Marie Curie's laboratory correspondence from 1902 reveals her exceptional ability to convince fellow scientists to reconsider established theories abo...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Marie Curie's laboratory correspondence from 1902 reveals her exceptional ability to convince fellow scientists to reconsider established theories about radioactivity, as evidenced by her interactions with prominent physicists of her era: ______
Which historical account most effectively illustrates the claim?
"During their extended correspondence, Curie systematically addressed Lord Kelvin's objections to her radium research. Initially skeptical, Kelvin wrote to colleagues that her methodical responses and experimental precision had 'compelled a complete revision of my position on radioactive elements.'"
"Curie's presentation at the 1903 Royal Institution was attended by many of the era's leading physicists, who listened with rapt attention as she described her isolation of pure radium."
"When discussing radioactivity, Curie demonstrated remarkable knowledge of the subject. She could speak for hours about her research findings, showing neither hesitation nor uncertainty in her explanations."
"Scientists from across Europe sought opportunities to visit Curie's laboratory, drawn by reports of her groundbreaking work with radioactive materials and her willingness to share her methods."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Marie Curie's laboratory correspondence from 1902 reveals her exceptional ability to convince fellow scientists to reconsider established theories about radioactivity," |
|
| "as evidenced by her interactions with prominent physicists of her era:" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Marie Curie demonstrated exceptional ability to convince fellow scientists to reconsider established theories about radioactivity through her correspondence and interactions with prominent physicists.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a claim about Curie's persuasive abilities based on 1902 laboratory correspondence, then signals that evidence supporting this claim comes from her interactions with prominent physicists of her era.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which historical account most effectively illustrates the claim about Curie's ability to convince fellow scientists to reconsider established theories.
What type of answer do we need? A specific historical example that demonstrates both the convincing aspect and the reconsidering of established theories.
Any limiting keywords? Most effectively illustrates, convince fellow scientists, reconsider established theories.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must show Curie actually convincing a fellow scientist to change their mind about radioactivity theories
- We need concrete evidence of someone initially holding one view, then being persuaded by Curie to reconsider and adopt a different position
"During their extended correspondence, Curie systematically addressed Lord Kelvin's objections to her radium research. Initially skeptical, Kelvin wrote to colleagues that her methodical responses and experimental precision had 'compelled a complete revision of my position on radioactive elements.'"
✓ Correct
- Shows Kelvin initially skeptical of her radium research
- Demonstrates Curie systematically addressing his objections
- Provides direct evidence of result: Kelvin's complete revision of his position
- This matches our prethinking perfectly
"Curie's presentation at the 1903 Royal Institution was attended by many of the era's leading physicists, who listened with rapt attention as she described her isolation of pure radium."
✗ Incorrect
- Describes scientists listening attentively to her presentation
- Shows no evidence that anyone changed their established theories
"When discussing radioactivity, Curie demonstrated remarkable knowledge of the subject. She could speak for hours about her research findings, showing neither hesitation nor uncertainty in her explanations."
✗ Incorrect
- Demonstrates her knowledge and confidence
- Shows no effect on others' thinking or convincing about theories
"Scientists from across Europe sought opportunities to visit Curie's laboratory, drawn by reports of her groundbreaking work with radioactive materials and her willingness to share her methods."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows scientists wanting to visit and learn from her methods
- No evidence of anyone reconsidering established radioactivity theories