led by archaeologists Dr. Elena Vasquez and Dr. James Park between 2018 and 2021.
- The dig uncovered significant artifacts that shed new light on Maya trade relationships with neighboring civilizations.
- Vasquez directed the initial surveying phase, using ground-penetrating radar to map underground structures and identify excavation priorities.
- Park supervised the careful excavation and documentation of artifacts once digging commenced.
- Vasquez's survey work revealed the location of a previously unknown ceremonial complex beneath the main plaza.
- Park's systematic excavation of this complex yielded jade ornaments and obsidian tools that provided evidence of extensive trade networks.
The student wants to show how the archaeologists' work built upon each other chronologically. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Vasquez directed the surveying phase using ground-penetrating radar, while Park supervised the excavation and documentation of artifacts.
Vasquez's initial survey work revealed the ceremonial complex location, which Park then systematically excavated to uncover trade evidence.
Both archaeologists contributed to the El Caracol excavation, though Vasquez focused on surveying and Park focused on artifact documentation.
The excavation yielded significant artifacts, with Vasquez using radar technology and Park conducting systematic documentation.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| The excavation of the ancient Maya site at El Caracol was led by archaeologists Dr. Elena Vasquez and Dr. James Park between 2018 and 2021. |
|
| The dig uncovered significant artifacts that shed new light on Maya trade relationships with neighboring civilizations. |
|
| Vasquez directed the initial surveying phase, using ground-penetrating radar to map underground structures and identify excavation priorities. |
|
| Park supervised the careful excavation and documentation of artifacts once digging commenced. |
|
| Vasquez's survey work revealed the location of a previously unknown ceremonial complex beneath the main plaza. |
|
| Park's systematic excavation of this complex yielded jade ornaments and obsidian tools that provided evidence of extensive trade networks. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The El Caracol excavation was a collaborative effort where Vasquez's initial surveying work identified key locations that Park then systematically excavated to uncover important Maya trade artifacts.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the overall excavation context, then detail how the two archaeologists worked in sequence—Vasquez's surveying phase identified a ceremonial complex location, which Park then excavated to yield significant trade evidence.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? How the two archaeologists' contributions connected in time sequence, with one building on the other's work
What type of answer do we need? A chronological progression showing specific connection between their contributions
Any limiting keywords? The terms chronologically and built upon each other indicate not just parallel work, but sequential work where one person's results enabled or informed the other's
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should show a clear time sequence between Vasquez's and Park's contributions
- It should demonstrate how Park's work specifically depended on or built from Vasquez's results
- It should reference the specific connection: Vasquez found the ceremonial complex location, then Park excavated that same location
Vasquez directed the surveying phase using ground-penetrating radar, while Park supervised the excavation and documentation of artifacts.
Systematically
✗ Incorrect
- Shows both archaeologists working in their respective roles but presents them as parallel activities
- Doesn't demonstrate chronological building - just shows simultaneous different responsibilities
- Missing the specific connection of how one person's work enabled the other's
Vasquez's initial survey work revealed the ceremonial complex location, which Park then systematically excavated to uncover trade evidence.
Systematically
✓ Correct
- Shows clear chronological progression: Vasquez's survey work happened first and revealed the ceremonial complex location
- Demonstrates building: Park then systematically excavated that specific location that Vasquez had identified
- Matches our prethinking perfectly by showing the specific connection between their contributions
Both archaeologists contributed to the El Caracol excavation, though Vasquez focused on surveying and Park focused on artifact documentation.
Systematically
✗ Incorrect
- Describes their different focuses but doesn't show chronological progression
- Uses though which suggests contrast rather than building upon each other
- Doesn't demonstrate how their work connected sequentially
The excavation yielded significant artifacts, with Vasquez using radar technology and Park conducting systematic documentation.
Systematically
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on the overall results and their different techniques
- Doesn't show chronological progression or how their work built upon each other
- Lists their contributions as separate accomplishments rather than connected sequence