The following text is from anthropologist Maria Rodriguez's 2023 study of traditional weaving communities in the Andes Mountains.When textile cooperat...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The following text is from anthropologist Maria Rodriguez's 2023 study of traditional weaving communities in the Andes Mountains.
When textile cooperatives first introduced modern looms to San Pedro village, master weavers like Rosa Mamani initially embraced the promise of increased efficiency. However, after several months of using the new equipment, a troubling pattern emerged. The weavers discovered that modern looms could not accommodate the intricate ancestral patterns that had defined their cultural identity for generations. While the new technology produced fabric more quickly, it stripped away the spiritual significance that had made their work meaningful. Recognizing this fundamental incompatibility, the community made a deliberate choice to return to traditional methods, prioritizing cultural preservation over economic advancement. Rodriguez noted that this decision reflected a broader pattern among indigenous artisan communities facing similar technological pressures.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Modern loom technology offers significant efficiency improvements but requires extensive training for traditional weavers to master effectively.
Rosa Mamani and other master weavers possess technical expertise that allows them to adapt traditional patterns to modern equipment.
When faced with technology that conflicted with cultural values, the San Pedro weaving community chose to prioritize traditional practices over economic benefits.
Unlike other indigenous communities, San Pedro village successfully integrated modern technology while maintaining ancestral weaving techniques.
Looking at this SAT Central Ideas question, I need to follow the structured solution process. Let me work through this systematically.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "When textile cooperatives first introduced modern looms to San Pedro village, master weavers like Rosa Mamani initially embraced the promise of increased efficiency." |
|
| "However, after several months of using the new equipment, a troubling pattern emerged." |
|
| "The weavers discovered that modern looms could not accommodate the intricate ancestral patterns that had defined their cultural identity for generations." |
|
| "While the new technology produced fabric more quickly, it stripped away the spiritual significance that had made their work meaningful." |
|
| "Recognizing this fundamental incompatibility, the community made a deliberate choice to return to traditional methods, prioritizing cultural preservation over economic advancement." |
|
| "Rodriguez noted that this decision reflected a broader pattern among indigenous artisan communities facing similar technological pressures." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: When San Pedro's weaving community discovered that modern loom technology conflicted with their cultural traditions, they deliberately chose to return to traditional methods, prioritizing cultural preservation over economic benefits.
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 main idea should capture the central conflict and resolution in this passage
- Key elements it must include: The community faced a choice between modern technology and cultural traditions
- They discovered the technology conflicted with their cultural values/practices
- They made a deliberate decision to prioritize culture over economic benefits
Modern loom technology offers significant efficiency improvements but requires extensive training for traditional weavers to master effectively.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses only on efficiency improvements and training needs
- It completely misses the central conflict about cultural incompatibility
Rosa Mamani and other master weavers possess technical expertise that allows them to adapt traditional patterns to modern equipment.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Rosa and others could adapt traditional patterns to modern equipment
- This directly contradicts what the passage states—that modern looms "could not accommodate" the ancestral patterns
When faced with technology that conflicted with cultural values, the San Pedro weaving community chose to prioritize traditional practices over economic benefits.
✓ Correct
- Captures the central conflict between technology and cultural values
- Includes the key resolution—they chose traditional practices over economic benefits
- Matches our prethinking about the community making a deliberate choice to prioritize culture
Unlike other indigenous communities, San Pedro village successfully integrated modern technology while maintaining ancestral weaving techniques.
✗ Incorrect
- Says they "successfully integrated" modern technology while maintaining ancestral techniques
- This is the opposite of what happened—they rejected the modern technology entirely