While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In 1965, Yale University historians claimed that a world map...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 1965, Yale University historians claimed that a world map called the Vinland Map was drawn in the fifteenth century.
- Since that time, the map's age has been the subject of debate.
- In 2021, researchers conducted a study to analyze the elemental composition of the map's ink.
- Their analysis revealed that the ink contains a titanium compound not used in inks until the 1920s.
- The researchers concluded that the map was drawn in the twentieth century.
The student wants to present the study and its findings. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Given the debate about the Vinland Map's age, researchers in 2021 conducted a study to analyze the elemental composition of the map's ink.
A 2021 study of the Vinland Map's ink revealed that it contains a titanium compound not used in inks until the 1920s, indicating that the map was drawn in the twentieth century.
The Vinland Map, believed by some to have been drawn in the fifteenth century, was the focus of a 2021 study.
Aware that a certain titanium compound was not used in inks until the 1920s, researchers in 2021 studied the elemental composition of the Vinland Map's ink.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In 1965, Yale University historians claimed that a world map called the Vinland Map was drawn in the fifteenth century." |
|
| "Since that time, the map's age has been the subject of debate." |
|
| "In 2021, researchers conducted a study to analyze the elemental composition of the map's ink." |
|
| "Their analysis revealed that the ink contains a titanium compound not used in inks until the 1920s." |
|
| "The researchers concluded that the map was drawn in the twentieth century." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A 2021 scientific study of the Vinland Map's ink composition revealed evidence that contradicts the original claim about its age, proving the map was created in the twentieth century rather than the fifteenth century.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from establishing a historical claim about the map's medieval origins, through acknowledging ongoing debate about its authenticity, to presenting modern scientific evidence that definitively resolves the controversy by proving the map is much more recent than originally thought.
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
- Since the student wants to present the study and its findings, the correct answer must include both elements
- First, it needs to mention the 2021 research study that analyzed the map's ink composition
- Second, it needs to present what that study found - specifically that the ink contains a titanium compound from the 1920s, which led to the conclusion that the map is from the twentieth century, not the fifteenth
- The answer should efficiently combine both the research method and the discovery in a way that clearly shows how the evidence led to the conclusion
Given the debate about the Vinland Map's age, researchers in 2021 conducted a study to analyze the elemental composition of the map's ink.
✗ Incorrect
- Only presents the study setup but completely omits the findings
- Mentions the context of debate but doesn't deliver on the goal of presenting what the study discovered
A 2021 study of the Vinland Map's ink revealed that it contains a titanium compound not used in inks until the 1920s, indicating that the map was drawn in the twentieth century.
✓ Correct
- Presents both required elements: the study (2021 analysis of ink) and the key finding (titanium compound from 1920s)
- Clearly connects the evidence to the conclusion (map drawn in twentieth century)
- Efficiently accomplishes the dual goal in one coherent sentence
The Vinland Map, believed by some to have been drawn in the fifteenth century, was the focus of a 2021 study.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions that a study was conducted but provides no findings whatsoever
- Focuses more on the historical context than on presenting the actual research results
- Fails to accomplish half of the stated goal
Aware that a certain titanium compound was not used in inks until the 1920s, researchers in 2021 studied the elemental composition of the Vinland Map's ink.
✗ Incorrect
- Awkwardly suggests researchers already knew about the titanium compound before studying the map
- Doesn't present the findings - only mentions that they studied the ink composition
- Creates confusing chronology that doesn't match the passage's logical flow