Question: In the paintings by seventeenth-century Dutch artist Vermeer, we find several recurrent items: a satin jacket, a certain Turkish carpet, and wooden chairs with lion’s head finials. These reappearing objects might seem to evince a dearth of props. Yet we know that many of the props Vermeer used were expensive. Thus, while we might speculate about exactly why Vermeer worked with a small number of familiar objects, it was clearly not for lack of props that the recurrent items were used.
The conclusion follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
(A) Vermeer often borrowed the expensive props he represented in his paintings.
(B) The props that recur in Vermeer’s paintings were always available to him.
(C) The satin jacket and wooden chairs that recur in the paintings were owned by Vermeer’s sister.
(D) The several recurrent items that appeared in Vermeer’s paintings had special sentimental importance for him.
(E) If a dearth of props accounted for the recurrent objects in Vermeer’s paintings, we would not see expensive props in any of them.
“In the paintings by seventeenth-century Dutch artist Vermeer”- is a GMATcritical reasoning question. To answer the question, a candidate can either find a piece of evidence that would weaken the argument or have logical flaws in the argument. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. This topic requires candidates to find the argument's strengths and weaknesses or the logical flaw in the argument. The GMAT CR section contains 10 -13 GMAT critical reasoning questions out of 36 GMAT verbal questions.
Answer: (E)
Explanation: Vermeer, a Dutch painter from the seventeenth century, frequently depicted a satin jacket, a particular Turkish carpet, and wooden chairs with lion's head finials. It might appear that there aren't enough props because of these recurring items. However, we are aware that many of the accessories Vermeer used were pricey. Therefore, even though we can only speculate as to why Vermeer chose to use a select few recognisable items, it is obvious that he did not run out of props to work with.
An assumption for which the conclusion makes sense is the right answer. Let's examine each choice independently to determine which is best.
Option - A : Incorrect
This option states that Vermeer frequently borrowed the pricey props he depicted in his paintings. This in no way implies that he had enough props. Therefore, this option is out.
Option - B : Incorrect
This option states that Vermeer always had access to the props that appear frequently in his works. Vermeer had these resources available to him, but it's unknown if he also had access to any other materials. This option does not imply that the author's conclusion is accurate. Therefore, this option is out.
Option - C : Incorrect
According to this option, Vermeer's sister was the owner of the satin jacket and wooden chairs that frequently appear in his paintings. Vermeer may have actually been lacking in props for his paintings if he had to borrow some items from Therefore, this option is out.
Option - D : Incorrect
This option states that Vermeer had a special emotional connection to the various recurring objects that appeared in his paintings. This is good, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the author's conclusion is correct. Therefore, this option is out.
Option - E : Incorrect
This option tells us that Vermeer would have painted without any pricey props if he had run out of them. However, his paintings feature pricey props, making it impossible for him to have been short on props. He must have had another motive for using the same props repeatedly. You will see that the passage leaves out some key details regarding this connection. The fact that the props are expensive is mentioned, but the author doesn't really explain how this indicates that Vermeer's repeated use of the same items was due to something other than a lack of props. The author's conclusion must be valid if you take the statement in this option as true.
From the explanations given above, it is clear that the final option is the right answer.
Suggested GMAT Critical Reasoning Samples
- On most side streets in the United States, the speed limit GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Arnold: I was recently denied a seat on an airline flight GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Whenever a major political scandal erupts before an election and voters blame the scandal on all parties GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Women Who are Married Sleep More Soundly GMAT Critical Reasoning
- In anticipation of the coming year, Tecumseh Autos, a national auto manufacturer, is anticipating sales of its vehicles GMAT Critical Reasoning
- In the mid-1990s the United States Supreme Court rendered GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Maggie will either move into her old bedroom at her parents' house GMAT Critical Reasoning
- The Bears will not attempt a two-point conversion after the upcoming GMAT Critical Reasoning
- The Dear One Baby Carrier is the safest and most comfortable baby GMAT Critical Reasoning
- If 10% or more of a planet's total mass is water GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Though the press release and other official statements of oil companies GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Some statisticians claim that the surest way to increase the overall correctness GMAT Critical Reasoning
- In Patton City, days are categorized as having heavy rainfall GMAT Critical Reasoning
- The rise in free, do-it-yourself instructions on the Internet GMAT Critical Reasoning
- The commissioner has announced that Judge Khalid, who was on the seven-member panel appointed GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Studies have shown that a large percentage of car accidents are caused by aggressive driving GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Jordan: If a business invests the money necessary to implement ecologically sound practices, its market share will decrease GMAT Critical Reasoning
- All teas are served hot or iced. Most coffees are served hot or iced and always contain caffeine GMAT Critical Reasoning
- When an auto insurance policy compensates the owners of stolen or burglarized cars GMAT Critical Reasoning
- Research has shown that impoverished people in this country buy unhealthy snack foods GMAT Critical Reasoning
Comments