In an 1863 letter to his generals, President Lincoln described his military strategy. In the letter, Lincoln stresses the need...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In an 1863 letter to his generals, President Lincoln described his military strategy. In the letter, Lincoln stresses the need for decisive action: _____
Which quotation from Lincoln's 1863 letter most effectively illustrates the claim?
'Our previous campaigns have taught us valuable lessons.'
'We must strike swiftly and with overwhelming force.'
'What challenges will the coming months bring?'
'The enemy's positions have been carefully studied.'
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In an 1863 letter to his generals, President Lincoln described his military strategy.' |
|
| 'In the letter, Lincoln stresses the need for decisive action:' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Lincoln's 1863 letter to his generals emphasized the importance of taking decisive military action.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the context of Lincoln's wartime correspondence with his military leadership, then presents the key claim that Lincoln stressed decisive action in this communication.
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
- The correct quotation should directly demonstrate Lincoln calling for or emphasizing decisive action
- It should use language that shows urgency, determination, or the need for bold military moves rather than hesitation or lengthy planning
- The quote should sound like someone who is pushing for immediate, forceful action rather than cautious preparation or reflection
'Our previous campaigns have taught us valuable lessons.'
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on learning from past experience rather than taking action
- While valuable for strategy, it doesn't demonstrate stressing the need for decisive action
'We must strike swiftly and with overwhelming force.'
✓ Correct
- 'Strike swiftly' and 'overwhelming force' directly illustrate decisive action
- The language emphasizes speed and decisive commitment of resources, perfectly matching the claim
'What challenges will the coming months bring?'
✗ Incorrect
- This is a question about future uncertainty, not a call for decisive action
- Shows contemplation rather than determination to act
'The enemy's positions have been carefully studied.'
✗ Incorrect
- This describes preparation and intelligence gathering, not decisive action itself
- Represents planning rather than the decisive action Lincoln is said to stress