While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: Many ancient settlements contain multiple layers of occupation. These...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Many ancient settlements contain multiple layers of occupation.
- These layers often preserve artifacts from different historical periods.
- Archaeologists recently excavated a Bronze Age settlement at Tell Hamoukar.
- The settlement's oldest occupation layer dates back approximately 4,500 years.
The student wants to emphasize the age of Tell Hamoukar's oldest occupation. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Tell Hamoukar, like many ancient settlements, contains multiple layers of occupation.
The oldest layer at the Bronze Age settlement of Tell Hamoukar extends back about 4,500 years.
Archaeological excavations at Tell Hamoukar have revealed artifacts from different historical periods.
Bronze Age settlements often preserve evidence of multiple periods of occupation.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Many ancient settlements contain multiple layers of occupation." |
|
| "These layers often preserve artifacts from different historical periods." |
|
| "Archaeologists recently excavated a Bronze Age settlement at Tell Hamoukar." |
|
| "The settlement's oldest occupation layer dates back approximately 4,500 years." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeological research at Tell Hamoukar reveals a Bronze Age settlement with occupation layers dating back approximately 4,500 years.
Argument Flow: The notes establish general background about ancient settlements having multiple occupation layers that preserve historical artifacts. They then focus on a specific example—the recent excavation of Tell Hamoukar, providing the concrete detail that this Bronze Age settlement's oldest layer dates back approximately 4,500 years.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should mention Tell Hamoukar specifically (not just general settlements)
- Include the age information (approximately 4,500 years) from our notes
- Make the age the focal point rather than burying it among other details
- Structure the sentence to put the age information in a prominent position
Tell Hamoukar, like many ancient settlements, contains multiple layers of occupation.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on Tell Hamoukar having multiple layers like other settlements
- Completely omits any age information
- Emphasizes the general similarity pattern rather than the specific age we want to highlight
The oldest layer at the Bronze Age settlement of Tell Hamoukar extends back about 4,500 years.
✓ Correct
- Directly states "extends back about 4,500 years"
- Makes the age the main focus by placing it at the end for emphasis
- Matches our prethinking perfectly by prominently featuring the specific age information
Archaeological excavations at Tell Hamoukar have revealed artifacts from different historical periods.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions "different historical periods" but gives no specific age
- Focuses on archaeological findings generally rather than the specific age
Bronze Age settlements often preserve evidence of multiple periods of occupation.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a general statement about Bronze Age settlements overall
- Doesn't mention Tell Hamoukar specifically or provide its age
- Focuses on preservation patterns rather than the specific age we want to emphasize