The village of Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for its traditional black pottery, which has been crafted there for over 2,000...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The village of Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for its traditional black pottery, which has been crafted there for over 2,000 years. Local artisans create these distinctive pieces using clay found in nearby deposits. What makes this clay particularly suitable for the traditional black pottery technique is its high iron content, which allows the pieces to achieve their characteristic deep black color when fired in underground kilns without oxygen. The iron-rich composition also makes the clay more durable and less likely to crack during the complex firing process.
What aspect of the local clay does the text say makes it particularly suitable for traditional black pottery?
Its high iron content allows pieces to achieve their characteristic color and durability.
It can be found in deposits that are conveniently located near the village.
It has been used by local artisans for over 2,000 years of pottery making.
It requires less preparation time than clay from other regional sources.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The village of Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for its traditional black pottery, which has been crafted there for over 2,000 years.' |
|
| 'Local artisans create these distinctive pieces using clay found in nearby deposits.' |
|
| 'What makes this clay particularly suitable for the traditional black pottery technique is its high iron content, which allows the pieces to achieve their characteristic deep black color when fired in underground kilns without oxygen.' |
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| 'The iron-rich composition also makes the clay more durable and less likely to crack during the complex firing process.' |
|
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage directly states what makes the clay suitable: its high iron content
- This iron content provides two specific benefits - it creates the characteristic deep black color when fired without oxygen
- It makes the clay more durable and less likely to crack during firing
Its high iron content allows pieces to achieve their characteristic color and durability.
✓ Correct
- Directly matches what the passage states about high iron content
- Captures both benefits the passage describes
It can be found in deposits that are conveniently located near the village.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on location convenience rather than clay properties that make it suitable
It has been used by local artisans for over 2,000 years of pottery making.
✗ Incorrect
- Confuses duration of use with suitability characteristics
- The 2,000-year history is background context, not what makes the clay suitable
It requires less preparation time than clay from other regional sources.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a claim about preparation time that doesn't appear anywhere in the passage