While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The ancient Arab dhow was a sailing vessel distinguishable by...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The ancient Arab dhow was a sailing vessel distinguishable by its triangular sails and stitched hull construction.
- Dhows were used primarily for trade along the coasts of Arab, South Asian, and East African countries.
- Contemporary shipbuilders in Oman use a mix of modern and traditional materials to build replicas of ancient dhows.
- Most of the materials used are traditional.
- Replica hulls are stitched together using the same traditional coconut palm fiber rope used on the hulls of ancient dhows.
The student wants to make a generalization about the materials used in dhow replicas. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A traditional material that was used to stitch together the hulls of ancient dhows, coconut palm fiber rope is still used by shipbuilders.
The ancient Arab dhow was a sailing vessel used primarily for trade and distinguishable by its triangular sails.
Although most materials used in dhow replicas are traditional, some modern materials are used.
Contemporary shipbuilders in Oman build replicas of the dhow, which was an ancient sailing vessel with a stitched hull construction.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The ancient Arab dhow was a sailing vessel distinguishable by its triangular sails and stitched hull construction." |
|
| "Dhows were used primarily for trade along the coasts of Arab, South Asian, and East African countries." |
|
| "Contemporary shipbuilders in Oman use a mix of modern and traditional materials to build replicas of ancient dhows." |
|
| "Most of the materials used are traditional." |
|
| "Replica hulls are stitched together using the same traditional coconut palm fiber rope used on the hulls of ancient dhows." |
|
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? The student needs to make a generalization about the materials used in dhow replicas.
- What type of answer do we need? This requires a broad statement about the overall approach to materials in replica construction, not a specific detail about one type of material.
- Any limiting keywords? Generalization
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our analysis, replica builders use a combination approach - they mix modern and traditional materials, but the balance leans heavily toward traditional materials
- A good generalization should capture both elements: the mix of materials and the predominance of traditional ones
A traditional material that was used to stitch together the hulls of ancient dhows, coconut palm fiber rope is still used by shipbuilders.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on coconut palm fiber rope, which is just one specific example
- Fails to provide a generalization about the overall material approach
The ancient Arab dhow was a sailing vessel used primarily for trade and distinguishable by its triangular sails.
✗ Incorrect
- Describes ancient dhows, not replica construction materials
- Completely misses the question's focus on contemporary replica materials
Although most materials used in dhow replicas are traditional, some modern materials are used.
✓ Correct
- Captures the complete picture by acknowledging that most materials are traditional while noting some modern materials are used
- This provides exactly the kind of generalization requested
Contemporary shipbuilders in Oman build replicas of the dhow, which was an ancient sailing vessel with a stitched hull construction.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on who builds replicas rather than on the materials question
- Sidesteps the materials generalization entirely