While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Sydney Opera House, whose distinctive shell design was inspired...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
The Sydney Opera House, whose distinctive shell design was inspired by natural forms, opened in 1973 after 14 years of construction. This iconic building was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, reflecting Scandinavian architectural principles emphasizing organic integration with environment. Meanwhile, the Forbidden City in Beijing, built between 1406-1420, exemplifies traditional Chinese imperial architecture with its symmetrical layout and golden roofs. Its design follows ancient Chinese philosophical concepts of harmony between heaven and earth. Both structures have become UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The student wants to make and support a generalization about landmark architecture. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Landmark architecture often reflects the cultural philosophies of its creators, as seen in Utzon's nature-inspired Opera House design and the Forbidden City's harmony-based layout.
Although the Sydney Opera House and Forbidden City are both landmark buildings, they were constructed in different time periods: the Opera House in 1973 and the Forbidden City between 1406-1420.
Many significant buildings achieve UNESCO World Heritage status, including both the Sydney Opera House and the Forbidden City.
Buildings designed by Danish architects are located in Sydney, while those following Chinese principles are found in Beijing.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The Sydney Opera House, whose distinctive shell design was inspired by natural forms, opened in 1973 after 14 years of construction.' |
|
| 'This iconic building was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, reflecting Scandinavian architectural principles emphasizing organic integration with environment.' |
|
| 'Meanwhile, the Forbidden City in Beijing, built between 1406-1420, exemplifies traditional Chinese imperial architecture with its symmetrical layout and golden roofs.' |
|
| 'Its design follows ancient Chinese philosophical concepts of harmony between heaven and earth.' |
|
| 'Both structures have become UNESCO World Heritage sites.' |
|
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? The student wants to make and support a generalization about landmark architecture using information from their notes.
- What type of answer do we need? This requires a broad, meaningful statement about landmark architecture that can be backed up with specific examples from both buildings mentioned in the notes.
- Any limiting keywords? N/A
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our notes, we have two very different buildings from different time periods and cultures
- The key insight is that both buildings reflect the cultural values and philosophical approaches of their creators
- The Opera House embodies Scandinavian principles of organic environmental integration
- The Forbidden City expresses Chinese concepts of harmony between heaven and earth
Landmark architecture often reflects the cultural philosophies of its creators, as seen in Utzon's nature-inspired Opera House design and the Forbidden City's harmony-based layout.
- This directly states that landmark architecture reflects cultural philosophies of creators
- It perfectly matches our prethinking about the pattern between both examples and specifically references the nature-inspired Opera House design and harmony-based Forbidden City layout
Although the Sydney Opera House and Forbidden City are both landmark buildings, they were constructed in different time periods: the Opera House in 1973 and the Forbidden City between 1406-1420.
- Simply states they were built in different time periods
- While factually accurate, this doesn't create any meaningful generalization about landmark architecture
Many significant buildings achieve UNESCO World Heritage status, including both the Sydney Opera House and the Forbidden City.
- States both achieved UNESCO status
- Too narrow and doesn't reveal anything significant about architectural design principles
Buildings designed by Danish architects are located in Sydney, while those following Chinese principles are found in Beijing.
- Makes geographic claims about Danish architects and Chinese principles
- Completely misses the cultural philosophy connection and oversimplifies the relationship