Several scholars have argued that conditions in England in the late ninth through early eleventh centuries-namely, burgeoning literacy amid running...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Several scholars have argued that conditions in England in the late ninth through early eleventh centuries-namely, burgeoning literacy amid running conflicts between England's Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Danish invaders-were especially conducive to the production of the Old English epic poem Beowulf, and they have dated the poem's composition accordingly. It is not inconceivable that Beowulf emerged from such a context, but privileging contextual fit over the linguistic evidence of an eighth- or even seventh-century composition requires a level of justification that thus far has not been presented.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Although there are some grounds for believing that Beowulf was composed between the late ninth and early eleventh centuries, advocates for that view tend to rely on evidence that has been called into question by advocates for an earlier date.
Although several scholars have dated Beowulf to the late ninth through early eleventh centuries, others have argued that doing so privileges a controversial interpretation of the social conditions of the period.
Although Beowulf fits well with the historical context of England in the late ninth through early eleventh centuries, it fits equally well with the historical context of England in the seventh and eighth centuries.
Although the claim of a late ninth- through early eleventh-century composition date for Beowulf has some plausibility, advocates for the claim have not compellingly addressed evidence suggesting an earlier date.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Several scholars have argued that conditions in England in the late ninth through early eleventh centuries—namely, burgeoning literacy amid running conflicts between England's Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Danish invaders—were especially conducive to the production of the Old English epic poem Beowulf, and they have dated the poem's composition accordingly.' |
|
| 'It is not inconceivable that Beowulf emerged from such a context, but privileging contextual fit over the linguistic evidence of an eighth- or even seventh-century composition requires a level of justification that thus far has not been presented.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While some scholars' argument for a late ninth- to early eleventh-century composition of Beowulf has plausibility, those scholars have not adequately justified dismissing linguistic evidence that points to an earlier date.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a scholarly debate about dating Beowulf. First, we see one side arguing for a later date based on historical context. Then the author responds by acknowledging this view isn't impossible but criticizing scholars for not properly addressing contradictory linguistic evidence that suggests the poem is actually much older.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text - the central message the author wants to convey
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the essence of the author's overall argument about the Beowulf dating debate
Any limiting keywords? None specified
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must capture that this is about competing views on when Beowulf was written
- It needs to show that while the author acknowledges the later dating theory has some merit, there's a significant problem with how its advocates handle contradictory evidence
- The right answer should acknowledge both the plausibility of the later dating argument and the criticism that its supporters haven't properly addressed evidence for earlier composition
Although there are some grounds for believing that Beowulf was composed between the late ninth and early eleventh centuries, advocates for that view tend to rely on evidence that has been called into question by advocates for an earlier date.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the evidence has been 'called into question by advocates for an earlier date' - This mischaracterizes the passage as the author is doing the questioning, not other advocates
Although several scholars have dated Beowulf to the late ninth through early eleventh centuries, others have argued that doing so privileges a controversial interpretation of the social conditions of the period.
✗ Incorrect
- Says scholars argue the social conditions interpretation is 'controversial' - The passage doesn't describe the interpretation as controversial; the criticism is about insufficient justification
Although Beowulf fits well with the historical context of England in the late ninth through early eleventh centuries, it fits equally well with the historical context of England in the seventh and eighth centuries.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Beowulf 'fits equally well' with both time periods - The passage doesn't suggest equal fit as linguistic evidence actually favors the earlier period
Although the claim of a late ninth- through early eleventh-century composition date for Beowulf has some plausibility, advocates for the claim have not compellingly addressed evidence suggesting an earlier date.
✓ Correct
- Captures the 'some plausibility' aspect with the author's concession that the late dating is 'not inconceivable' and identifies the key criticism that advocates haven't 'compellingly addressed evidence suggesting an earlier date'