While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Maya Angelou published several acclaimed autobiographical works.Her book "I Know...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Maya Angelou published several acclaimed autobiographical works.
- Her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" appeared in 1969.
- This work explores themes of identity and resilience.
- "Gather Together in My Name" was published in 1974.
- This second volume also explores themes of identity and resilience.
- Both books have been praised for their lyrical prose style.
The student wants to emphasize a similarity between Angelou's two autobiographical works. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings appeared in 1969 and has been praised for its lyrical prose.
Both I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Gather Together in My Name explore themes of identity and resilience.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published in 1969, while Gather Together in My Name was published in 1974.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) and Gather Together in My Name (1974) are different autobiographical works.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Maya Angelou published several acclaimed autobiographical works. |
|
| Her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" appeared in 1969. |
|
| This work explores themes of identity and resilience. |
|
| "Gather Together in My Name" was published in 1974. |
|
| This second volume also explores themes of identity and resilience. |
|
| Both books have been praised for their lyrical prose style. |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes establish that Maya Angelou's two autobiographical works share both thematic content (identity and resilience) and writing style (lyrical prose).
Argument Flow: The notes begin by establishing Angelou as a successful autobiographical writer, then systematically present details about her two major works. The information is structured to reveal two key similarities: both books explore the same themes of identity and resilience, and both have been praised for the same lyrical prose style.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to choose the option that most effectively highlights a similarity (not a difference) between the two books.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that clearly presents shared characteristics of both works.
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" means we want the choice that best accomplishes the goal, and "similarity" specifically rules out differences or contrasts.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Based on our analysis, there are two similarities mentioned in the notes:
- Both books explore themes of identity and resilience
- Both books have been praised for their lyrical prose style
- The right answer should mention both books by name and explicitly state what they have in common. It should use language that emphasizes the shared characteristic rather than highlighting differences or focusing on just one book.
Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings appeared in 1969 and has been praised for its lyrical prose.
✗ Incorrect
- Only discusses one book ("I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"). Cannot emphasize similarity between two works when it only mentions one.
Both I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Gather Together in My Name explore themes of identity and resilience.
✓ Correct
- Explicitly names both works and directly states their shared characteristic: "explore themes of identity and resilience". Uses "Both" to clearly emphasize the similarity.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published in 1969, while Gather Together in My Name was published in 1974.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions both books but focuses on their publication dates (1969 vs 1974). The word "while" creates a contrast between different years, emphasizing difference in timing rather than similarity in content.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) and Gather Together in My Name (1974) are different autobiographical works.
✗ Incorrect
- Uses the word "different" which directly contradicts the goal of emphasizing similarity. Simply states they are separate works without highlighting what they share.