In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe attempts to solve the mystery

Question

New Project RC Butler 2019  -  Practice 2 RC Passages Everyday   
Passage # 373, Date : 06-Oct-2019
 This post is a part of New Project RC Butler 2019 .  Click here for Details

In  The Dynamics of Apocalypse , John Lowe
attempts to solve the mystery of the collapse of the
Classic Mayan civilization. Lowe bases his study on a
detailed examination of the known archaeological
 (5)  record. Like previous investigators, Lowe relies on
dated monuments to construct a step-by-step account
of the actual collapse. Using the erection of new
monuments as a means to determine a site's occupation
span, Lowe assumes that once new monuments ceased
 (10)  to be built, a site had been abandoned. Lowe's
analysis of the evidence suggests that construction of new
monuments continued to increase between A.D. 672
and 751, but that the civilization stopped expanding
geographically; new construction took place almost
 (15)  exclusively in established settlements. The first signs
of trouble followed. Monument inscriptions indicate
that between 751 and 790, long-standing alliances
started to break down. Evidence also indicates that
between 790 and 830, the death rate in Classic Mayan
 (20)  cities outstripped the birthrate. After approximately
830, construction stopped throughout the area, and
within a hundred years, the Classic Mayan civilization
all but vanished.

Having established this chronology, Lowe sets
 (25)  forth a plausible explanation of the collapse that
accommodates the available archaeological evidence.
He theorizes that Classic Mayan civilization was
brought down by the interaction of several factors, set
in motion by population growth. An increase in
 (30)  population, particularly within the elite segment of
society, necessitated ever more intense farming.
Agricultural intensification exerted stress on the soil
and led to a decline in productivity (the amount of food
produced through each unit of labor invested). At the
 (35)  same time, the growth of the elite class created
increasing demands for ceremonial monuments and
luxuries, diverting needed labor from the fields. The
theory holds that these stresses were communicated”
and amplified”throughout the area as Mayan states
 (40)  engaged in warfare to acquire laborers and food, and
refugees fled impoverished areas. The most vulnerable
states thus began to break down, and each downfall
triggered others, until the entire civilization collapsed.

If there is a central flaw in Lowe's explanation, it is
 (45)  that the entire edifice rests on the assumption that
the available evidence paints a true picture of how the
collapse proceeded. However, it is difficult to know
how accurately the archaeological record reflects
historic activity, especially of a complex civilization
 (50)  such as the Mayans, and a hypothesis can be tested
only against the best available data. It is quite possible
that our understanding of the collapse might be
radically altered by better data. For example, Lowe's
assumption about monument construction and the
 (55)  occupation span of a site might well be disproved if
further investigations of Classic Mayan sites
established that some remained heavily settled long
after the custom of carving dynastic monuments had
ceased.   1 
 D 
 1. Which one of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

(A) Amethod used to analyze evidence is described, an explanation of the evidence is suggested, and then a conclusion is drawn from the evidence.
(B) A hypothesis is presented, evidence supporting the hypothesis is provided, and then the hypothesis is affirmed.
(C) An analysis of a study is presented, contradictory evidence is examined, and then a direction for future studies is suggested.
(D) The basis of a study is described, a theory that explains the available evidence is presented, and a possible flaw in the study is pointed out.
(E) An observation is made, evidence supporting the observation is presented, and then contradictions in the evidence are discussed.

2 
 E 
 2. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) In  The Dynamics of Apocalypse , John Lowe successfully proves that the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization was set in motion by
increasing population and decreasing productivity.
(B) In  The Dynamics of Apocalypse , John Lowe breaks new ground in solving the mystery of the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization through
his use of dated monuments to create a step-bystep account of the collapse.
(C) In  The Dynamics of Apocalypse , John Lowe successfully uses existing data to document the reduction and then cessation of new construction
throughout Classic Mayan civilization.
(D) Although John Lowe's study is based on a careful examination of the historical record, it does not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization.
(E) While John Lowe's theory about the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization appears credible, it is based on an assumption that cannot be verified using the archaeological record.

3 
 E 
 3. Which one of the following is most closely analogous to the assumption Lowe makes about the relationship between monument construction and Classic Mayan cities?

(A) A person assumes that the shortage of fresh produce on the shelves of a grocery store is due to the effects of poor weather conditions
during the growing season.
(B) A person assumes that a movie theater only shows foreign films because the titles of the films shown there are not familiar to the person.
(C) Aperson assumes that a restaurant is under new ownership because the restaurants menu has changed drastically since the last time the person ate there.
(D) A person assumes that a corporation has been sold because there is a new name for the corporation on the sign outside the building where the company is located.
(E) A person assumes a friend has sold her stamp collection because the friend has stopped purchasing new stamps.

4 
 B 
 4. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would describe the method Lowe used to construct a step-bystep chronology of the actual collapse of Classic Mayan civilization as

(A) daringly innovative but flawed
(B) generally accepted but questionable
(C) very reliable but outdated
(D) unscientific but effective
(E) unconventional but brilliant

5 
 E 
 5. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which one of the following statements about the use of the archaeological record to reconstruct historic activity?

(A) With careful analysis, archaeological evidence can be used to reconstruct accurately the historic activity of a past civilization.
(B) Archaeological evidence is more useful for reconstructing the day-to-day activities of a culture than its long-term trends.
(C) The accuracy of the archaeological record for reconstructing historic activity is dependent on the duration of the particular civilization.
(D) The archaeological record is not an appropriate source of data for reconstructing historic activity.
(E) Historic activity can be reconstructed from archaeological evidence, but it is ultimately impossible to confirm the accuracy of the reconstruction.

Source:   LSAT Official PrepTest 20   ( October 1996 ) 
 Difficulty Level:   600

Midhilesh489 · Answer

SajjadAhmad  Please explain 3rd question
I have doubt on solving these type of questions
Thank you

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. Which one of the following is most closely analogous to the assumption Lowe makes about the relationship between monument construction and Classic Mayan cities?

Explanation

According to  lines 9-10 , Lowe assumes that the Mayans left a place soon after they stopped building new monuments there. In other words, he assumes no additions indicates abandonment. Similarly, the person in  choice (E)  assumes no additions to the stamp collection indicates abandonment of the stamp collection.

(A)-(D)  None of these choices reflects the  “no additions=abandonment”  relationship.

You should approach Analogy questions in the following way:  identify the relevant relationship in the passage, frame this relationship in general terms, and then find the answer choice that reflects the same general relationship.

Hope it helps

saurabh9gupta · Answer

Hi  SajjadAhmad ..

Please post explanation of Question 2 and question 5

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

2. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Difficulty Level:   Hard

Explanation

In line 25 , the author refers to Lowe’s theory as  “plausible,”  or credible. But, in  lines 44-53 , she notes that his evidence isn’t definitive and that his theory, therefore, could be overturned by the discovery of better evidence.

(A) and (D)  mistakenly suggest that the author takes a stand on the correctness of Lowe’s theory. Her opinion is actually more circumspect. She notes that, while the theory is plausible based on what is currently known about Mayan civilization, it could be undermined if better evidence about the Mayans eventually comes to light. In other words, she believes that the theory has yet to be proven right or wrong.

(B)  The author never claims that Lowe’s theory  “breaks new ground.”  Indeed, in  lines 5-7 , she notes that previous investigators also examined the collapse of Mayan civilization by looking at Mayan monuments. Furthermore, she doesn’t claim that Lowe has come up with a definitive explanation of this civilization’s collapse.

(C)  misrepresents the focus of the author’s comments. She’s interested in Lowe’s theory about the collapse of Mayan civilization, which does involve the examination of Mayan construction. However, she’s not interested in Lowe’s discussion of Mayan construction per se.

Answer: E

Hope it helps

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

5. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which one of the following statements about the use of the archaeological record to reconstruct historic activity?

Difficulty:   Easy

Explanation

Since the author says that Lowe’s theory—which is based on archaeological evidence—is  “plausible,”  she would probably agree with the generalization that archaeological evidence can be used to reconstruct history. However, in  lines 47-49 , she also makes the point that it’s impossible to know the extent to which archaeological evidence reflects historical reality.

(A) Lines 47-49  indicate that the author is considerably more skeptical of the value of archaeological evidence than this choice would suggest.

(B)  is outside the scope of the passage. The author never brings up any comparison between the  “day-to-day activities”  of a culture and “its long-term trends.”

(C) In line 49 , the author suggests that archaeological evidence is particularly problematic when it’s used to mine the history of a  “complex”  civilization. In any case, the complexity of a civilization has nothing to do with its duration.

(D)  While the author is skeptical about whether archaeological evidence actually reflects historical reality, she’s not against using it to reconstruct the past. If she felt that the use of archaeological evidence was bogus, she wouldn’t have called Lowe’s theory  “plausible.”

Answer: E

Hope it helps

Skywalker18 · Answer

All correct in 10 mins, including 4 mins 45 seconds to read.

Para 1- John Lowe attempts to solve the mystery of the collapse of the Classic Mayan civilization; chronology 
Para 2- plausible explanation- population growth within the elite lead to series of events
Para 3- A potential flaw- how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity

1. Which one of the following best describes the organization of the passage? 
(D) The basis of a study is described, a theory that explains the available evidence is presented, and a possible flaw in the study is pointed out.- Correct, John Lowe's The Dynamics of Apocalypse is described and evidence used is presented and a possible flaw is listed

2. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage? 
(E) While John Lowe's theory about the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization appears credible, it is based on an assumption that cannot be verified using the archaeological record.- Correct
If there is a central flaw in Lowe's explanation, it is that the entire edifice rests on the assumption that the available evidence paints a true picture of how the collapse proceeded. However, it is difficult to know how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity, especially of a complex civilization such as the Mayans, and a hypothesis can be tested only against the best available data.

3. Which one of the following is most closely analogous to the assumption Lowe makes about the relationship between monument construction and Classic Mayan cities? 
(E) A person assumes a friend has sold her stamp collection because the friend has stopped purchasing new stamps.- Correct, the logic here analogous to underlined logic below-
Using the erection of new monuments as a means to determine a site's occupation span, Lowe assumes that  once new monuments ceased to be built, a site had been abandoned.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would describe the method Lowe used to construct a step-by step chronology of the actual collapse of Classic Mayan civilization as 
(A) daringly innovative but flawed- incorrect, Like previous investigators, Lowe relies on dated monuments to construct a step-by-step account of the actual collapse. - So, it does not seem daringly innovative and the author did not say for certain that the model was flawed
(B) generally accepted but questionable- Correct, the author agrees with the model but lists a potential flaw
(C) very reliable but outdated- incorrect, the author never states that it is very reliable but is now outdated
(D) unscientific but effective- incorrect
(E) unconventional but brilliant- incorrect, nothing to suggest that it is unconventional

5. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which one of the following statements about the use of the archaeological record to reconstruct historic activity? 
(E) Historic activity can be reconstructed from archaeological evidence, but it is ultimately impossible to confirm the accuracy of the reconstruction.

However, it is difficult to know how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity, especially of a complex civilization such as the Mayans, and a hypothesis can be tested only against the best available data. It is quite possible that our understanding of the collapse might be radically altered by better data.

auradediligodo · Answer

Hi everyone,

All correct in 9:50 minutes including 5:10 minutes to read, write down paragraphs summaries and main point.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P1 
Paragraph 1 tells us the intention of Lowe in writing his book. He wants to solve a mystery about the collapse of the maya.
Throughout the paragraph we are given the logic used by the author: the main logic is that if the building of constructions is stopped then there will be a collapse.
The rest of the paragraph talks about the historical timeline, which starts with the expansion and ends with the collapse

Brief summary: Lowe's logic and reconstruction of historical events

P2 
Paragraph 2 explains Lowe's reasons for the collapse: the collapse started because the population, especially the elite, started growing and this led to numerous consequences: more stress on agricultural fields, low soil productivity....
Another reason is that many people during the war escaped impoverished areas.

Brief summary: the reasons for the collapse are explained.

P3

Paragraph 3 talks about a flaw in Lowe's theory. The flaw is that what lowe's says us based on the available data but if other data is introduced it might completely change the outcome of the theory.

Brief summary: A flaw of Lowe's theory is presented

Main point

To discuss Lowe's study about Maya's collapse.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Which one of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

Pre-thinking

Structure question

Refer to the following:  1  Lowe's reconstruction of events is presented along with the logic used.  2  Causes behind the collapse of mayas are presented.  3  A flaw in the logic used by Lowe is presented

(A) A method used to analyze evidence is described, an explanation of the evidence is suggested,  and then a conclusion is drawn from the evidence. 
 Not in line with pre-thinking. Hence incorrect

(B) A  hypothesis  is presented,  evidence supporting the hypothesis  is provided, and then the  hypothesis is affirmed. 
 Not in line with pre-thinking. Hence incorrect

(C)  An analysis  of a study is presented,  contradictory evidence  is examined, and then a  direction for future studies  is suggested.
 Not in line with pre-thinking. Hence incorrect

(D)   The basis of a study is described, a theory that explains the available evidence is presented, and a possible flaw in the study is pointed out.
 In line with pre-thinking

(E) An  observation  is made,  evidence supporting the observation  is presented, and then  contradictions in the evidence  are discussed.
 Not in line with pre-thinking. Hence incorrect

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Pre-thinking

Main point question

Refer to main point above

(A) In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe  successfully proves  that the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization was set in motion by
increasing population and decreasing productivity.
 Considering the flaw in last paragraph, incorrect

(B) In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe breaks   new ground   in solving the mystery of the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization through
his use of dated monuments to create a step-bystep account of the collapse.
 No new ground

(C) In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe  successfully  uses existing data to document the reduction and then cessation of new construction
throughout Classic Mayan civilization.
 Same reasoning as for option A

(D) Although John Lowe's study is based on a careful examination of the historical record, it does not accurately reflect  the circumstances surrounding the collapse  of Classic Mayan civilization.
 The circumstances are out of scope

(E)  While John Lowe's theory about the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization appears credible, it is based on an assumption that cannot be verified using the archaeological record.
 In line with pre-thinking

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Which one of the following is most closely analogous to the assumption Lowe makes about the relationship between monument construction and Classic Mayan cities?

Pre-thinking

Analogous scenario question

The reasoning used by Lowe is that when a population ceases to build buildings then there will be a decline

(A) A person assumes that the shortage of fresh produce on the shelves of a grocery store is due to the effects of poor weather conditions
during the growing season.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(B) A person assumes that a movie theater only shows foreign films because the titles of the films shown there are not familiar to the person.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(C) Aperson assumes that a restaurant is under new ownership because the restaurants menu has changed drastically since the last time the person ate there.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(D) A person assumes that a corporation has been sold because there is a new name for the corporation on the sign outside the building where the company is located.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(E)   A person assumes a friend has sold her stamp collection because the friend has stopped purchasing new stamps.
  in line with pre-thinking

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would describe the method Lowe used to construct a step-bystep chronology of the actual collapse of Classic Mayan civilization as

Pre-thinking

Inference question

According to the last paragraph the author thinks that this method is biased because it only uses the best available evidence

(A) daringly  innovative  but flawed
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(B)   generally accepted but questionable
 in line with pre-thinking

(C)  very  reliable but  outdated 
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(D)  unscientific  but  effective 
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(E)  unconventional  but  brilliant 
 Not in line with pre-thinking

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which one of the following statements about the use of the archaeological record to reconstruct historic activity?

Pre-thinking

Inference question

According to the last paragraph the author thinks that the use of archeological record has some limits and that the introduction of new evidence could completely change a study or a theory elaborated on such record

(A) With careful analysis, archaeological evidence can be used to reconstruct  accurately  the historic activity of a past civilization.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(B)  Archaeological evidence is more useful for reconstructing the day-to-day activities of a culture than its long-term trends. 
 Out of scope

(C) The accuracy of the archaeological record for reconstructing historic activity  is dependent on the duration  of the particular civilization.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(D) The archaeological record is not an appropriate source of data for reconstructing historic activity.
 Not in line with pre-thinking

(E)  Historic activity can be reconstructed from archaeological evidence, but it is ultimately impossible to confirm the accuracy of the reconstruction.
 Selected this one thanks to POE but too me it seems too extreme the usage of "it is ultimately impossible"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is a good day to be alive, cheers

lakshya14 · Answer

In Q5, it is using extreme language which passage never states. We can infer about it from the last passage.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

You can read the explanation of question #5 in the post below in the link. https://gmatclub.com/forum/in-the-dynam ... l#p2376605 Thank you

CEdward · Answer

In my view the answer for question 4 is a bit iffy:
4. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would describe the method Lowe used to construct a step-by step chronology of the actual collapse of Classic Mayan civilization as

Why is the answer B?

Where in the passage does it suggest that Lowe's method is "generally accepted". I didn't get that sense at all. The author's mentioning of a fatal flaw in the last paragraph suggests to me that cautious interpretation is required.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

4. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would describe the method Lowe used to construct a step-bystep chronology of the actual collapse of Classic Mayan civilization as

Difficulty Level:   600

Explanation

In  lines 5-7 , the author mentions that  “investigators”  before Lowe used the same archaeological method as he did to examine the collapse of Mayan civilization. So, she’d characterize this method as  “generally accepted.”  In  lines 47-49 , however, she suggests that this method may not reflect historical reality. In other words, she’d also characterize it as  “questionable.”

(A)  and  (E)  The author wouldn’t characterize a method that she acknowledges has been used by a number of investigators as either  “daringly innovative” (A)  or  “unconventional” (E).

(C)  and  (D)  Nor would the author characterize a method that she acknowledges is problematic as either  “very reliable” (C)  or  “effective” (D).

Answer: B

Explanation Credit: Kaplan LSAT

bidskamikaze · Answer

Thanks for the OE  Sajjad1994 
I got the fifth question wrong, mainly because I was repelled by the word  "impossible" . But after further analysis, it seems correct.
Below is my analysis for anyone who got this question wrong due to the word  "impossible" .

"However, it is difficult to know how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity, especially of a complex civilization
(50) such as the Mayans, and a hypothesis can be tested only against the best available data. It is quite possible 
that our understanding of the collapse might be radically altered by better data."

From the above statement, what we can understand:
1) It is  difficult  to know how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity.
2) A hypothesis can be tested only against best available data, which  might  be replaced with better data in future.

Concentrate on the word  might : It means that at any point of time, there is a chance, maybe very slim, that some better data will be available in the future.
This data  "may"  alter our understanding.
Even if the chances of new data showing up and altering our understanding is 0.0000000000000000001%, technically, there is some chance.

Therefore, if the above is the true, then at any point of time,  it is ultimately impossible to confirm the accuracy of the reconstruction .

RahulHGGmat · Answer

Hi  Sajjad1994 ,

Thank you for posting out such a wonderful paragraph. However, I want your little confirmation on question number 2.

As per OA, the correct answer option for question number 2 is E. The paragraph in RC states 'it is that the entire edifice rests on the assumption that the available evidence paints a true picture of how the collapse proceeded. However, it is difficult to know how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity'.

As per my understanding the above information state that Lowe theory can be verified by archaeological records, however, the authenticity of archaeological records cannot be verified. Does the answer choice also state the same meaning or is it conveying some other meaning?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Your observation is absolutely fine, In the passage in  line 25 , the author mentioned the Lowe’s theory as  “plausible,”  but, in  lines 44-52 , she notes that his evidence isn’t definitive and that his theory, therefore, could be overturned by the discovery of better evidence. Hence Answer is  E

Thank you

sam12rawat · Answer

Hi  Sajjad1994 
In lines 47-49 "However, it is  difficult  to know how accurately the archaeological record reflects historic activity, especially of a complex civilization such as the Mayans, and a hypothesis can be tested only against the best available data." the author states that is is difficult to know but doesn't say its impossible. While generally I agree that it can be assumed that this could mean its almost impossible, can such an inference be made in the GMAT? I was going to choose E as the right answer but when I saw the extreme "ultimately impossible" in the answer choice I chose A instead. Since the author didn't state an extreme condition in the passage I avoided E. So now I am confused when to choose an option with an extreme word.

UPDATE: I read the explanation by  bidskamikaze  and have now understood the reason behind option E. Didn't read that explanation before posting my comment. Apologies. And thank you for the explanations.

Solenja · Answer

if a person were to attempt the same essay in the exam Centre, What should be his ideal time for the total passage ? ( took around 8 mins with 2 answers wrong would that be considered okay or not okay?)

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Up to 9 minutes for this RC are fine.

gloomybison · Answer

sam12rawat 
To be honest ı still disagree with explanation of Q5 and think the question is fatally flawed;
Impossible literally means "not able to occur, exist, or be done". Here, in the passage it says it is difficult to construct past events with the archeological data and one day, we might have different data that may change what we know. Just because there is a very dim possibility that may change what we know doesn't necessarily mean that it is impossible. 
Maybe, in 10000 years, we will have a technology so advanced that we will derive everything from archeological data. Passage suggest all its inference via existing data, but stating "impossible" literally denotes that we will never /ever have any chance to know via archeological figures what happened in the entire existence of time that has ever come and will come... All in all, if it said "extremely difficult", "near impossible" it could be accepted but "impossible" is just absolute zero

In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe attempts to solve the mystery

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

In The Dynamics of Apocalypse, John Lowe attempts to solve the mystery

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