In a 2017 article, historian Jasmine Kilburn-Toppin explains that in early modern London, members of the city's guilds (trade and...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In a 2017 article, historian Jasmine Kilburn-Toppin explains that in early modern London, members of the city's guilds (trade and artisanal associations) were participants in a civic culture in which gift giving both signaled and conferred social status. Research on this phenomenon has tended to focus on philanthropic gifting by London's largest guilds; for her part, Kilburn-Toppin focuses on the gifting of handmade objects and fixtures (such as decorative paneling or plasterwork) within the craft guilds, which were 'composed of highly discerning producers and consumers of material cultures.' Given this characterization, it can reasonably be inferred that the gifting of such objects may have ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a 2017 article, historian Jasmine Kilburn-Toppin explains that in early modern London, members of the city's guilds (trade and artisanal associations) were participants in a civic culture in which gift giving both signaled and conferred social status." |
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| "Research on this phenomenon has tended to focus on philanthropic gifting by London's largest guilds;" |
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| "for her part, Kilburn-Toppin focuses on the gifting of handmade objects and fixtures (such as decorative paneling or plasterwork) within the craft guilds," |
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| "which were 'composed of highly discerning producers and consumers of material cultures.'" |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Kilburn-Toppin's research focuses on how craft guild members—who were expert producers and consumers of material culture—engaged in gifting handmade objects as part of London's status-signaling culture.
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 key insight is that craft guild members were "highly discerning producers and consumers of material cultures."
- This means they were experts who could truly appreciate quality craftsmanship.
- When such experts give handmade objects to each other, they would recognize superior workmanship and the quality would demonstrate the giver's expertise to fellow experts who could judge their work.
- Claims gifting "ensured that knowledge of materials and techniques stayed within craft guilds"
- The passage doesn't discuss knowledge retention or secrecy at all.
- This introduces an idea not supported by the text.
- Contrasts "ostentatious offerings" by large guilds with "prosaic objects" by craft guilds
- The passage actually suggests craft guilds gave sophisticated handmade objects, not prosaic ones.
- States the gifting "functioned as a way for craft guild members to maintain and enhance their professional reputations among their peers"
- Perfect logical fit: if craft guild members were "highly discerning" experts, they could truly appreciate quality craftsmanship.
- Giving impressive handmade objects to fellow experts would demonstrate skill and enhance professional standing.
- Claims greater social status when giving to large guild recipients vs. craft guild recipients
- The passage focuses on gifting within craft guilds, not between different guild types.