In many of his sculptures, artist Richard Hunt uses broad forms rather than extreme accuracy to hint at specific people...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In many of his sculptures, artist Richard Hunt uses broad forms rather than extreme accuracy to hint at specific people or ideas. In his first major work, Arachne (1956), Hunt constructed the mythical character Arachne, a weaver who was changed into a spider, by welding bits of steel together into something that, although vaguely human, is strange and machine-like. And his large bronze sculpture The Light of Truth (2021) commemorates activist and journalist Ida B. Wells using mainly flowing, curved pieces of metal that create stylized flame.
Which choice best states the text's main idea about Hunt?
He often depicts the subjects of his sculptures using an unrealistic style.
He uses different kinds of materials depending on what kind of sculpture he plans to create.
He tends to base his art on important historical figures rather than on fictional characters.
He has altered his approach to sculpture over time, and his works have become increasingly abstract.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In many of his sculptures, artist Richard Hunt uses broad forms rather than extreme accuracy to hint at specific people or ideas." |
|
| "In his first major work, Arachne (1956), Hunt constructed the mythical character Arachne, a weaver who was changed into a spider, by welding bits of steel together into something that, although vaguely human, is strange and machine-like." |
|
| "And his large bronze sculpture The Light of Truth (2021) commemorates activist and journalist Ida B. Wells using mainly flowing, curved pieces of metal that create stylized flame." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Richard Hunt creates sculptures that use broad, stylized forms rather than realistic accuracy to represent his subjects.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Hunt's artistic philosophy of using broad forms instead of precise accuracy, then supports this with two concrete examples spanning different time periods both showing how he transforms his subjects into stylized, non-realistic forms.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea about Hunt from the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the central message about Hunt's artistic approach
Any limiting keywords? "main idea" tells us we need the overarching theme, not a specific detail
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should capture that Hunt uses a stylized, non-realistic approach in his sculptures
- Hunt's approach involves using non-realistic, stylized forms rather than accurate representation
- This applies to both his subjects whether mythical or historical figures
- The examples show this consistent pattern across different works and time periods
He often depicts the subjects of his sculptures using an unrealistic style.
✓ Correct
- Matches our passage analysis perfectly
- Hunt uses "broad forms rather than extreme accuracy"
- Both examples support this
- Arachne is "vaguely human" but "strange and machine-like"
- Wells is represented through "stylized flame"
- Captures the main theme we identified in our prethinking
He uses different kinds of materials depending on what kind of sculpture he plans to create.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on materials steel vs bronze but this isn't the passage's main point
- The passage mentions materials only in passing to describe the works
- Students might focus on concrete details materials instead of the abstract main idea
He tends to base his art on important historical figures rather than on fictional characters.
✗ Incorrect
- Only one example Wells is a historical figure
- Arachne is mythical
- Misses the actual main point about stylistic approach
- Students might overgeneralize from limited evidence or confuse supporting details with main ideas
He has altered his approach to sculpture over time, and his works have become increasingly abstract.
✗ Incorrect
- No evidence in the passage suggests Hunt's style has changed over time
- Both works 1956 and 2021 show the same broad forms approach
- Students might assume chronological mention means change over time