While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In the art world, the term biennial traditionally refers to...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In the art world, the term biennial traditionally refers to an art exhibition that takes place every two years in a single location.
- Such biennials are held in New York, Berlin, and Venice.
- In 2006, artists Ed Gomez and Luis Hernandez founded the unconventional MexiCali Biennial.
- The MexiCali Biennial hosts exhibitions in different venues on both sides of the US-Mexico border.
- The MexiCali Biennial has taken place on an uneven schedule, with exhibitions in 2006, 2009–10, 2013, and 2018–20.
The student wants to emphasize a difference between the MexiCali Biennial and traditional biennials. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
In 2006, artists Ed Gomez and Luis Hernandez founded the MexiCali Biennial, which has taken place in 2006, 2009-10, 2013, and 2018-20.
Unlike traditional biennials, the MexiCali Biennial hosts exhibitions in different venues on an uneven schedule.
The term biennial traditionally refers to an art exhibition that takes place every two years in a single location, not to exhibitions hosted at a variety of times and venues.
Biennial exhibitions have been held in New York, Berlin, and Venice but also on both sides of the US-Mexico border.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In the art world, the term biennial traditionally refers to an art exhibition that takes place every two years in a single location.' |
|
| 'Such biennials are held in New York, Berlin, and Venice.' |
|
| 'In 2006, artists Ed Gomez and Luis Hernandez founded the unconventional MexiCali Biennial.' |
|
| 'The MexiCali Biennial hosts exhibitions in different venues on both sides of the US-Mexico border.' |
|
| 'The MexiCali Biennial has taken place on an uneven schedule, with exhibitions in 2006, 2009–10, 2013, and 2018–20.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes contrast traditional biennials (regular schedule, single location) with the unconventional MexiCali Biennial (irregular schedule, multiple cross-border venues).
Argument Flow: The notes first establish what traditional biennials are—regular art exhibitions held every two years in one location, with examples like New York, Berlin, and Venice. They then introduce the MexiCali Biennial as unconventional, explaining two key ways it differs: it takes place in different venues across the US-Mexico border and follows an irregular schedule rather than the traditional two-year pattern.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to emphasize a difference between the MexiCali Biennial and traditional biennials.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that effectively highlights contrasts between these two types of biennials.
Any limiting keywords? 'Most effectively' means we need the choice that best accomplishes the goal of emphasizing differences, and 'uses relevant information from the notes' means the answer must be supported by the provided research.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our analysis, the key differences between traditional and MexiCali biennials are: (1) location - traditional biennials happen in a single location while MexiCali uses different venues across the US-Mexico border, and (2) schedule - traditional biennials occur every two years while MexiCali follows an uneven, irregular timeline
- The right answer should clearly highlight at least one of these contrasts, ideally using language that directly compares the two types
- It should use comparative language to emphasize the difference rather than just stating facts
In 2006, artists Ed Gomez and Luis Hernandez founded the MexiCali Biennial, which has taken place in 2006, 2009-10, 2013, and 2018-20.
✗ Incorrect
- Simply states when MexiCali was founded and lists its exhibition years
- Provides facts about MexiCali but doesn't compare it to traditional biennials
- Fails to emphasize any difference since there's no contrast or comparison language
Unlike traditional biennials, the MexiCali Biennial hosts exhibitions in different venues on an uneven schedule.
✓ Correct
- Uses 'Unlike traditional biennials' to create direct comparison
- Highlights both key differences: 'different venues' (location) and 'uneven schedule' (timing)
- Matches our prethinking by emphasizing contrasts rather than just listing facts
- Uses relevant information from the notes about venues and irregular timing
The term biennial traditionally refers to an art exhibition that takes place every two years in a single location, not to exhibitions hosted at a variety of times and venues.
✗ Incorrect
- Defines traditional biennials accurately but awkwardly phrases the contrast
- The phrase 'not to exhibitions hosted at a variety of times and venues' is clunky and indirect
- Less effective than a direct comparison since it buries the contrast in negative phrasing
Biennial exhibitions have been held in New York, Berlin, and Venice but also on both sides of the US-Mexico border.
✗ Incorrect
- Lists locations where biennials are held but doesn't emphasize differences
- Actually suggests similarity by grouping traditional locations with MexiCali's cross-border approach
- Fails to highlight the key contrasts between single-location vs. multi-venue formats