While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Texture analysis and historical analysis are two approaches to art...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Texture analysis and historical analysis are two approaches to art criticism.
- Texture analysis examines how surfaces are visually represented in an artwork.
- Such an analysis of Giorgione's Youth Holding an Arrow might consider how the painting's blended colors make the subject's skin appear smooth in texture.
- Historical analysis considers the historical context in which a work was created.
- Such an analysis of Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas might consider how the painting's depiction of the artist with King Philip IV symbolizes art's historical ties to power.
The student wants to present historical analysis to an audience unfamiliar with the concept. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A texture analysis of Youth Holding an Arrow might consider how the painting's blended colors make the subject's skin appear smooth in texture.
Texture analysis differs from historical analysis in that texture analysis examines how surfaces are visually represented in an artwork.
An approach to art criticism, historical analysis considers the historical context in which a work was created.
Las Meninas's depiction of the artist with King Philip IV symbolizes art's historical ties to power.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Texture analysis and historical analysis are two approaches to art criticism.' |
|
| 'Texture analysis examines how surfaces are visually represented in an artwork.' |
|
| 'Such an analysis of Giorgione's Youth Holding an Arrow might consider how the painting's blended colors make the subject's skin appear smooth in texture.' |
|
| 'Historical analysis considers the historical context in which a work was created.' |
|
| 'Such an analysis of Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas might consider how the painting's depiction of the artist with King Philip IV symbolizes art's historical ties to power.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: There are two distinct approaches to art criticism—texture analysis (focusing on visual surfaces) and historical analysis (focusing on historical context)—each with different methods and concerns.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively helps introduce historical analysis to newcomers
What type of answer do we need? Something that clearly explains or defines historical analysis in an accessible way
Any limiting keywords? 'unfamiliar with the concept' tells us the audience needs basic explanation, not advanced examples
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- If someone has never heard of historical analysis before, they need to understand what it actually is
- The right answer should define or explain historical analysis clearly
- Make it accessible to beginners
- Focus specifically on historical analysis rather than getting sidetracked with texture analysis or complex examples
A texture analysis of Youth Holding an Arrow might consider how the painting's blended colors make the subject's skin appear smooth in texture.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses entirely on texture analysis and Youth Holding an Arrow
- Completely misses the goal of presenting historical analysis
- Would leave the audience still unfamiliar with the concept they're supposed to learn
Texture analysis differs from historical analysis in that texture analysis examines how surfaces are visually represented in an artwork.
✗ Incorrect
- Explains what texture analysis is but doesn't clearly define historical analysis
- The contrast helps but doesn't give the audience enough information about historical analysis itself
An approach to art criticism, historical analysis considers the historical context in which a work was created.
✓ Correct
- Provides a clear, complete definition: 'historical analysis considers the historical context in which a work was created'
- Perfect for an unfamiliar audience because it explains exactly what the approach involves
- Matches our prethinking by focusing specifically on defining historical analysis
Las Meninas's depiction of the artist with King Philip IV symbolizes art's historical ties to power.
✗ Incorrect
- Jumps straight to a complex example without defining what historical analysis is
- An unfamiliar audience would see the Las Meninas example but still not understand the general concept