Soil analysis reveals significant differences between historical farming approaches in colonial America. Areas where indigenous peoples practiced inte...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Soil analysis reveals significant differences between historical farming approaches in colonial America. Areas where indigenous peoples practiced intercropping corn, beans, and squash (the 'Three Sisters' method) show substantially higher nitrogen content and organic matter compared to locations where European settlers implemented monoculture techniques. These findings emerge from Dr. Elena Rodriguez's systematic comparison of traditional and modern farming approaches through both historical records and contemporary field studies, examining colonial American farming records that document both indigenous intercropping and European agricultural methods introduced during the same period. The superior soil conditions found in areas historically used for the indigenous approach compared to European farming sites indicates that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
European settlers eventually abandoned their monoculture techniques in favor of the indigenous intercropping system after observing its superior results.
colonial American farming records contain more detailed descriptions of indigenous agricultural practices than of European farming methods.
the traditional indigenous approach yielded better soil conditions than the European farming techniques used during the same period.
contemporary farmers continue to use the 'Three Sisters' method in areas where it was historically practiced by indigenous peoples.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Soil analysis reveals significant differences between historical farming approaches in colonial America.' |
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| 'Areas where indigenous peoples practiced intercropping corn, beans, and squash (the Three Sisters method) show substantially higher nitrogen content and organic matter compared to locations where European settlers implemented monoculture techniques.' |
|
| 'These findings emerge from Dr. Elena Rodriguez's systematic comparison of traditional and modern farming approaches through both historical records and contemporary field studies, examining colonial American farming records that document both indigenous intercropping and European agricultural methods introduced during the same period.' |
|
| 'The superior soil conditions found in areas historically used for the indigenous approach compared to European farming sites indicates that ______' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Soil analysis of colonial American farming sites shows that indigenous intercropping methods produced significantly better soil conditions than European monoculture techniques.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a research finding about soil differences, provides specific evidence showing indigenous methods yielded superior soil quality, explains the rigorous methodology behind this conclusion, and then leads to a logical conclusion that must be drawn from this evidence.
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
- The evidence clearly shows that indigenous farming areas have substantially better soil conditions than European farming areas from the same time period
- This was determined through systematic scientific analysis
- The logical conclusion should directly reflect what this evidence demonstrates
- The right answer should acknowledge that indigenous methods were more effective than European methods and focus on the comparative advantage shown in the soil analysis
European settlers eventually abandoned their monoculture techniques in favor of the indigenous intercropping system after observing its superior results.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims European settlers eventually abandoned monoculture for indigenous methods
- Not supported by any evidence in the passage - we only have information about soil conditions, not about whether settlers changed their practices
colonial American farming records contain more detailed descriptions of indigenous agricultural practices than of European farming methods.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on the detail level of colonial records rather than farming effectiveness
- Misses the point entirely - the passage is about soil quality outcomes, not record-keeping practices
the traditional indigenous approach yielded better soil conditions than the European farming techniques used during the same period.
✓ Correct
- States that indigenous approaches yielded better soil conditions than European techniques
- Directly supported by the evidence: indigenous areas show substantially higher nitrogen content and organic matter
- Perfect match for what the comparative soil analysis demonstrates
contemporary farmers continue to use the 'Three Sisters' method in areas where it was historically practiced by indigenous peoples.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a claim about contemporary farming practices
- The passage focuses on historical analysis, not current agricultural trends
- No evidence provided about what contemporary farmers are doing today