One of the long-standing mysteries of Mediterranean archeology is the

Question

One of the long-standing mysteries of Mediterranean archeology is the identity of the Nuragic people of Sardinia. This culture flourished from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point they were conquered by the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians, in turn, were conquered by the Romans three centuries later. Because of this double conquest, we have no written records describing Nuragic culture. Our knowledge of the Nuragic people comes from the thousands of perplexing conical stone structures known as nuraghe scattered over the island (in appearance like enormous beehives), thousands of odd bronze figurines of thin, elongated people and animals, and intriguing linguistic remnants preserved in the Sardo language and in place names, such as Kukkuru Nuraxi. These archeological remnants bear little resemblance to those of any other known Mediterranean culture.

A number of scholars have looked for the identity of the Nuragic people in the name of the island Sardinia;  variants of this name are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.  One theory suggests that the Nuragic people were the Shardana, a sea-faring culture of merchants and pirates that are mentioned in Egyptian records from 1180 BCE An alternative theory places the origin of Sardinia’s name in the city of Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia in Asia Minor; in this theory, the island was settled by sailors from the Eastern Mediterranean centuries before the Phoenicians reached the area. Both the Shardana and the Sardis theories support a connection between the Nuragic people and the Indo-Europeans, a widespread prehistoric culture whose language provided the basis for almost all European and many Asian languages.

More recently, scholars have questioned whether the Nuragic people actually were related to the Indo-Europeans. Comparative linguistics are inconclusive, but there is evidence that the original Sardinian language may have been more similar to Basque, one of the few surviving non-Indo-European languages in Europe, than to contemporary Indo-European tongues such as Greek or Sanskrit. A genetic analysis of the genotypes found among modern Sardinians suggests that many of these people share a common ancestry deriving from a non-Indo-European ethnic group that may have predated the  physical evidence  of Nuragic culture on Sardinia. The identity of this ethnic group remains a mystery.    1 
 1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people?

A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE 
B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean
C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians
D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India
E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture

2 
 2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” ( Highlighted )

A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians.
B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph.
C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest.
D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region.
E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.

3 
 3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage?

A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph.
B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage.
C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage.
D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph.
E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage.

4 
 4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence”  mentioned  in the second to last sentence of the passage?

A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals
B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape
C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language
D. Iron helmets and greaves
E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil

GMAT Club's Reading Comprehension (RC) Quiz-II 2023   
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 Passage # 10  |  Date: 05 September 2023 
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nivivacious · Accepted Answer

Individual paragraph summaries for better understanding and focus: Para 1: Very little is known about Nuragic people of Sardania - who were active from 1500 to 500 BCE, due to lack of written records. Lack of written records along with them being conquered by Phoenicians and Romans post 500 BCE made their culture one of a kind. And they do not resemble any other known Mediterranean culture Little knowledge about them comes from unique stone cultures (nuraghe), bronze figurines, mysterious linguistic remnants in Sardo language and place names like Kukkuru Nuraxi Para 2: This para deals with theories about Nuragic people known to predate Roman presence - 2 theories that ties them to Indo-Europeans Theory 1: They were Shardana, seafaring culture mentioned in ancient Egypt Theory 2: They were from city of Sardis in ancient Lydia ie middle eastern sailors This justifies the language that is old - and because Indo European languages are the basis for many languages Para 3: The connection to Indo Europeans (in previous para) is questioned. Linguistic comparisons are unclear. New theory: Original Sardanian language may be closer to Basque (non Indo European) Genetic analysis also shows commonality to non Indo European ancestry However mystery of their identity is unresolved. Hence we can conclude: 1. Passage tonality is informative 2. Author tonality is neutral and objective 3. Main point of this passage: Discussing the mystery around the identity of the Nuragic people --- Question 1: Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people? A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE Passage mentions bronze figurines in para 1 but not a connection with African cultures. Therefore this is not supported by the passage. Moreover even if we applied CR skills here we can conclude that old figurine and new sculpture resemblance does not particularly tell us anything about Nuragic people. Example, remake of a bollywood song in a new film, does not tell us anything about the old cultures of the people of that generation. B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean Passage mentions Sardis as a name origin for Sardania but does not talk about a trade network or tools. Thus not supported by the passage.Again logically as well, this would not help us gain much understanding about Nuragic people C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians This contrasts with the information given in the passage, since it talks about a possible connection with non Indo European group with genetic analysis; not Phoenicians. Moreover it would not help us determine anything about the identity or culture of Nuragic people since Phoenicians are from a latter part in history. D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India Passage does not mention any Dravidian languages - moreover ruling out something will lead it back to square one - as in we would still have no leads than before. Hence this is incorrect. E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture Of all the options, this is the most plausible. The passage discusses the importance of linguistic remnants in understanding the Nuragic people (see summaries above) This would help us understand more about the culture and connections with other Mediterranean culture -- Question 2: Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” (Highlighted) A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians. This is a trap answer. While the passage mentions they thrived from 1500 - 500 BCE but this is not the best reasoning for the line "variants.. in the sea" . We can keep this on hold until something better B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph. This is a MUCH better explanation than A and is likely the correct answer. We can keep looking but eliminate A for now. The line establishes that the name "Sardinia" predates the Romans, which is important for the theories discussed in the paragraph (see summaries). C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest. This is easy to see that this is wrong. The line does not provide information about why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive. There is no connection D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region. The line does not suggest a common ancestry between the Romans and the Nuragic people ie if they did, they wouldnt have named them Sardinians - almost a contrast answer. E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula. Again, the line does not propose that the name "Sardinia" was given by the Basque population. They would have named them something resembling Basque or what their people were called, had this option been true. -- Question 3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage? A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph. This is not supported by the passage. As seen in the summaries the second paragraph does not contradict the first paragraph; instead, it expands on the mystery of the Nuragic people's identity introduced in the first paragraph by way of multiple theories. Its easy to see that this is wrong. B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage. This is a huggge trap option.

Passage does come forth with 2 theories in para 2 which are central to the passage but the word 'define the terms' is bothering. We can keep this on hold C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage. When you read this twice, you can see this is exactly what the second para is about. It discusses and describes possible theories aka answers that people advanced as solutions to the main question in the whole passage. This is better than B - there is no define terms here. D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph. The theories in para 2 were not alternative explanations from para 1. Instead it expands by way of offering explanations or theories. This is easy to see why this is wrong. E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage. Again, trap answer. It does not pose unanswered questions - they're more like theories -- Question 4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence” mentioned in the second to last sentence of the passage? A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals Passage gives this exact description. "thousands of odd bronze figurines of thin, elongated people and animals" . hence we can take this as the correct answer unless we find something better B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape This is a trap answer. Passage mentions "perplexing conical stone structures known as nuraghe," but does not describe them as pyramid-shaped. C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language The passage mentions linguistic remnants but not specifically clay tablets in unknown language. So this option is wrong D. Iron helmets and greaves The passage does not mention iron helmets or greaves as part of the physical evidence of the Nuragic culture. E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil The passage does not mention ceramic urns or the remains of wine and olive oil as part of the physical evidence of the Nuragic culture

Archit3110 · Answer

1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people?

A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE 
B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean
 C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians 
D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India
E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture

2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” ( Highlighted ) 
 
A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians. 
B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph.
C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest.
D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region.
E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.

3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage?

A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph.
B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage.
 C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage. 
D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph.
E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage.

4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence”  mentioned  in the second to last sentence of the passage?

A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals
B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape
 C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language 
D. Iron helmets and greaves
E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil

CACC

PK1 · Answer

Para 1: Author discussed one of the long standing mystery of identity of Nuragic people of Sardinia. Elaborate on no written records because of two conquests. It becomes confusing from thousands of conical stone structures, elongated structures and intriguing literary remnants. Bear little resemblance to other Mediterranean culture.

Para 2: Scholars started studying and proposed two theories, one on Shardana and other Sardis. Both however support connection between Nuragic and Indo Europeans

Para 3: Recently Scholars questioned this connection. Evidence of similarity with non Indo European rather than Indo Europeans. Genetic analysis on Sardis reveal ancestry of non indo European ethnic group that predates Nuragic culture on Sardinia, identity of this ethnic group is a mystery

Main Point: Author begins with challenges around mystery, present scholars study and commonality which has been recently questioned.Mystery around identity still remains unsolved.

1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people?

A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE 
-- Figurines and sculptures are one part of mystery and African culture is also non Indo European one. Hence the similarity can be useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people.
This is the answer

B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean  
-- trade network still does not provide identity of the people of Sardis, hence out

C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians  
-- A shared ancestry will not help as we know that it belongs to non Indo European but the identity of that ethnic group is still a mystery

D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India  
-- linguistic analysis will not help in finding identity of nuragic people. Dravidian language belongs to Indo European and hence ruled out

E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture  
-- Out since para 1 says "These archeological remnants bear little resemblance to those of any other known Mediterranean culture."

2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” ( Highlighted )

A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians.  
-- The purpose of the line is not to establish when Nuragic people thrived

B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph.
-- This is the purpose of the lines because if the name was given by Romans entire Indo European or non Indo Eurpoean discussion will cease to exist.
This is the answer

C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest  
-- The proposed line is not to clarify why written records did not survive.

D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region.  
-- The proposed line is not to suggest any common ancestry..

E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.  
-- The proposed line is not written to propose name given by Basque peopulation ..

3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage? 
 
 A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph.  
-- Para 2 does not contradict general thesis in 1st para. It says commonality of Indo Europeans between the two theories.

B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage.  
-- Para 2 does not define the term and theories, ones that are central concerns of passage which is identity.

C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage.
-- This captures the essence of Para 2, as both thoeries explore possible answers of the mystery of the Identity of Nuragic people
This is the answer

D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph.  
-- Para 2 does not offer an alternative explanation to the the one discussed in 1st para

E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage.  
-- incorrect as Para 2 does not give two unanswered question. Question on Indo European origin has been rejected in Para 3

4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence”  mentioned  in the second to last sentence of the passage?

"A genetic analysis of the genotypes found among modern Sardinians suggests that many of these people share a common ancestry deriving from a non-Indo-European ethnic group that may have predated the physical evidence of Nuragic culture on Sardinia. The identity of this ethnic group remains a mystery."

A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals
-- ""thousands of odd bronze figurines of thin, elongated people and animals" is the physical evidence of Nuragic culture
This is the answer

B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape  
-- Stone structures in conic shape is physical evidence not pyramid shape

C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language  
-- Clay tablets are not mentioned

D. Iron helmets and greaves  
-- iron helments and greaves are not mentioned as physical evidences

E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil  
-- Large ceramic urns are not mentioned physical evidences.

Elite097 · Answer

1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people?

A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE
The sculptures from an African culture in the twelfth century CE are from a much later time period than the Nuragic culture, which flourished from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE. Therefore, the artifacts from these two time periods are not likely to provide relevant insights into the identity of the Nuragic people.

B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean
While this choice mentions a historical connection involving trade networks between the people of Sardis and cultures of the Western Mediterranean, it does not directly address the identity of the Nuragic people on Sardinia. It focuses on trade and interactions with Sardis rather than providing insights into the unique characteristics or origins of the Nuragic culture.

C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians
Genetic analysis can provide valuable insights into the ancestry and migration patterns of populations. If the genetic analysis reveals a degree of shared ancestry between the Nuragic people and the Phoenicians, it would support the idea of historical connections and potentially shed light on the origins and identity of the Nuragic culture.

D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India
This choice discusses linguistic analysis but focuses on ruling out connections between the Sardinian language and Dravidian languages of India. While this is a valid linguistic analysis, it doesn't directly address the Nuragic people's identity or provide information about their own language or linguistic connections. Furthermore, the passage primarily discusses linguistic analysis regarding the Indo-European connection, not Dravidian.

E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture
 These archeological remnants bear little resemblance to those of any other known Mediterranean culture- this indicates that its resemblance to a culture will be of use only if we identify the contemporary

Ans C

Question 2

2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” (Highlighted)

A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians.
This is already known

B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph.
If romans named it, then we could not identify identity of nuragic from this name

C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest.
There were no written records

D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region.
No link has been established between the two groups

E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.
It is not mentioned whether basque gave the name

Ans B

Question 3

3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage?

A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph.
Second is a different theory from first but not a contradiction

B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage.
No terms are defined

C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage.
Second para is neutral and gives stance of scholars in order to propose their theories to address the main concern of the passage

D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph.
The theory is not promising even in the second

E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage.
No questions are posed

Ans C

Question 4

4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence” mentioned in the second to last sentence of the passage?

A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals
Correct as mentioned in the first para

B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape
Not mentioned in the para

C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language
Not mentioned in the passage

D. Iron helmets and greaves
Not mentioned in the passage

E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil
Not mentioned in the passage

Ans A

Catman · Answer

1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people? 
A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE  ~ The Nuragic people culture flourished from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE.

B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean  ~ The Eastern Mediterranean area is mentioned Refer to the line "in this theory, the island was settled by sailors from the Eastern Mediterranean centuries before the Phoenicians reached the area."

C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians  ~ Refer to the line "The genetic analysis of the genotypes found among modern Sardinians suggests that many of these people share a common ancestry deriving from a non-Indo-European ethnic group" This information is not useful.

D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India ~  This evidence has already been found in the 3rd paragraph through which we know "that the original Sardinian language may have been more similar to Basque"

E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture
Of all the options, this is the most plausible. The passage discusses the importance of linguistic remnants in understanding the Nuragic people (see summaries above)
This would help us understand more about the culture and connections with other Mediterranean culture

2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” (Highlighted) 
A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians.
 ~ From this line it cannot be establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE. ~ The author is not presenting argument against the timeline of the Nuragic people.

B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph.  ~ Correct, author mentions this line to set a premise to the two theories which are presented later. If the name Sardinia is given by Romans than both theories will get refuted.
 
C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest.  ~ Written records are part of the first paragraph and are not mentioned in the second paragraph.

D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region.  ~ This has already been established.

E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.  ~ No such information is given that how the name Sardinia is given by Basque population.

3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage?

P1: Little knowledge about the identity of Nuragic People Why?
a) No written record about them- They were conquered by Phoneicians which were conquered by Romans
b) Limited knowledge that is gathered from the evidences, bears little resemblance to Mediterranean Culture 
P2: Two theories are presented which coincides to resembles a connection between Nuragic and Indo-Europeans
P3: New studies suggest that might be linguistic and genetic connection between Nuragic and non-Indo European ethnic group

A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph.  ~ General thesis that is advanced in the first paragraph is we have limited knowledge of Nuragic People, the second paragraph does not contradicts this.

B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage.  ~ The two theories that are presented are not the central concerns of the passage.

C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage.
-- This captures the essence of Para 2, as both thoeries explore possible answers of the mystery of the Identity of Nuragic people
This is the answer

D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph.  ~ In the first paragraph we are given two reasons why we are not able to found anything about Nuragic people. The second paragraph does not present an alternative explanation.

E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage.  ~ The two questions are not answered.

4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence” mentioned in the second to last sentence of the passage? 
Refer to the line "Our knowledge of the Nuragic people comes from the thousands of perplexing conical stone structures known as nuraghe scattered over the island (in appearance like enormous beehives),  thousands of odd bronze figurines of thin, elongated people and animals , and intriguing linguistic remnants preserved in the Sardo language and in place names, such as Kukkuru Nuraxi."

A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals 
 B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape
C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language
D. Iron helmets and greaves
E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil

pintukr · Answer

1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people?

A. An artistic and anthropological analysis of similarities between the Nuragic bronze figurines and the sculptures found in an African culture in the twelfth century CE
 artistic similarities can be achieved through trade relations also; not a concrete proof of identity

B. The discovery of obsidian tools from 1500 BCE in the vicinity of the ancient city of Sardis, testifying to a trade network between the people of Sardis and the cultures of the Western Mediterranean
 tools again, supplemented by proof regarding trade network -- not too strong a proof for identity

C. A genetic analysis of the population of Sardinia that suggests a degree of shared ancestry between the people of Sardinia and the current inhabitants of what was once the homeland of the Phoenicians
 ancestral relations depicted through genetic analysis will be a strong proof of identity -- in line with paragraph three of the passage

D. A historical linguistic analysis that rules out any shared linguistic background between the original Sardinian language and the Dravidian languages of India
 linguistic analysis that 'rules out' any shared linguistic background -- will not assist in the determination of identity

E. The discovery of inscribed clay tablets in an undisturbed Nuragic site bearing a language similar to that encountered in archeological sites of a contemporary Mediterranean culture.
 clay tablets -- again may be a consequence of interaction amongst the artisans; not a unmistakable proof of identity

2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” (Highlighted)

A. To establish that the Nuragic people thrived in Sardinia from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, at which point the island was conquered by the Phoenicians.
 prompt has no ink with the Romans -- not a valid explanation
 
B. To make clear to the reader that the name “Sardinia” was not given to the island by the Romans when they conquered it, a condition that, if true, would invalidate the theories discussed in the paragraph.
 if the name variants predated the appearance of Romans in the area -- it is evident that the name was not assigned by the Romans

C. To clarify why written records from the Nuragic people did not survive through the periods of both Phoenician and Roman conquest.
 the given statement does not the purpose for clarification

D. To suggest that the Romans and the Nuragic people shared a common ancestry that dated to the earliest days of Indo-European involvement in the region.
 common ancestry -- genetic analysis as proof is required

E. To propose that the name “Sardinia” was given to the island not by the Romans but by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.
 can't be inferred through the statement that the name was given by the Basque population of the Iberian peninsula.

3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage?

A. It offers evidence that contradicts the general thesis advanced in the first paragraph.
 evidence in the 2nd paragraph 'supports' , and does not contradict

B. It defines the terms and theories that are the central concerns of the passage.
 definitions not the focus of the 2nd paragraph

C. It describes some of the possible answers that people have advanced as solutions to the primary question of the passage.
 1st paragraph --> questions pertaining to the identity of the Nuragic people in the name of the island Sardinia
2nd paragraph --> several theories cited in connection with determination of identity

D. It offers a promising alternative explanation to the explanation discussed in the introductory paragraph.
 out of scope..no explanations cited or discussed in the 1st paragraph.

E. It poses two unanswered questions regarding the general topic of the passage.
 no mention of 'two' unanswered questions in the second paragraph of the passage

4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence” mentioned in the second to last sentence of the passage?

A. Odd bronze figurines shaped like elongated animals
 clearly highlighted as an example of “physical evidence” in paragraph 1 of the passage

B. Immense stone structures in pyramid shape
 'pyramid' shape of the stone structures -- a distortion

C. Clay tablets inscribed in an unknown language
 'unknown' language weakens this as the answer

D. Iron helmets and greaves
 not mentioned as “physical evidence” in the passage

E. Large ceramic urns bearing the remains of wine and olive oil
 this prompt also not mentioned as “physical evidence” in the passage

CBCA is the correct answer sequence

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. Based on the information presented in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following would be most useful in the quest to determine the identity of the Nuragic people?

Explanation

The passage states in the first paragraph, concerning the mystery of Nuragic origins,  “Because of this double conquest, we have no written records describing their culture.”  The implication is that if there were written records, we would have more evidence to use in untangling the mystery. The specific written records described in E would provide strong evidence for a connection between the Nuragic people and the contemporary Mediterranean culture with which they apparently shared linguistic similarities.

Choice A  compares cultures too far apart in time to be likely to be useful in answering this particular question;  choice B  would be interesting but ultimately not very strong evidence for a specific connection between Sardinia and Sardis; the results described in  choice C  would be expected, since the Phoenicians ruled Sardinia for three centuries; and  choice D  only rules out a linguistic connection; it does not suggest any useful directions for future inquiry.  Choice E  is the strongest answer.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. Which of the following best explains the author’s purpose in making this statement in the first sentence of the second paragraph: “variants of this name {Sardinia} are known to have predated the appearance of Romans in the area.” (Highlighted)

Explanation

Choice B  provides the best explanation for the presence of this statement. If the name could not be demonstrated to have preceded the Roman era, then the theories subsequently proposed would be substantially weakened by the possibility that the Romans, the dominant cultural force in the region in the late first millennium, were the true originators of the island’s name. The statement is unrelated to the points suggested in  choices A  and  C , so these answers do not make as much sense as  B.  The statements in  D  and  E  are not supported by the information in the passage, so these statements are both unconnected to the statement in question and unwarranted by the evidence.  B  is the best answer.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. What is the role of the second paragraph in the passage?

Explanation

The two theories addressed in the second paragraph—the Shardana and Sardis theories—provide possible answers to the central question of the passage, namely,  “who were the Nuragic people?” Choice C  provides a more accurate description of the role of the second paragraph than any of the other answer choices.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

4. Which of the following could be an example of the “physical evidence” mentioned in the second to last sentence of the passage?

Explanation

Choice A  corresponds very closely to the statement in the first paragraph:  “Our knowledge of the Nuragic people comes from … thousands of odd bronze figurines of thin, elongated people and animals…”  None of the other items are mentioned in the passage as physical evidence of the Nuragic people.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

OAs and OEs of this passage are also posted. The following are the official answers.

E B C A

Competition mode is off.

The winners will be announced on the master thread tomorrow at 08:00 am Pacific time.

I will also rename the topic of all these questions according to our RC forum posting rules. Also i will update the links, difficulty, and source tags. Stay tunes for the concluding remarks and results tomorrow.

If anyone has any question in their mind, do ask it.

Good luck!

nivivacious · Answer

Thanks a lot for this  Sajjad1994  - going to miss this.
Looking forward to the source + difficulty level of these RCs. 
Felt 9 and 10 were extremely easy to understand passages but tricky questions!!

pintukr · Answer

Sajjad1994

Benefited a lot by solving the questions of the RC passages posted under this Forum. Indeed, several passages were too difficult to grasp.

Immensely grateful for the painstaking efforts towards formulating and evaluating the RC passages for this competition.

Looking forward to more such competitions in future.

Thanks a ton !!

PK1 · Answer

Thanks  Sajjad1994

Can't agree more on how helpful it was...Wish the competition could have continued for another week. But
thanks for taking effort to review answers

nivivacious  impressed with your mind map. How do you create that .... can you let me know the UI side of this?

VerbalBot · Answer

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One of the long-standing mysteries of Mediterranean archeology is the

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One of the long-standing mysteries of Mediterranean archeology is the

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