While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought French-speaking...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought French-speaking rulers to power.
- Norman French became the language of the royal court and government administration.
- English continued to be spoken by the general population but was considered less prestigious.
- Over the following centuries, English gradually incorporated thousands of French words.
- By the late Middle Ages, English had absorbed French vocabulary related to law, government, cuisine, and art.
- This linguistic borrowing significantly enriched the English language's vocabulary.
The student wants to explain how historical events influenced language development. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The Norman Conquest brought French-speaking rulers to power in 1066, and Norman French became the language of government while English remained the language of the general population.
The Norman Conquest of 1066 led to extensive French vocabulary entering English: as Norman French dominated government and court life, English speakers gradually adopted French terms for law, government, cuisine, and art.
English incorporated thousands of French words over several centuries, significantly enriching the language's vocabulary by the late Middle Ages.
Norman French was considered more prestigious than English after 1066, though English continued to be spoken by the general population.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought French-speaking rulers to power.' |
|
| 'Norman French became the language of the royal court and government administration.' |
|
| 'English continued to be spoken by the general population but was considered less prestigious.' |
|
| 'Over the following centuries, English gradually incorporated thousands of French words.' |
|
| 'By the late Middle Ages, English had absorbed French vocabulary related to law, government, cuisine, and art.' |
|
| 'This linguistic borrowing significantly enriched the English language's vocabulary.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Norman Conquest of 1066 led to extensive French vocabulary incorporation into English over several centuries, significantly enriching the language.
Argument Flow: The notes establish cause-and-effect: Norman Conquest created linguistic hierarchy where French dominated prestigious domains, leading English speakers to gradually adopt French vocabulary in those areas, ultimately transforming and enriching English vocabulary.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Choose which option most effectively uses relevant information from notes to explain how historical events influenced language development.
What type of answer do we need? A synthesis demonstrating causal relationship between historical event (Norman Conquest) and language development (English vocabulary changes).
Any limiting keywords? Must show connection between historical event and language development with clear causal explanation.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Reference Norman Conquest as triggering historical event
- Explain how this created conditions for language change
- Show actual language development that resulted
- Trace clear causal chain from Norman Conquest to English vocabulary enrichment
The Norman Conquest brought French-speaking rulers to power in 1066, and Norman French became the language of government while English remained the language of the general population.
✗ Incorrect
- Describes post-Conquest linguistic situation but lacks causal connection showing how this led to development
- Missing the influence mechanism
The Norman Conquest of 1066 led to extensive French vocabulary entering English: as Norman French dominated government and court life, English speakers gradually adopted French terms for law, government, cuisine, and art.
✓ Correct
- Creates clear causal chain: Norman Conquest leads to French dominance in government/court, leading to English speakers adopting French terms
- Includes specific examples demonstrating scope of influence
English incorporated thousands of French words over several centuries, significantly enriching the language's vocabulary by the late Middle Ages.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on vocabulary incorporation and enrichment but doesn't clearly connect to historical event
- Describes outcome without showing historical cause
Norman French was considered more prestigious than English after 1066, though English continued to be spoken by the general population.
✗ Incorrect
- Describes prestige differences but doesn't show resulting language development
- Sets up context without explaining actual vocabulary changes that resulted