The Gothic Revival architecture that emerged in 19th-century America drew inspiration from multiple European traditions. English medieval cathedrals p...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The Gothic Revival architecture that emerged in 19th-century America drew inspiration from multiple European traditions. English medieval cathedrals provided models for pointed arches and flying buttresses, while French Gothic churches contributed rose window designs. German Gothic structures also influenced American builders. Many decorative elements found in American Gothic Revival buildings can readily be ______ to their European predecessors.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
shifted
presented
linked
opposed
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The Gothic Revival architecture that emerged in 19th-century America drew inspiration from multiple European traditions.' |
|
| 'English medieval cathedrals provided models for pointed arches and flying buttresses, while French Gothic churches contributed rose window designs.' |
|
| 'German Gothic structures also influenced American builders.' |
|
| 'Many decorative elements found in American Gothic Revival buildings can readily be _______ to their European predecessors.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: American Gothic Revival architecture drew extensively from multiple European traditions, creating decorative elements that can be traced back to their European predecessors.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that American Gothic Revival architecture was inspired by European traditions, then provides specific examples of what Americans borrowed from English, French, and German sources, leading to the conclusion about how American decorative elements relate to their European origins.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Based on our analysis, American builders borrowed specific features from English, French, and German sources
- The relationship is one of connection or tracing back to origins - American elements can be connected back to or traced to their European sources
- The word 'readily' suggests this connection should be easy to make or obvious
shifted
✗ Incorrect
- 'Shifted' means moved or transferred from one place to another
- This does not capture the relationship of tracing origins
- The passage is about influence and inspiration, not physical movement
presented
✗ Incorrect
- 'Presented' means shown or displayed
- This does not make logical sense - decorative elements cannot be 'presented to' their predecessors
- Misses the connection between American elements and European origins
linked
✓ Correct
- 'Linked' means connected or associated with
- Perfectly captures the relationship described in the passage - American decorative elements can be connected back to their European origins
- Matches our prethinking about tracing connections between American and European features
- The word 'readily' supports this - the connections are easy to identify
opposed
✗ Incorrect
- 'Opposed' means in conflict with or against
- This contradicts the entire passage, which is about American architecture drawing inspiration FROM European traditions