While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Iranian scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni studied Earth's physical features.He theorized...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Iranian scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni studied Earth's physical features.
- He theorized that a large landmass existed west of Europe and east of Asia.
- Al-Biruni published his landmass theory in 1037 CE.
The student wants to specify when al-Biruni published his landmass theory. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
In 1037 CE, al-Biruni published his theory that a large landmass existed west of Europe and east of Asia.
Al-Biruni, who studied Earth's physical features, published a theory about a large landmass.
Al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar who studied Earth's physical features.
An Iranian scholar who studied Earth's physical features, al-Biruni theorized that a large landmass existed west of Europe and east of Asia.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Iranian scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni studied Earth's physical features. |
|
| He theorized that a large landmass existed west of Europe and east of Asia. |
|
| Al-Biruni published his landmass theory in 1037 CE. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: Al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar who theorized about a large landmass and published this theory in 1037 CE.
Argument Flow: The notes establish al-Biruni's credentials as an Iranian scholar studying Earth's features, then present his specific theory about a landmass, and finally provide the publication date for this theory.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to find which choice most effectively accomplishes the student's goal of specifying when al-Biruni published his landmass theory.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that clearly indicates the timing/date of publication while incorporating relevant information from the notes.
Any limiting keywords? The key phrase is specify when - this means the correct answer must include the publication date (1037 CE) to accomplish the stated goal.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Must include the publication date (1037 CE) since the goal is to specify WHEN
- Should mention al-Biruni and his landmass theory to provide context
- Should flow naturally and use information from the notes effectively
In 1037 CE, al-Biruni published his theory that a large landmass existed west of Europe and east of Asia.
✓ Correct
- Directly accomplishes the goal by starting with In 1037 CE
- Includes both al-Biruni and his specific theory about the landmass
- Uses relevant information from all three notes effectively
Al-Biruni, who studied Earth's physical features, published a theory about a large landmass.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions al-Biruni and his theory but completely omits the publication date
- Fails to accomplish the stated goal of specifying when the theory was published
Al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar who studied Earth's physical features.
✗ Incorrect
- Only provides background information about al-Biruni
- Makes no mention of the landmass theory or publication date
An Iranian scholar who studied Earth's physical features, al-Biruni theorized that a large landmass existed west of Europe and east of Asia.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions al-Biruni and his theory but omits the crucial publication date
- Uses past tense theorized rather than focusing on publication timing