While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi completed his Requiem in 1874.The piece...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi completed his Requiem in 1874.
- The piece was written to honor the memory of Alessandro Manzoni, a renowned Italian poet and novelist.
- Manzoni had died the previous year and was considered one of Italy's greatest literary figures.
- Verdi admired Manzoni's contributions to Italian culture and literature.
- The premiere took place at San Marco Church in Milan on the first anniversary of Manzoni's death.
- Critics praised the work as both a musical masterpiece and a fitting tribute.
The student wants to explain why Verdi composed this particular work. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Verdi composed his 1874 Requiem to honor the memory of Alessandro Manzoni, whom he admired as one of Italy's greatest literary figures.
Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem, completed in 1874, premiered at San Marco Church in Milan and was praised by critics as a musical masterpiece.
The Requiem was written after Alessandro Manzoni's death and premiered on the first anniversary of the renowned poet and novelist's passing.
Alessandro Manzoni, considered one of Italy's greatest literary figures, died the year before Verdi completed his acclaimed Requiem.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi completed his Requiem in 1874.' |
|
| 'The piece was written to honor the memory of Alessandro Manzoni, a renowned Italian poet and novelist.' |
|
| 'Manzoni had died the previous year and was considered one of Italy's greatest literary figures.' |
|
| 'Verdi admired Manzoni's contributions to Italian culture and literature.' |
|
| 'The premiere took place at San Marco Church in Milan on the first anniversary of Manzoni's death.' |
|
| 'Critics praised the work as both a musical masterpiece and a fitting tribute.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Verdi composed his 1874 Requiem as a tribute to honor the recently deceased Alessandro Manzoni, whom he greatly admired as one of Italy's most important literary figures.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to explain WHY Verdi composed this particular work—we need to identify the motivation or reason behind the composition.
What type of answer do we need? We need information that directly addresses Verdi's purpose or motivation for writing the Requiem, not just facts about when, where, or how it was received.
Any limiting keywords? [content]
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer must directly address Verdi's motivation for composing the Requiem
- Based on our analysis, we know the answer should include: that the piece was written to honor or commemorate Manzoni
- Some indication of why Manzoni was worthy of this honor (his literary significance)
- Ideally, some connection to Verdi's personal admiration for Manzoni
Verdi composed his 1874 Requiem to honor the memory of Alessandro Manzoni, whom he admired as one of Italy's greatest literary figures.
- Directly states Verdi composed the Requiem 'to honor the memory of Alessandro Manzoni'—this answers the 'why' question perfectly
- Includes that Verdi 'admired' Manzoni, showing personal motivation
- Mentions Manzoni was 'one of Italy's greatest literary figures,' explaining why he was worthy of this tribute
Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem, completed in 1874, premiered at San Marco Church in Milan and was praised by critics as a musical masterpiece.
- Focuses on completion date (1874), premiere location (San Marco Church), and critical reception (praised as masterpiece)
- These are factual details about the work, but none explain WHY Verdi composed it
- Completely omits the commemorative purpose
The Requiem was written after Alessandro Manzoni's death and premiered on the first anniversary of the renowned poet and novelist's passing.
- Mentions timing (written after Manzoni's death, premiered on anniversary) and Manzoni's status
- While this information relates to the tribute, it doesn't explicitly state that honoring Manzoni was Verdi's PURPOSE for composing the piece
Alessandro Manzoni, considered one of Italy's greatest literary figures, died the year before Verdi completed his acclaimed Requiem.
- Provides background about Manzoni (great literary figure, died year before) and mentions the Requiem was acclaimed
- This is contextual information but doesn't connect Manzoni to Verdi's motivation for composing the piece