In 1801, a Blackfoot chief named Ac Ko Mok Ki drew a finely detailed map of the Upper Missouri region....
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
In 1801, a Blackfoot chief named Ac Ko Mok Ki drew a finely detailed map of the Upper Missouri region. This work demonstrates a vast amount of topographic knowledge, as the map features specific names of mountains and rivers, as well as the first-known sketch of the drainage network of the Missouri River. The map is especially notable because Ac Ko Mok Ki also included details about the numerous tribes that lived in the area.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
It emphasizes Ac Ko Mok Ki's desire to represent other tribes on the map.
It explains how Ac Ko Mok Ki developed an interest in mapmaking.
It identifies some reasons why the map is impressive.
It details how the map was used for hunting and trading purposes.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 1801, a Blackfoot chief named Ac Ko Mok Ki drew a finely detailed map of the Upper Missouri region.' |
|
| 'This work demonstrates a vast amount of topographic knowledge, as the map features specific names of mountains and rivers, as well as the first-known sketch of the drainage network of the Missouri River.' |
|
| 'The map is especially notable because Ac Ko Mok Ki also included details about the numerous tribes that lived in the area.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Ac Ko Mok Ki's 1801 map of the Upper Missouri region was remarkable for both its topographic detail and cultural information.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Ac Ko Mok Ki and his map, then systematically explains what makes this map impressive by highlighting its topographic accuracy and completeness, and finally adds that it's notable for including cultural information about local tribes.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the underlined sentence (the second sentence) within the text as a whole.
What type of answer do we need? A description of what role/purpose that specific sentence serves in the overall passage structure.
Any limiting keywords? 'function' and 'in the text as a whole' - we need to think about how this sentence contributes to the passage's overall purpose.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The underlined sentence comes right after the introduction of Ac Ko Mok Ki and his map
- This second sentence takes that basic introduction and explains WHY the map is significant by providing specific details about what makes it impressive - the topographic knowledge shown through mountain/river names and the Missouri drainage network
- So the right answer should describe how this sentence supports or explains the significance of the map by providing specific evidence of its impressive qualities
It emphasizes Ac Ko Mok Ki's desire to represent other tribes on the map.
✗ Incorrect
- This choice focuses on representing 'other tribes,' but the underlined sentence doesn't mention tribes at all
- The underlined sentence is about topographic features (mountains, rivers, drainage network), not tribal representation
It explains how Ac Ko Mok Ki developed an interest in mapmaking.
✗ Incorrect
- The choice suggests the sentence explains how Ac Ko Mok Ki developed interest in mapmaking
- The underlined sentence doesn't discuss his motivations or how he became interested - it describes what the map contains
It identifies some reasons why the map is impressive.
✓ Correct
- This perfectly matches our prethinking - the sentence identifies specific reasons (topographic knowledge, mountain/river names, Missouri drainage sketch) that make the map impressive
- The phrase 'demonstrates a vast amount of topographic knowledge' directly supports why the map is notable
It details how the map was used for hunting and trading purposes.
✗ Incorrect
- Nothing in the underlined sentence mentions hunting, trading, or how the map was used
- The sentence focuses on what the map contains (topographic details), not its practical applications