While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Roman residential architecture from the imperial period has been inadequately...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Roman residential architecture from the imperial period has been inadequately documented, particularly in recently excavated sites.
- In Pompeii excavations, 127 distinct architectural features have now been identified across multiple residential structures.
- This comprehensive catalog resulted from Dr. Elena Rossi's systematic research project.
- Over two years, Rossi and her team recorded structural elements at various excavation sites throughout the area.
- The documentation represents a significant advance in understanding Roman domestic architectural diversity.
The student wants to present the research and its discoveries. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Elena Rossi wanted to catalog architectural features in Pompeii homes, so she and her team conducted systematic research at excavation sites.
Research led by Dr. Elena Rossi documented 127 distinct architectural features in Roman residential structures excavated in Pompeii.
Pompeii contains Roman homes with 127 architectural features that were discovered through excavation.
Roman domestic architecture from the imperial period includes many features, with 127 documented in Pompeii.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Roman residential architecture from the imperial period has been inadequately documented, particularly in recently excavated sites. |
|
| In Pompeii excavations, 127 distinct architectural features have now been identified across multiple residential structures. |
|
| This comprehensive catalog resulted from Dr. Elena Rossi's systematic research project. |
|
| Over two years, Rossi and her team recorded structural elements at various excavation sites throughout the area. |
|
| The documentation represents a significant advance in understanding Roman domestic architectural diversity. |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Elena Rossi's systematic research project successfully documented 127 distinct architectural features in Pompeii, significantly advancing our understanding of Roman domestic architecture.
Argument Flow: The notes begin by establishing that Roman residential architecture has been inadequately documented. They then present the key discovery of 127 distinct features found in Pompeii excavations, attribute this comprehensive catalog to Dr. Elena Rossi's systematic research, and conclude by emphasizing the significance of this documentation for understanding Roman architectural diversity.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Since the goal is to present both the research and its discoveries, the correct answer must include:
- Who conducted the research (Dr. Elena Rossi)
- What the discoveries were (127 distinct architectural features)
- Where this took place (Pompeii/Roman residential structures)
- The answer should connect the researcher to the specific findings rather than just mentioning one or the other.
Dr. Elena Rossi wanted to catalog architectural features in Pompeii homes, so she and her team conducted systematic research at excavation sites.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on what Rossi "wanted to catalog" rather than what she actually discovered
- While it mentions the research, it doesn't present the actual discoveries (the 127 features)
Research led by Dr. Elena Rossi documented 127 distinct architectural features in Roman residential structures excavated in Pompeii.
✓ Correct
- Presents both the research (led by Dr. Elena Rossi) and the discoveries (127 distinct architectural features)
- Includes the specific location and context (Roman residential structures in Pompeii)
- Directly connects Rossi's research to the documented findings
Pompeii contains Roman homes with 127 architectural features that were discovered through excavation.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions the discoveries (127 features) but completely omits the research aspect
- Doesn't mention Dr. Elena Rossi or her research project at all
Roman domestic architecture from the imperial period includes many features, with 127 documented in Pompeii.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on Roman architecture generally rather than the specific research project
- Mentions the 127 features but doesn't connect them to Dr. Rossi's research