While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Pauline Hopkins (1859-1930) was an African American writer.In her career,...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Pauline Hopkins (1859-1930) was an African American writer.
- In her career, she created many genre-defining stories.
- Her serialized novel Hagar's Daughter was published from 1901 to 1902 in The Colored American Magazine.
- It is considered the first African American mystery novel.
The student wants to introduce Pauline Hopkins to an audience unfamiliar with her career. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Pauline Hopkins is the author of Hagar's Daughter, a serialized novel published from 1901 to 1902.
African American writer Pauline Hopkins created many genre-defining stories during her career, including the first African American mystery novel, Hagar's Daughter.
Published in The Colored American Magazine from 1901 to 1902, Hagar's Daughter is a serialized novel by Pauline Hopkins.
Hagar's Daughter by Pauline Hopkins is considered the first African American mystery novel.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Pauline Hopkins (1859-1930) was an African American writer.' |
|
| 'In her career, she created many genre-defining stories.' |
|
| 'Her serialized novel Hagar's Daughter was published from 1901 to 1902 in The Colored American Magazine.' |
|
| 'It is considered the first African American mystery novel.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Pauline Hopkins was a significant African American writer who created influential stories, including what is considered the first African American mystery novel.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively introduces Pauline Hopkins to an unfamiliar audience using the provided notes.
What type of answer do we need? A sentence that serves as an effective introduction - one that would help readers who don't know Hopkins understand who she is and why she matters.
Any limiting keywords? 'most effectively introduces' and 'unfamiliar audience'
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- For an effective introduction to an unfamiliar audience, we need:
- Hopkins's basic identity (African American writer)
- Her broader significance (genre-defining work)
- A concrete example that demonstrates her importance (Hagar's Daughter as first African American mystery novel)
- The right answer should combine her identity as an African American writer with her broader impact and include the historically significant example.
Pauline Hopkins is the author of Hagar's Daughter, a serialized novel published from 1901 to 1902.
- Focuses only on one specific work with publication dates
- Doesn't establish who Hopkins is
- Too narrow for an effective introduction
African American writer Pauline Hopkins created many genre-defining stories during her career, including the first African American mystery novel, Hagar's Daughter.
- Establishes Hopkins as African American writer
- Mentions genre-defining stories
- Includes specific example of first African American mystery novel
- Perfect balance for introducing Hopkins to unfamiliar readers
Published in The Colored American Magazine from 1901 to 1902, Hagar's Daughter is a serialized novel by Pauline Hopkins.
- Starts with publication details rather than Hopkins herself
- Buries Hopkins's name and identity in the sentence structure
- Focuses on magazine and dates rather than significance
Hagar's Daughter by Pauline Hopkins is considered the first African American mystery novel.
- Only mentions one work without broader context
- Missing Hopkins's identity as African American writer
- Too limited for a comprehensive introduction