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can you explain the answer for question 2 as well
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navaneethan123
can you explain the answer for question 2 as well

Official Explanation

2. The passage quotes the commentator (Highlighted) primarily in order to

Difficulty Level: 650

Explanation

A central thesis of the passage is that the same elements that initially made Bierstadt’s work popular eventually contributed to its downfall. These elements were, in short, an emphasis on size and quantity rather than emotionality. The quoted phrase is a criticism of his work to this effect, providing a specific example of the opinion of the time. This supports choice (E).

Choice (C) may be tempting, but this phrase may or may not be the opinion of an expert, plus to “provide expert testimony” is not the best description for the purpose of the phrase.

Answer: E

Hope it helps
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can you explain the 1st question ?
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can you explain the 1st question ?

Official Explanation

1. According to the passage, the new philosophy taking root in America after the Civil War would be best described as

Difficulty Level: 700

Explanation

The passage makes the case that Bierstadt’s work, which represented the “optimistic feeling in America during the Westward expansion,” was later considered “gaudy” and no longer suited for the prevailing trends in art in America after the war.

The optimism that once characterized American preferences was tempered by the “horrors of war.” The new American attitude, in other words, was one of “somber realism,” choice (B).

Don’t get misled into picking (D), “prideful idealism,” by the fact that the passage mentions American pride. The passage does not imply that there was anything idealistic about the new American attitudes after the Civil War.

Choice (A) may also be tempting but the author never makes any sort of claim as to whether the new American attitudes are misguided.

Answer: B
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For the Second ques, i was stuck between C & E, both of which, (to me) seemed to have the same affect on the second paragraph. But choice C has an added experts, which forced me to choose E. As, it is not mentioned anywhere that the commentator was an expert.

Thanks.
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1. According to the passage, the new philosophy taking root in America after the Civil War would be best described as

(A) justifiable pessimism (out of scope. Nowhere does it mention they were pessimistic)
(B) somber realism (Hint: I realized by the tone of the author that ppl were adventurous and optimistic before. After the war, they become a bit more subdued. Basically, their spirits were up before the war. After the war, they got a reality hit. Hence they become somber.)
(C) restrained minimalism (out of scope)
(D) prideful idealism (Never mentioned)
(E) stubborn dogmatism (Never mentioned)
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3. All of the following are mentioned as contributors to Bierstadt’s success EXCEPT

(A) the dimensions of his paintings
(B) his ability to convey auspicious feelings
(C) subdued appreciation for the details of American life
(D) catering to the preferences of the wealthy
(E) portrayals of exaggerated landscapes

was confused with E. If you didn't know the word hyperbolize or Vista, then this will go down between C and E.
But focus for a few seconds on the paragraph. The rich would never themselves travel out to the west. Their nearest substitute was buying a painting that represented the beauty of the western lands. And these portrayals would benefit the artist. So landscapes are mentioned in a way as a underlying reason for his success.

Lastly, the subdued appreciation for the details of American life is completely opposite of what the artist painted. He was always optimistic. Subdued is polar opposite of his work. Hence you can land on C using reasoning. Hard question nevertheless.
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Hi,

As per my understanding, GMAT does not test the question pattern 1. This seems to be a GRE Passage. Please correct me if I am wrong?

Thanks!!
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