GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
A historian studying ancient Roman trade routes has uncovered evidence suggesting that the empire's economic prosperity was not solely dependent on its vast agricultural output, but also significantly on its sophisticated network of maritime commerce. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that Rome was primarily a land-based agrarian economy. Which of the following, if true, would best support the historian's conclusion?
- AAnalysis of shipwrecks from the Roman era shows a high proportion of vessels carrying luxury goods and exotic raw materials, not just staple foods.
- BHistorical texts frequently mention emperors issuing decrees to ensure the steady supply of grain to the city of Rome.
- CStudies of Roman roads demonstrate their primary function was to facilitate the movement of armies and agricultural products across the empire.
- DNew archaeological digs reveal extensive granaries along the Tiber River, indicating large-scale grain storage.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Analysis of shipwrecks from the Roman era shows a high proportion of vessels carrying luxury goods and exotic raw materials, not just staple foods.
The historian's conclusion is that Roman prosperity relied significantly on maritime commerce beyond just agriculture. Option B directly supports this by showing ships carried diverse, valuable goods, indicating a robust and varied trade economy.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This emphasizes the importance of grain supply, reinforcing the traditional view of an agrarian economy, not the maritime commerce aspect.
- C. This highlights land-based transport for agriculture and military, which doesn't support the maritime commerce conclusion.
- D. This supports the agricultural output, not the maritime commerce aspect, and thus contradicts the historian's new emphasis.
Reading Comprehension: Support Questions
Questions that ask you to identify information that would strengthen an author's argument or conclusion.
- Look for options that provide new evidence consistent with the argument.
- Avoid options that contradict or are irrelevant.
- The correct answer will directly bolster the stated conclusion.
Memory trick: Find the fact that makes their claim rock solid!