In 1973, poet Miguel Algarín started inviting other writers who, like him, were Nuyorican—a term for New Yorkers of Puerto...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
In 1973, poet Miguel Algarín started inviting other writers who, like him, were Nuyorican—a term for New Yorkers of Puerto Rican heritage—to gather in his apartment to present their work. The gatherings were so well attended that Algarín soon had to rent space in a cafe to accommodate them. Thus, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe was born. Moving to a permanent location in 1981, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its original scope beyond the written word, hosting art exhibitions and musical performances as well. Half a century since its inception, it continues to foster emerging Nuyorican talent.
Which choice best describes the overall purpose of the text?
To explain what motivated Algarín to found the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
To situate the Nuyorican Poets Cafe within the cultural life of New York as a whole
To discuss why the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its scope to include art and music
To provide an overview of the founding and mission of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In 1973, poet Miguel Algarín started inviting other writers who, like him, were Nuyorican—a term for New Yorkers of Puerto Rican heritage—to gather in his apartment to present their work." |
|
| "The gatherings were so well attended that Algarín soon had to rent space in a cafe to accommodate them." |
|
| "Thus, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe was born." |
|
| "Moving to a permanent location in 1981, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its original scope beyond the written word, hosting art exhibitions and musical performances as well." |
|
| "Half a century since its inception, it continues to foster emerging Nuyorican talent." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The text traces the founding and evolution of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe from Miguel Algarín's apartment gatherings in 1973 to its ongoing role as a cultural institution supporting Nuyorican artists.
Argument Flow: The passage follows a chronological progression, beginning with the informal origins in Algarín's apartment, showing how success necessitated growth, then documenting the formal establishment and later expansion beyond poetry to include visual arts and music. It concludes by emphasizing the institution's enduring mission half a century later.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main function or goal of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures what the passage as a whole sets out to do
Any limiting keywords? "Overall" tells us we need to consider the entire passage, not just one part
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The text tells the founding story starting with Algarín's apartment gatherings
- Shows how the venture grew and became formalized as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
- Describes its expansion to include other art forms
- Notes its continuing mission today
- The right answer should capture this comprehensive treatment of the institution's history and purpose
To explain what motivated Algarín to found the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses only on Algarín's motivation for starting the gatherings
- The passage covers much more than just the initial motivation—it traces the entire development and current mission
To situate the Nuyorican Poets Cafe within the cultural life of New York as a whole
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the passage places the Café within the broader context of New York's cultural landscape
- The passage doesn't discuss NYC's cultural life generally—it focuses specifically on the Café itself
To discuss why the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its scope to include art and music
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses only on the reasons behind the expansion to art and music
- The passage mentions the expansion but doesn't explain why it happened—and this represents only one part of the text
To provide an overview of the founding and mission of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
✓ Correct
- This captures exactly what our passage does: provides a complete account of how the Café was founded and what its mission is
- Matches our passage map showing both the founding story (1973 apartment gatherings through formal establishment) and the ongoing mission (fostering talent)