The spread of cultural traditions among different communities occurs through intricate networks that researchers in anthropology continue to investiga...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The spread of cultural traditions among different communities occurs through intricate networks that researchers in anthropology continue to investigate and decode. Dr. Sarah Chen and her colleagues have theorized that itinerant merchant associations functioned as conduits for transferring ornamental ceramic crafting skills throughout regions of medieval Europe. Members of these associations would acquire particular glazing techniques during commercial activities in one area, subsequently transporting this knowledge to remote settlements through later trade journeys, at which point indigenous craftspeople would embrace and incorporate these novel approaches into their established practices.
Which option most accurately characterizes the role of the underlined section within the overall text?
It outlines a method through which ceramic techniques could have been disseminated throughout medieval territories.
It accounts for the reasons certain glazing approaches were more prone to transmission than alternatives.
It distinguishes between technique dissemination patterns among traders versus craftspeople.
It elucidates why association members showed greater resistance to embracing new ceramic methods compared to indigenous artisans.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| The spread of cultural traditions among different communities occurs through intricate networks that researchers in anthropology continue to investigate and decode. |
|
| Dr. Sarah Chen and her colleagues have theorized that itinerant merchant associations functioned as conduits for transferring ornamental ceramic crafting skills throughout regions of medieval Europe. |
|
| Members of these associations would acquire particular glazing techniques during commercial activities in one area, subsequently transporting this knowledge to remote settlements through later trade journeys, at which point indigenous craftspeople would embrace and incorporate these novel approaches into their established practices. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen theorizes that medieval merchant associations served as the primary mechanism for spreading ceramic crafting techniques across European regions.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from the general concept of cultural transmission networks to Chen's specific theory about merchant associations, then provides the detailed step-by-step process of how this transmission actually worked according to her theory.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The role that the underlined section plays within the overall text structure
What type of answer do we need? A functional description of what this specific part does in relation to the whole passage
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The underlined section takes Chen's theory and breaks down exactly how this process worked step-by-step
- It shows the mechanism: merchants learn techniques in one place, carry that knowledge through their travels, then pass it to craftspeople in new locations who integrate it
It outlines a method through which ceramic techniques could have been disseminated throughout medieval territories.
✓ Correct
- Accurately captures that the underlined section describes the method/process of transmission
It accounts for the reasons certain glazing approaches were more prone to transmission than alternatives.
✗ Incorrect
- The section doesn't explain why certain techniques were more likely to be transmitted
It distinguishes between technique dissemination patterns among traders versus craftspeople.
✗ Incorrect
- The section doesn't compare different patterns, it describes one unified process
It elucidates why association members showed greater resistance to embracing new ceramic methods compared to indigenous artisans.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage states craftspeople embrace new techniques, not resist them