While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo in the early...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo in the early 1500s, is one of the most celebrated works of Renaissance art.
- Over centuries, the frescoes had darkened significantly due to candle smoke, dust, and previous restoration attempts.
- A controversial restoration project began in 1980, led by chief restorer Gianluigi Colalucci.
- The restoration team used modern scientific methods including computer analysis and laser cleaning.
- Critics argued that aggressive cleaning might damage Michelangelo's original work.
- The project revealed vibrant colors and details that had been hidden for centuries, transforming understanding of Michelangelo's palette.
The student wants to emphasize the restoration's significance. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
By employing modern scientific methods despite critical concerns, the restoration project revealed vibrant colors and details that transformed understanding of Michelangelo's original palette.
Chief restorer Gianluigi Colalucci led a controversial restoration project that began in 1980 and used computer analysis and laser cleaning.
The Sistine Chapel ceiling had darkened significantly over centuries due to candle smoke and dust, making restoration necessary.
Critics argued that the restoration team's aggressive cleaning methods might damage Michelangelo's original work.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo in the early 1500s, is one of the most celebrated works of Renaissance art." |
|
| "Over centuries, the frescoes had darkened significantly due to candle smoke, dust, and previous restoration attempts." |
|
| "A controversial restoration project began in 1980, led by chief restorer Gianluigi Colalucci." |
|
| "The restoration team used modern scientific methods including computer analysis and laser cleaning." |
|
| "Critics argued that aggressive cleaning might damage Michelangelo's original work." |
|
| "The project revealed vibrant colors and details that had been hidden for centuries, transforming understanding of Michelangelo's palette." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The 1980 restoration of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, despite controversy, used modern methods that revealed previously hidden aspects of Michelangelo's work and transformed our understanding of his artistic palette.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses the notes to emphasize the restoration's significance.
What type of answer do we need? A choice that highlights why the restoration was important/meaningful, using relevant information from the notes.
Any limiting keywords? "most effectively" and "emphasize the restoration's significance"
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- To emphasize the restoration's significance, the answer should focus on what made this project meaningful or transformative
- From our analysis, the significance comes from:
- The project overcame challenges and criticism to use innovative methods
- It revealed previously hidden aspects of Michelangelo's work
- It transformed our understanding of his artistic palette
By employing modern scientific methods despite critical concerns, the restoration project revealed vibrant colors and details that transformed understanding of Michelangelo's original palette.
- Combines the innovative methods with the criticism faced
- Highlights the transformative results that changed understanding
- Connects the challenging approach with the significant outcome
Chief restorer Gianluigi Colalucci led a controversial restoration project that began in 1980 and used computer analysis and laser cleaning.
- Simply states facts about who led the project and what methods were used
- Doesn't emphasize significance or impact - just describes what happened
The Sistine Chapel ceiling had darkened significantly over centuries due to candle smoke and dust, making restoration necessary.
- Focuses on the problem that made restoration necessary rather than the restoration's significance
- Explains why restoration was needed but not why this particular restoration was significant
Critics argued that the restoration team's aggressive cleaning methods might damage Michelangelo's original work.
- Only presents the criticism without any positive results or significance
- Focuses solely on concerns rather than accomplishments