Last visit was: 26 Sep 2026, 22:13 It is currently 26 Sep 2026, 22:13
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
 1   2   3   
655-705 (Hard)|   Evaluate Argument|                        
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Sep 2026
Posts: 113,941
Own Kudos:
843,810
 [290]
Given Kudos: 111,838
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 113,941
Kudos: 843,810
 [290]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century Updated on: 02 Jun 2021, 08:37
Originally posted by Bunuel on 26 Apr 2019, 04:36.
Last edited by Bunuel on 02 Jun 2021, 08:37, edited 1 time in total.
Edited the question.
22
Kudos
Add Kudos
268
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
00:00
Start Timer
Pause Timer
Resume Timer
Show Answer
Hide
Show
History
E
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!

Difficulty:

55% (hard)

Question Stats:

64% (02:15) correct 36% (02:32) wrong based on 10123 sessions

History

Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION
ShowHide Answer
Official Answer
E
Drill more questions that test the same idea in GMAT Club Timed Quiz → Free.
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
AjiteshArun
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Last visit: 24 Sep 2026
Posts: 6,153
Own Kudos:
5,173
 [72]
Given Kudos: 744
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Posts: 6,153
Kudos: 5,173
 [72]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 27 Apr 2019, 22:13
58
Kudos
Add Kudos
14
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
teaserbae
AjiteshArun DavidTutorexamPAL
I rejected E because it may be the case that the people leaving in the heart of the Kingdom of F shifted to that village and the village was in Kingdom G.

I went for A because it mentions the dialect so obviously we use the dialect of the kingdom where the contract take place
Show more
Option E says:

Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F

Let's focus on the word heart. While it may be possible that many people from the heart of F moved to G, it is not very likely. At least not when we compare E to the other options. Option A is:

A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect

This contract was found in the village, and the village was on the border. This means that the village could have seen a lot of trade (because of its location on the border between the two countries).

Now we need to ask ourselves which "movement" is more likely and which one is less likely: (a) trade documents in a place where trade was likely or (e) people who had spent their entire childhood in the heart of one of the countries. Remember: both are possible. We need to select the best option, so pick the one that shows more "permanence".
User avatar
KarishmaB
User avatar
Joined: 16 Oct 2010
Last visit: 25 Sep 2026
Posts: 16,669
Own Kudos:
81,549
 [45]
Given Kudos: 492
Location: Pune, India
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 16,669
Kudos: 81,549
 [45]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 29 May 2019, 22:31
30
Kudos
Add Kudos
14
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION
Show more

Although the village usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time.
It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

- So the village was usually part of G. But some ninth century artefacts typical of F have been found (this is existing evidence of belonging to F).
IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER the village was a part of F or G in 9th century. We have not established that the village belonged to F.
If we find some more artifacts typical of F, it does not establish that the village belonged to F in 9th century. There needs to be a stronger connection. Influence of neighbours is not sufficient evidence.

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect

Considering that boundaries were shifting from 8th century onwards, influence of kingdom G's dialect is understandable even if the village belonged to F.

(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century

Doesn't tell us about belonging to either G or F.

(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F

Artifacts made from metals typical of F mining sites. There could be mining sites in G producing the same metal or metal could have been obtained from F or artifacts could have been made in F. Doesn't add much to the already existing evidence.

(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F

Artifacts were made out of kingdom F materials but in kingdom G style. Again confusing.

(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F

Important point is "numerous". They are trying to say that it isn't like 3-4 people relocated to G from F. The teeth belonged to kingdom F people only. Possibly then, the village was a part of kingdom F. It is certainly more relevant than (A) and (C).

Answer (E)
User avatar
DavidTutorexamPAL
User avatar
examPAL Representative
Joined: 07 Dec 2017
Last visit: 09 Sep 2020
Posts: 1,001
Own Kudos:
2,080
 [20]
Given Kudos: 26
Posts: 1,001
Kudos: 2,080
 [20]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 26 Apr 2019, 16:53
16
Kudos
Add Kudos
4
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

A. A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
B. A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
C. Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
D. Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
E. Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION
Show more

To help separate F vs. G, we'll need something which separates the two hypotheses: (i) artifacts were created due to a common style or (ii) due to governance.
Since it's not entirely clear what to look for, we'll go over all the answers, an Alternative approach.

(A) is a bit weak -- a trading contract can be signed anywhere and carried from place to place (as per trade).
(B) is irrelevant
(C) looks possible as transport of metals suggests more than just 'cultural and artistic influence'. Though the word 'typical' indicates that these metals could also be from G.
(D) is ambiguously worded -- if the fragments were made in the 9th century (using 7th century style) then this is strong support as the materials were found only in F. If the fragments were made in the 7th century then moved around, then this is irrelevant. Probably not.
(E) suggests that there were numerous kingdom F people in the village, which also suggests a stronger connection than 'had adopted Kingdom F styles'

(E) is our strongest option.
General Discussion
User avatar
teaserbae
User avatar
Joined: 24 Mar 2018
Last visit: 07 Mar 2022
Posts: 188
Own Kudos:
49
 [1]
Given Kudos: 288
Location: India
Schools: Carlson Foster '24 Haas '24 Kelley '24 Kellogg '24
GMAT 1: 680 Q50 V31
Schools: Carlson Foster '24 Haas '24 Kelley '24 Kellogg '24
GMAT 1: 680 Q50 V31
Posts: 188
Kudos: 49
 [1]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 27 Apr 2019, 20:16
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
AjiteshArun DavidTutorexamPAL
I rejected E because it may be the case that the people leaving in the heart of the Kingdom of F shifted to that village and the village was in Kingdom G.

I went for A because it mentions the dialect so obviously we use the dialect of the kingdom where the contract take place
User avatar
DavidTutorexamPAL
User avatar
examPAL Representative
Joined: 07 Dec 2017
Last visit: 09 Sep 2020
Posts: 1,001
Own Kudos:
2,080
 [11]
Given Kudos: 26
Posts: 1,001
Kudos: 2,080
 [11]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 28 Apr 2019, 00:35
11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
teaserbae
AjiteshArun DavidTutorexamPAL
I rejected E because it may be the case that the people leaving in the heart of the Kingdom of F shifted to that village and the village was in Kingdom G.

I went for A because it mentions the dialect so obviously we use the dialect of the kingdom where the contract take place
Show more

I agree with what AjiteshArun wrote above. I will only add that the options are not super-clear-cut, so don't worry too much about this question.
There are a few questions in the recent 2020 release which look to be borderline, I'm guessing that that is why they were retired...
avatar
swapnilce.nitdgp
avatar
Joined: 22 Oct 2016
Last visit: 22 Jun 2024
Posts: 16
Own Kudos:
5
 [1]
Given Kudos: 17
GMAT 1: 590 Q47 V25
GMAT 2: 640 Q49 V27
GMAT 3: 620 Q49 V26
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT 3: 620 Q49 V26
Posts: 16
Kudos: 5
 [1]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 24 May 2019, 00:27
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect.

A trading contract can be deciphered to know whether there was trade restriction during the period or free trade during the period?

Either way 'A' doesn't make sense b/c it could be possible that artifacts are brought legally via trade or illegally via smuggling. We can't establish whether the border village belongs to G or F?
avatar
Mohammad Ali Khan
avatar
Joined: 11 Aug 2017
Last visit: 04 Sep 2019
Posts: 45
Own Kudos:
20
Given Kudos: 92
Posts: 45
Kudos: 20
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 24 May 2019, 14:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
DavidTutorexamPAL
Bunuel
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

A. A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
B. A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
C. Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
D. Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
E. Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

To help separate F vs. G, we'll need something which separates the two hypotheses: (i) artifacts were created due to a common style or (ii) due to governance.
Since it's not entirely clear what to look for, we'll go over all the answers, an Alternative approach.

(A) is a bit weak -- a trading contract can be signed anywhere and carried from place to place (as per trade).
(B) is irrelevant
(C) looks possible as transport of metals suggests more than just 'cultural and artistic influence'. Though the word 'typical' indicates that these metals could also be from G.
(D) is ambiguously worded -- if the fragments were made in the 9th century (using 7th century style) then this is strong support as the materials were found only in F. If the fragments were made in the 7th century then moved around, then this is irrelevant. Probably not.
(E) suggests that there were numerous kingdom F people in the village, which also suggests a stronger connection than 'had adopted Kingdom F styles'

(E) is our strongest option.
Show more


Cant we assume that people can also relocate? In fact it is the most relevant case of all.
User avatar
DavidTutorexamPAL
User avatar
examPAL Representative
Joined: 07 Dec 2017
Last visit: 09 Sep 2020
Posts: 1,001
Own Kudos:
2,080
 [3]
Given Kudos: 26
Posts: 1,001
Kudos: 2,080
 [3]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 25 May 2019, 04:23
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Mohammad Ali Khan

Cant we assume that people can also relocate? In fact it is the most relevant case of all.
Show more

If you're claiming that the claim that 'people can relocate' provides an alternative explanation for (E) (other than that the village was part of kingdom F), then I agree.
However, and as discussed above, the usage of the words 'numerous', 'only', and 'heart', make (E) the strongest of the given options.
User avatar
KaranB1
User avatar
Joined: 17 Aug 2018
Last visit: 04 Sep 2026
Posts: 119
Own Kudos:
208
 [3]
Given Kudos: 153
Location: India
Schools: IIMA WBS '22
GMAT 1: 640 Q46 V32
GMAT 2: 710 Q49 V38
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: IIMA WBS '22
GMAT 2: 710 Q49 V38
Posts: 119
Kudos: 208
 [3]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century Updated on: 25 May 2019, 07:46
Originally posted by KaranB1 on 25 May 2019, 05:37.
Last edited by KaranB1 on 25 May 2019, 07:46, edited 1 time in total.
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION
Show more

Information available in option A,B,C and D suggests phonemone mentioned in these options can merely
be cultural influence. Option E on the other hand provides additional evidence for evaluation.
avatar
rnn
avatar
Joined: 27 Nov 2015
Last visit: 11 Aug 2025
Posts: 85
Own Kudos:
44
 [1]
Given Kudos: 325
Posts: 85
Kudos: 44
 [1]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 25 May 2019, 07:42
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


Hi - Im unsure why c is incorrect. It seems that knowing if the utensils came from kingdom F would allow to figure out whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century
User avatar
AjiteshArun
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Last visit: 24 Sep 2026
Posts: 6,153
Own Kudos:
5,173
 [5]
Given Kudos: 744
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Posts: 6,153
Kudos: 5,173
 [5]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 25 May 2019, 20:21
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
rnn
Hi - Im unsure why c is incorrect. It seems that knowing if the utensils came from kingdom F would allow to figure out whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century
Show more
Option C is a little bit like option A. In a border village, the presence of such utensils could be explained by trade.

Also, I think it's important to remember that this question is really looking for the best of the 5 given options.
avatar
moonriver0523
avatar
Joined: 15 Jul 2018
Last visit: 12 Nov 2020
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
6
 [2]
Given Kudos: 412
Posts: 6
Kudos: 6
 [2]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 21 Aug 2019, 08:43
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Option (E) indicates that numerous F-born people were relocated to the village and stayed until they were buried. But it does not specify the reason why they were relocated, leaving many possibilities open.

The explanation OG favors is that they were related to the event in which Kingdom F gained control of the village. But the connection required to establish this explanation is not given. Also, it is just ONE possible explanation. We cannot eliminate other possibilities. For example, they could be merchants who passed by the village but accidently perished right there for unknown reasons. Or they could be ordinary immigrants. In both cases, we cannot determine who gained control of the village.

Is ONE ‘could-be-true’ explanation enough to justify option (E)? Doubtful. Loot at other options. In fact, you can stipulate as many could-be-true explanations for every option as you want. (For option (A), maybe the trading was charted by Kingdom G who at that time controlled the village. For option (C), what if the utensils were very rare and prohibited from being exported?) Technically, every option could be justified.

But which could-be-true explanation is more reasonable? Is the one OG favors more solid than others? How can you tell? That is the real problem----We don’t have enough information to exam the validity of any explanation, including the one OG favors. On the other hand, if I insist that my own explanation is the most solid, no one can exam whether it is valid or not.
avatar
maxraxstax
avatar
Joined: 24 Jan 2020
Last visit: 16 Mar 2021
Posts: 8
Given Kudos: 3
Location: United States (NY)
Schools: Wharton '23 (D)
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V41
GPA: 3.51
Schools: Wharton '23 (D)
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V41
Posts: 8
Kudos: 0
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 12 Jul 2020, 14:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
VeritasKarishma
Bunuel
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

Although the village usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time.
It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

- So the village was usually part of G. But some ninth century artefacts typical of F have been found (this is existing evidence of belonging to F).
IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER the village was a part of F or G in 9th century. We have not established that the village belonged to F.
If we find some more artifacts typical of F, it does not establish that the village belonged to F in 9th century. There needs to be a stronger connection. Influence of neighbours is not sufficient evidence.

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect

Considering that boundaries were shifting from 8th century onwards, influence of kingdom G's dialect is understandable even if the village belonged to F.

(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century

Doesn't tell us about belonging to either G or F.

(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F

Artifacts made from metals typical of F mining sites. There could be mining sites in G producing the same metal or metal could have been obtained from F or artifacts could have been made in F. Doesn't add much to the already existing evidence.

(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F

Artifacts were made out of kingdom F materials but in kingdom G style. Again confusing.

(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F

Important point is "numerous". They are trying to say that it isn't like 3-4 people relocated to G from F. The teeth belonged to kingdom F people only. Possibly then, the village was a part of kingdom F. It is certainly more relevant than (A) and (C).

Answer (E)
Show more


just confusing because numerous teeth could be from just one person right? Does numerous have an associated quantity? 30+ teeth could come from one person, i'd say that would be numerous teeth.... oh well
User avatar
mSKR
User avatar
Joined: 14 Aug 2019
Last visit: 10 Mar 2024
Posts: 1,202
Own Kudos:
970
 [1]
Given Kudos: 381
Location: Hong Kong
Concentration: Strategy, Marketing
Schools: IE (A) IIML-IPMX '22 (A) HKUST '22
GMAT 1: 650 Q49 V29
GPA: 3.81
Schools: IE (A) IIML-IPMX '22 (A) HKUST '22
GMAT 1: 650 Q49 V29
Posts: 1,202
Kudos: 970
 [1]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 15 Sep 2020, 04:48
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quote:
Pallav0642
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

Although the village usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time.
It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

- So the village was usually part of G. But some ninth century artefacts typical of F have been found (this is existing evidence of belonging to F).
IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER the village was a part of F or G in 9th century. We have not established that the village belonged to F.
If we find some more artifacts typical of F, it does not establish that the village belonged to F in 9th century. There needs to be a stronger connection. Influence of neighbours is not sufficient evidence.

(A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect

Considering that boundaries were shifting from 8th century onwards, influence of kingdom G's dialect is understandable even if the village belonged to F.

(B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century

Doesn't tell us about belonging to either G or F.

(C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F

Artifacts made from metals typical of F mining sites. There could be mining sites in G producing the same metal or metal could have been obtained from F or artifacts could have been made in F. Doesn't add much to the already existing evidence.

(D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F

Artifacts were made out of kingdom F materials but in kingdom G style. Again confusing.

(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F

Important point is "numerous". They are trying to say that it isn't like 3-4 people relocated to G from F. The teeth belonged to kingdom F people only. Possibly then, the village was a part of kingdom F. It is certainly more relevant than (A) and (C).

Answer (E)


just confusing because numerous teeth could be from just one person right? Does numerous have an associated quantity? 30+ teeth could come from one person, i'd say that would be numerous teeth.... oh well
Show more
[/quote]

(E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F
It implies teeth of multiple people . ( For argument it does not matter whether these teeth are few or whole set per person).
User avatar
reynaldreni
User avatar
Joined: 07 May 2015
Last visit: 02 Nov 2022
Posts: 73
Own Kudos:
146
Given Kudos: 152
Location: India
Schools: Darden '21
GPA: 4
Schools: Darden '21
Posts: 73
Kudos: 146
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 30 Oct 2020, 23:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
DavidTutorexamPAL
Bunuel
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence.

Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century?

A. A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect
B. A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century
C. Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F
D. Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F
E. Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F


CR74541.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

To help separate F vs. G, we'll need something which separates the two hypotheses: (i) artifacts were created due to a common style or (ii) due to governance.
Since it's not entirely clear what to look for, we'll go over all the answers, an Alternative approach.

(A) is a bit weak -- a trading contract can be signed anywhere and carried from place to place (as per trade).
(B) is irrelevant
(C) looks possible as transport of metals suggests more than just 'cultural and artistic influence'. Though the word 'typical' indicates that these metals could also be from G.
(D) is ambiguously worded -- if the fragments were made in the 9th century (using 7th century style) then this is strong support as the materials were found only in F. If the fragments were made in the 7th century then moved around, then this is irrelevant. Probably not.
(E) suggests that there were numerous kingdom F people in the village, which also suggests a stronger connection than 'had adopted Kingdom F styles'

(E) is our strongest option.
Show more

Hi David,
We have to determine whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century.
From E we can say that people belonged to a Village F. But it is possible that they were migrants from F in Kingdom G.
We cannot precisely say that the village belonged to F.
Please help clarify.

Tx
User avatar
DmitryFarberMPrep
User avatar
Manhattan Prep Instructor
Joined: 22 Mar 2011
Last visit: 31 Aug 2026
Posts: 3,002
Own Kudos:
8,675
 [8]
Given Kudos: 57
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 745 Q86 V90 DI85
Posts: 3,002
Kudos: 8,675
 [8]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 31 Oct 2020, 01:48
5
Kudos
Add Kudos
3
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
reynaldreni

It's important to bear in mind that on Strengthen/Weaken questions, we are almost never going to find an answer that proves or disproves the conclusion. We just want one that offers support. Note that we already know that this village was in a border area and may have passed back and forth between the two kingdoms. So it will be of no value to find older or later artifacts belonging to one kingdom or the other. Even items from the ninth century may be of limited value, since trade would be expected. For instance, if the document in A was written in the dialect of Kingdom G, is it clear who wrote the document, and for whom it was intended? If we know the knives in C were made from metal mined in F, does that tell us anything about the village, or could they have obtained that metal regardless of which kingdom they were in? From that vantage point, E stands out in its thoroughness and specificity: the teeth are numerous (that's a vague term--how many do we mean?--but still implies a large amount of evidence), they have been dated precisely to the 9th century, and they are from people who clearly belonged to Kingdom F. None of this constitutes undeniable proof that the village was part of Kingdom F, but that isn't the goal. What we do have is an indication that there were many people from F in that village, and this provides support for the idea that the village was part of F.
avatar
abhimehrotra
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 01 Dec 2018
Last visit: 15 Feb 2022
Posts: 19
Own Kudos:
11
Given Kudos: 51
Location: India
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
Schools: Harvard '24 (D) LBS '24 (D) Wharton '24 (D) ISB '23 (A) Kellogg '24 (II) Yale '24 (S) Booth '24 (D) Tuck '24 (S) Columbia CBS '24 (D)
GMAT 1: 580 Q46 V26
GMAT 2: 650 Q49 V31
GMAT 3: 710 Q48 V39 (Online)
GMAT 4: 730 Q49 V40
GPA: 4
WE:Operations (Manufacturing)
Schools: Harvard '24 (D) LBS '24 (D) Wharton '24 (D) ISB '23 (A) Kellogg '24 (II) Yale '24 (S) Booth '24 (D) Tuck '24 (S) Columbia CBS '24 (D)
GMAT 4: 730 Q49 V40
Posts: 19
Kudos: 11
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 30 Mar 2021, 00:18
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
AjiteshArun
teaserbae
AjiteshArun DavidTutorexamPAL
I rejected E because it may be the case that the people leaving in the heart of the Kingdom of F shifted to that village and the village was in Kingdom G.

I went for A because it mentions the dialect so obviously we use the dialect of the kingdom where the contract take place
Option E says:

Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F

Let's focus on the word heart. While it may be possible that many people from the heart of F moved to G, it is not very likely. At least not when we compare E to the other options. Option A is:

A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect

This contract was found in the village, and the village was on the border. This means that the village could have seen a lot of trade (because of its location on the border between the two countries).

Now we need to ask ourselves which "movement" is more likely and which one is less likely: (a) trade documents in a place where trade was likely or (e) people who had spent their entire childhood in the heart of one of the countries. Remember: both are possible. We need to select the best option, so pick the one that shows more "permanence".
Show more



I had a doubt in Option D. Option D can suggest that materials from F are being moved to G since 7th century. Maybe a trade route is set. So maybe the artifacts found in F too moved around and reached G?. Hence it explains the typical Kingdom F artifacts being found in G and suggests that village is part of G
User avatar
AjiteshArun
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Last visit: 24 Sep 2026
Posts: 6,153
Own Kudos:
5,173
Given Kudos: 744
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Posts: 6,153
Kudos: 5,173
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 30 Mar 2021, 01:25
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
abhimehrotra
I had a doubt in Option D. Option D can suggest that materials from F are being moved to G since 7th century. Maybe a trade route is set. So maybe the artifacts found in F too moved around and reached G?. Hence it explains the typical Kingdom F artifacts being found in G and suggests that village is part of G
Show more
Hi abhimehrotra,

Possibly, but the pottery is still "from the seventh century", right? We don't have any information about what happened after that or whether the borders shifted (there are just too many unknowns). Given that the question asks us "whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century", option E ("numerous teeth from the ninth century") is much better than option D. Keep in mind that we're looking for the best option.
User avatar
DmitryFarberMPrep
User avatar
Manhattan Prep Instructor
Joined: 22 Mar 2011
Last visit: 31 Aug 2026
Posts: 3,002
Own Kudos:
8,675
 [4]
Given Kudos: 57
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 745 Q86 V90 DI85
Posts: 3,002
Kudos: 8,675
 [4]
For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century 30 Mar 2021, 18:35
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
abhimehrotra
It's hard to use the mobility of goods to determine which kingdom the village belonged to, since the goods might travel there easily well whether it was part of the kingdom or simply a trading partner. This new information doesn't make it any more or less likely that the village is part of F. Choice E, on the other hand, makes it clear that many actual people from F lived in the village. That's not absolute proof that the village belonged to F (we will almost never see that in a CR answer), but it certainly pushes us in one direction.
 1   2   3   
Moderators:
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7399 posts
AbhishekP220108
Verbal Forum Moderator
705 posts