Researchers conducting a dig at a medieval location in England have discovered an exceptional density of superior metalwork within what...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Researchers conducting a dig at a medieval location in England have discovered an exceptional density of superior metalwork within what seems to be an ordinary domestic district. Through the application of subsurface radar technology and earth composition studies, archaeologist Dr. Sarah Mitchell along with her research team has theorized that this density might signal the existence of a previously undiscovered aristocratic dwelling located below the present dig level. The investigators think that comparable densities found at additional medieval locations ought to be studied to determine whether they could also uncover concealed upper-class buildings.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Studies have shown that an uncommon arrangement of relics might be accounted for by an aristocratic dwelling concealed below the ground.
Mitchell along with her team were the initial researchers to verify that multiple medieval locations house concealed aristocratic buildings.
Studies have been unsuccessful in detecting indicators that an aristocratic dwelling lies concealed below the dig location.
Mitchell along with her team developed innovative dig techniques that locate upper-class buildings without requiring examination of relic arrangement.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Researchers conducting a dig at a medieval location in England have discovered an exceptional density of superior metalwork within what seems to be an ordinary domestic district.' |
|
| 'Through the application of subsurface radar technology and earth composition studies, archaeologist Dr. Sarah Mitchell along with her research team has theorized that this density might signal the existence of a previously undiscovered aristocratic dwelling located below the present dig level.' |
|
| 'The investigators think that comparable densities found at additional medieval locations ought to be studied to determine whether they could also uncover concealed upper-class buildings.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers have discovered unusually dense metalwork that they believe indicates a hidden aristocratic dwelling beneath their dig site.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from a specific surprising discovery to a scientific explanation for that discovery, and finally to the broader research implications.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text - the central message that ties everything together.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the overall point the author is making about this research discovery.
Any limiting keywords? Main Point or Purpose question requiring identification of the central theme.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should mention the unusual metalwork discovery and include the theory about what this discovery means (hidden aristocratic dwelling) while capturing that this is still theoretical.
Studies have shown that an uncommon arrangement of relics might be accounted for by an aristocratic dwelling concealed below the ground.
✓ Correct
- Captures the uncommon arrangement of relics and includes the theory that it might be accounted for by an aristocratic dwelling concealed below
- Uses appropriately tentative language that matches the passage's theoretical tone
Mitchell along with her team were the initial researchers to verify that multiple medieval locations house concealed aristocratic buildings.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Mitchell's team were the initial researchers to verify multiple medieval locations house concealed aristocratic buildings
- The passage shows they only theorized about one location and suggested studying others
Studies have been unsuccessful in detecting indicators that an aristocratic dwelling lies concealed below the dig location.
✗ Incorrect
- States studies have been unsuccessful in detecting indicators
- This directly contradicts the passage which presents a successful detection of potential indicators
Mitchell along with her team developed innovative dig techniques that locate upper-class buildings without requiring examination of relic arrangement.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the team developed innovative dig techniques
- The passage mentions they used existing technologies but doesn't say they developed new techniques