While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Two opposing theories of vision divided scholars for many centuries.The...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
Two opposing theories of vision divided scholars for many centuries.
The ancient Greek mathematician Euclid (circa 300 BCE) supported the extramission theory.
This theory held that the eyes emit a form of radiation that illuminates objects in its range.
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BCE) supported the intromission theory.
This theory held that objects emit a form of radiation that reaches the eyes.
In the eleventh century, Arab mathematician Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040 CE) largely settled the debate with the first conclusive experiments supporting intromission.
The student wants to provide a historical overview of the two theories. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Scholars were divided between the extramission and intromission theories of vision until Ibn al-Haytham's eleventh-century experiments largely settled the debate in support of intromission.
Through two opposing theories of vision—extramission and intromission—Euclid, Aristotle, and Ibn al-Haytham held that a form of radiation is emitted either from objects or from the eyes.
While Ibn al-Haytham largely settled the debate in the eleventh century, Aristotle supported the theory of intromission centuries before.
Before the eleventh century, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle supported the intromission theory, which held that objects emit a form of radiation that reaches the eyes.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Two opposing theories of vision divided scholars for many centuries.' |
|
| 'The ancient Greek mathematician Euclid (circa 300 BCE) supported the extramission theory.' |
|
| 'This theory held that the eyes emit a form of radiation that illuminates objects in its range.' |
|
| 'The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BCE) supported the intromission theory.' |
|
| 'This theory held that objects emit a form of radiation that reaches the eyes.' |
|
| 'In the eleventh century, Arab mathematician Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040 CE) largely settled the debate with the first conclusive experiments supporting intromission.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Two competing theories of vision—extramission and intromission—divided scholars for centuries until Ibn al-Haytham's experiments in the eleventh century provided conclusive evidence for intromission.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a historical timeline starting with the ancient division between two vision theories. It identifies the key proponents (Euclid supporting extramission, Aristotle supporting intromission) and explains what each theory claimed about how vision works. Finally, it shows how this centuries-long debate was resolved by Ibn al-Haytham's experimental evidence.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to choose which option most effectively provides a 'historical overview of the two theories.'
What type of answer do we need? A synthesis that captures the historical development and relationship between both vision theories.
Any limiting keywords? The key phrase is 'historical overview'—this means we need something that shows the progression over time and covers both theories, not just one side of the debate.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Recognition that there were two opposing theories that created scholarly division
- Some sense of the timeline (ancient period to 11th century resolution)
- Acknowledgment of both extramission and intromission theories, not just one
- The resolution of the debate through Ibn al-Haytham's work
Scholars were divided between the extramission and intromission theories of vision until Ibn al-Haytham's eleventh-century experiments largely settled the debate in support of intromission.
- Captures the core historical narrative: scholars divided between two theories until resolved
- Mentions both extramission and intromission theories by name
- Shows the timeline progression from ancient division to 11th-century resolution
- Explains how the debate ended (Ibn al-Haytham's experiments)
- Provides exactly the kind of comprehensive historical overview the student wants
Through two opposing theories of vision—extramission and intromission—Euclid, Aristotle, and Ibn al-Haytham held that a form of radiation is emitted either from objects or from the eyes.
- Lists all three scholars and mentions both theories, but presents them as if they all simply 'held' different views
- Missing the historical progression and timeline element crucial for an overview
- Doesn't explain how the debate was resolved or that there was even a debate to be settled
While Ibn al-Haytham largely settled the debate in the eleventh century, Aristotle supported the theory of intromission centuries before.
- Focuses mainly on Ibn al-Haytham and Aristotle while completely omitting Euclid
- Doesn't mention the extramission theory at all
- Provides incomplete coverage for a 'historical overview' of both theories
Before the eleventh century, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle supported the intromission theory, which held that objects emit a form of radiation that reaches the eyes.
- Only discusses Aristotle and intromission theory
- Completely ignores Euclid, extramission theory, and the resolution of the debate
- Provides a very narrow focus rather than the broad historical overview needed