While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Pointillism is a painting technique in which small, distinct dots...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Pointillism is a painting technique in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image.
- Betty Acquah is an artist from Ghana who uses pointillism in her work.
- 'By extending dabs of color in the subject matter into the background and vice-versa, an illusion of movement is created,' she says about pointillism.
- Her work often portrays Ghanaian women, whom she sees as the 'unsung heroines of the Ghanaian Republic.'
- Her pointillist painting 'Exquisite' (2016) features five dancing women twirling their skirts.
The student wants to provide a quotation from Acquah that explains why she used pointillism in 'Exquisite.' Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
In painting 'Exquisite,' Acquah applied pointillism to create what she called an 'illusion of movement' within the painting's five dancing women and their twirling skirts.
Pointillism, the technique used in Acquah's 'Exquisite,' involves the application of small, distinct dots of color.
In 'Exquisite,' Acquah uses a technique that she says involves 'extending dabs of color in the subject matter into the background and vice-versa.'
'Exquisite' portrays Acquah's fellow Ghanaian women as she sees them: the 'unsung heroes of the Ghanaian Republic.'
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Pointillism is a painting technique in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image." |
|
| "Betty Acquah is an artist from Ghana who uses pointillism in her work." |
|
| "'By extending dabs of color in the subject matter into the background and vice-versa, an illusion of movement is created,' she says about pointillism." |
|
| "Her work often portrays Ghanaian women, whom she sees as the 'unsung heroines of the Ghanaian Republic.'" |
|
| "Her pointillist painting 'Exquisite' (2016) features five dancing women twirling their skirts." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: These notes present information about pointillism as both a general technique and Betty Acquah's specific approach to using it.
Argument Flow: The notes move from defining pointillism broadly to focusing on Acquah specifically—first explaining how she sees the technique working, then describing her subject matter, and finally giving details about one particular painting.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to provide a quotation from Acquah that explains why she used pointillism in 'Exquisite.'
What type of answer do we need? A choice that connects Acquah's own words about pointillism to her specific reasons for using it in this particular painting.
Any limiting keywords? The answer must use a quotation from Acquah and must explain why she chose pointillism specifically for 'Exquisite.'
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our notes, we have one direct quote from Acquah about pointillism: she says it creates an illusion of movement by extending color between subject and background
- We also know that 'Exquisite' shows five dancing women twirling their skirts
- The connection seems clear—if pointillism creates movement and 'Exquisite' depicts dancing women, then she likely chose pointillism for this painting because the movement effect would enhance the dancing theme
In painting 'Exquisite,' Acquah applied pointillism to create what she called an 'illusion of movement' within the painting's five dancing women and their twirling skirts.
- This directly connects Acquah's quote about creating an illusion of movement to why she would use pointillism for 'Exquisite.'
- Makes the logical connection between her technique and her subject matter of dancing women
Pointillism, the technique used in Acquah's 'Exquisite,' involves the application of small, distinct dots of color.
- Simply defines what pointillism is as a technique
- Doesn't include any quotation from Acquah and provides no explanation for why she chose this technique for 'Exquisite' specifically
In 'Exquisite,' Acquah uses a technique that she says involves 'extending dabs of color in the subject matter into the background and vice-versa.'
- Includes part of Acquah's quote about her technique but doesn't explain why this technique was appropriate for 'Exquisite.'
- Misses the connection between creating movement and depicting dancing women
'Exquisite' portrays Acquah's fellow Ghanaian women as she sees them: the 'unsung heroes of the Ghanaian Republic.'
- Focuses on her subject matter rather than her technique
- Uses a quote about her themes, not about pointillism
- Doesn't address why she chose pointillism for this specific painting