Traditional blacksmiths once forged essential tools using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. Industrial manufacturing has large...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Traditional blacksmiths once forged essential tools using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. Industrial manufacturing has largely replaced their economic necessity, but many smiths have adapted by creating decorative metalwork and teaching their craft to preserve these ancient skills. Despite the economic shift, blacksmiths remain valued for maintaining knowledge that might otherwise disappear.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Blacksmiths have successfully transitioned from making tools to creating decorative items.
Although industrial changes have reduced their traditional role, blacksmiths continue to preserve important metalworking knowledge.
Teaching has become the primary focus for most traditional blacksmiths today.
Industrial manufacturing can now produce what blacksmiths used to make by hand.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Traditional blacksmiths once forged essential tools using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.' |
|
| 'Industrial manufacturing has largely replaced their economic necessity, but many smiths have adapted by creating decorative metalwork and teaching their craft to preserve these ancient skills.' |
|
| 'Despite the economic shift, blacksmiths remain valued for maintaining knowledge that might otherwise disappear.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Although industrial manufacturing has reduced blacksmiths' traditional economic role, they continue to be valued for preserving important metalworking knowledge and skills.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text
- What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the central message the author wants to convey
- Any limiting keywords? 'main idea' means we need the overarching point, not just one aspect
Content Genre: Humanities & Social Sciences
Content Format: Text-only
Question Type: Main Point or Purpose (entire)
Language Complexity: Accessible
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer needs to capture three key elements:
- Acknowledge that industrial changes affected blacksmiths' traditional role
- Show that blacksmiths have adapted and continue to have value
- Emphasize that their current value lies in preserving knowledge and skills
- The main thread running through this passage is about how blacksmiths maintain importance specifically for knowledge preservation despite economic changes.
Blacksmiths have successfully transitioned from making tools to creating decorative items.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on the transition from tools to decorative items
- Misses the teaching aspect and knowledge preservation emphasis
Although industrial changes have reduced their traditional role, blacksmiths continue to preserve important metalworking knowledge.
✓ Correct
- Acknowledges industrial changes reduced their traditional role
- Recognizes they continue to have value
- Emphasizes knowledge preservation
- Captures the complete flow of the passage
Teaching has become the primary focus for most traditional blacksmiths today.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims teaching became the 'primary focus' but passage shows both decorative work AND teaching
- Makes unsupported claims about proportions
Industrial manufacturing can now produce what blacksmiths used to make by hand.
✗ Incorrect
- States something mentioned in the passage but not the main point
- Focuses on industrial capability rather than blacksmiths' response and value