For decades, archaeologists believed that complex urban planning in ancient Mesoamerica was limited to major ceremonial centers like Teotihuacan and...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
For decades, archaeologists believed that complex urban planning in ancient Mesoamerica was limited to major ceremonial centers like Teotihuacan and Tikal. This assumption remained largely unchallenged until 2018, when a team led by archaeologist Marcello Canuto used LiDAR technology to survey the Guatemalan rainforest. The aerial laser scanning revealed an extensive network of previously unknown roads, canals, and fortifications connecting dozens of Maya settlements. These discoveries provided conclusive proof that sophisticated infrastructure planning extended far beyond the major ceremonial sites previously studied.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
LiDAR technology has revolutionized archaeological survey methods in tropical environments.
Archaeologists have obtained conclusive proof that ancient Maya urban planning was far more extensive than previously believed.
The Maya settlements discovered in Guatemala feature more sophisticated infrastructure than major sites like Teotihuacan.
Complex urban planning in ancient Mesoamerica was primarily concentrated in ceremonial centers rather than residential areas.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'For decades, archaeologists believed that complex urban planning in ancient Mesoamerica was limited to major ceremonial centers like Teotihuacan and Tikal.' |
|
| 'This assumption remained largely unchallenged until 2018, when a team led by archaeologist Marcello Canuto used LiDAR technology to survey the Guatemalan rainforest.' |
|
| 'The aerial laser scanning revealed an extensive network of previously unknown roads, canals, and fortifications connecting dozens of Maya settlements.' |
|
| 'These discoveries provided conclusive proof that sophisticated infrastructure planning extended far beyond the major ceremonial sites previously studied.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeological discoveries using LiDAR technology have proven that ancient Maya urban planning was far more extensive and sophisticated than previously believed.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from describing a long-held archaeological assumption about limited urban planning in Mesoamerica, to introducing new LiDAR technology that challenged this view, to presenting the specific discoveries that provided conclusive evidence of much more widespread sophisticated infrastructure planning than scholars had realized.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the central message or most important point of the passage
Any limiting keywords? 'best states' - we need the choice that most accurately and completely represents the main idea
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer should capture how new archaeological evidence has changed our understanding of ancient Maya urban planning
- Specifically, it should mention that archaeologists now have proof that Maya urban planning was much more extensive than they previously thought
- The answer should focus on the shift in archaeological understanding rather than just the technology itself or specific details about the settlements
- So the right answer should tell us that archaeologists have discovered evidence showing ancient Maya urban planning was more widespread than previously believed
LiDAR technology has revolutionized archaeological survey methods in tropical environments.
- Focuses on LiDAR technology revolutionizing survey methods
- While LiDAR is mentioned, the passage's main point isn't about technological advancement in archaeology
- Misses the key discovery about Maya urban planning extent
Archaeologists have obtained conclusive proof that ancient Maya urban planning was far more extensive than previously believed.
- Directly matches our prethinking - focuses on archaeologists obtaining proof about Maya urban planning
- Captures the key shift from previous beliefs to new evidence
- 'Far more extensive than previously believed' perfectly summarizes the passage's central message
- Includes both the discovery aspect and the contrast with earlier understanding
The Maya settlements discovered in Guatemala feature more sophisticated infrastructure than major sites like Teotihuacan.
- Makes a comparison claim that isn't supported by the passage
- The text doesn't compare Guatemalan Maya settlements to Teotihuacan in terms of sophistication
- Teotihuacan and Tikal are mentioned as examples of previously known centers, not as less sophisticated
- What trap this represents: Students might be tempted because the passage mentions these major sites, but it's not making a comparative sophistication argument
Complex urban planning in ancient Mesoamerica was primarily concentrated in ceremonial centers rather than residential areas.
- States the opposite of what the passage concludes
- This represents the old belief that was proven wrong by the LiDAR discoveries
- What trap this represents: This directly states the initial assumption mentioned in the passage, which students might confuse with the main point if they don't track the argument's progression