The term 'minimalism' describes an artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by extreme simplicity of form and a...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The term 'minimalism' describes an artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by extreme simplicity of form and a focus on essential elements. Critics initially dismissed minimalist works as overly reductive, arguing that art without complexity or ornamentation lacked meaningful content. However, art historian Robert Morris and others defended the movement, contending that minimalism's stripped-down aesthetic actually intensified viewers' awareness of space, materials, and their own perceptual processes. Over time, minimalism gained acceptance and significantly influenced contemporary architecture, design, and visual arts.
Which choice best describes the function of the first sentence in the text as a whole?
It presents a viewpoint that is later disputed in the text.
It defines a concept that is analyzed in the text.
It introduces a debate that is resolved in the text.
It establishes a timeline that is developed in the text.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The term minimalism describes an artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by extreme simplicity of form and a focus on essential elements.' |
|
| 'Critics initially dismissed minimalist works as overly reductive, arguing that art without complexity or ornamentation lacked meaningful content.' |
|
| 'However, art historian Robert Morris and others defended the movement, contending that minimalism's stripped-down aesthetic actually intensified viewers' awareness of space, materials, and their own perceptual processes.' |
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| 'Over time, minimalism gained acceptance and significantly influenced contemporary architecture, design, and visual arts.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Minimalism, initially dismissed by critics, eventually gained acceptance after defenders highlighted its unique value in enhancing viewer awareness.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the first sentence within the context of the entire text.
What type of answer do we need? Content Genre: Humanities & Social Sciences, Content Format: Text-only, Question Type: Purpose (specific part), Language Complexity: Accessible
Any limiting keywords? N/A
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The first sentence defines minimalism and provides its basic characteristics
- The entire rest of the passage then discusses this movement through different perspectives
- The first sentence establishes the central concept that becomes the subject of analysis throughout the rest of the text
It presents a viewpoint that is later disputed in the text.
✗ Incorrect
- The first sentence provides a neutral definition, not a viewpoint that gets disputed
It defines a concept that is analyzed in the text.
✓ Correct
- The first sentence defines what minimalism is, and the rest of the passage analyzes this concept through criticism, defense, and acceptance
It introduces a debate that is resolved in the text.
✗ Incorrect
- The first sentence doesn't introduce any debate; it simply defines minimalism
- The debate is introduced later
It establishes a timeline that is developed in the text.
✗ Incorrect
- While mentioning the 1960s, the sentence isn't establishing a timeline structure but rather defining a concept