While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Muslins are woven cotton fabrics with a variety of uses.Dhaka...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Muslins are woven cotton fabrics with a variety of uses.
- Dhaka muslin is a handmade fabric produced in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- It has an extremely fine weave and is primarily used to make luxury clothing.
- Sheeting muslin is a machine-made fabric produced in factories.
- It has a coarse weave and is primarily used to upholster furniture and create backdrops for theater sets.
The student wants to emphasize a difference between the two muslins. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Muslins are woven cotton fabrics with a variety of uses." |
|
| "Dhaka muslin is a handmade fabric produced in Dhaka, Bangladesh." |
|
| "It has an extremely fine weave and is primarily used to make luxury clothing." |
|
| "Sheeting muslin is a machine-made fabric produced in factories." |
|
| "It has a coarse weave and is primarily used to upholster furniture and create backdrops for theater sets." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes present two distinct types of muslin fabrics that differ significantly in their production methods, weave quality, and intended uses.
Argument Flow: The notes begin by establishing muslins as a broad category of cotton fabrics, then systematically present two specific types. For each type, we learn about production method, weave quality, and primary uses.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The question asks which choice best accomplishes the goal of emphasizing differences between the two types of muslin.
What type of answer do we need? We need a sentence that highlights contrasting characteristics between Dhaka muslin and sheeting muslin.
Any limiting keywords? None specified.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The key differences between these two muslins are: Production method (handmade vs. machine-made), Weave quality (extremely fine vs. coarse), Primary uses (luxury clothing vs. practical applications).
- The right answer should directly contrast these differences using clear comparative language.
- Directly contrasts production methods and weave qualities using clear contrast structure that emphasizes differences.
- Simply states that the two muslins are different types without specifying what those differences are.
- Focuses on variety of uses for muslins in general rather than emphasizing differences between the two specific types.
- Only describes sheeting muslin and completely ignores Dhaka muslin, so cannot show contrast.