While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:John Carver was one of the 41 signatories of the...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- John Carver was one of the 41 signatories of the Mayflower Compact.
- The Mayflower Compact was a legal agreement among the pilgrims that immigrated to Plymouth Colony.
- It was created in 1620 to establish a common government.
- It states that the pilgrims who signed it wanted to 'plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia' under King James.
- Carver became the first governor of Plymouth Colony.
The student wants to specify the reason the Mayflower Compact was created. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Stating that its signatories wanted to 'plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia,' the Mayflower Compact was a legal agreement among the pilgrims that immigrated to Plymouth Colony.
Created in 1620, the Mayflower Compact states that the pilgrims wanted to 'plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia.'
The Mayflower Compact was created to establish a common government among the pilgrims that immigrated to Plymouth Colony.
The Mayflower Compact had 41 signatories, including John Carver, the first governor of Plymouth Colony.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "John Carver was one of the 41 signatories of the Mayflower Compact." |
|
| "The Mayflower Compact was a legal agreement among the pilgrims that immigrated to Plymouth Colony." |
|
| "It was created in 1620 to establish a common government." |
|
| "It states that the pilgrims who signed it wanted to 'plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia' under King James." |
|
| "Carver became the first governor of Plymouth Colony." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The research notes provide key facts about the Mayflower Compact, including its definition, purpose, content, and connection to John Carver.
Argument Flow: The notes start by connecting John Carver to the document, then define what the Mayflower Compact was, explain why it was created, describe what it said, and conclude with Carver's subsequent role as governor.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best explains WHY the Mayflower Compact was created
What type of answer do we need? A statement that directly addresses the document's purpose/reason for creation
Any limiting keywords? "specify the reason" - we need the specific purpose, and "most effectively uses relevant information" - must draw from the notes provided
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our notes, there's one piece of information that directly addresses why the Mayflower Compact was created: "It was created in 1620 to establish a common government."
- This is the clearest statement of purpose in the research notes.
- The right answer should focus on this reason rather than getting distracted by other details like who signed it, what it said about planting colonies, or background information about specific people.
Stating that its signatories wanted to 'plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia,' the Mayflower Compact was a legal agreement among the pilgrims that immigrated to Plymouth Colony.
- Focuses on what the document stated (wanting to plant a colony) rather than why it was created
- This describes the content of the document, not the reason for creating it
Created in 1620, the Mayflower Compact states that the pilgrims wanted to 'plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia.'
- Again focuses on what the document states rather than why it was created
- Provides timing (1620) but doesn't address the purpose for creation
The Mayflower Compact was created to establish a common government among the pilgrims that immigrated to Plymouth Colony.
- Directly states the reason: "was created to establish a common government"
- This perfectly matches the key information from our notes that explains the purpose
The Mayflower Compact had 41 signatories, including John Carver, the first governor of Plymouth Colony.
- Focuses on who signed it and biographical information about Carver
- Doesn't address the reason for creation at all