Question 15·200 Super-Hard SAT Reading Questions·Information and Ideas
Excavations at the ancient hillfort of Morska have yielded large quantities of locally made utilitarian pottery but almost no imported luxury goods, even though contemporary records show that major trade routes passed within a day's journey of the settlement. Archaeologist Dr. Patel argues that because the inhabitants of Morska could have easily obtained such goods but apparently chose not to, their society likely emphasized communal equality over individual wealth.
Dr. Patel's claim most strongly implies that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For inference questions built on an author’s claim, restate the claim in your own words and then ask what attitudes or norms would naturally follow if that claim were true. Prefer answers that translate the claim into a direct, behavior-based implication, and eliminate choices that (1) introduce specific new mechanisms the text never mentions, (2) use extreme/absolute language (like “solely”), or (3) shift to a different explanation than the one the author provides.
Hints
Focus on the conclusion, not just the artifacts
Dr. Patel’s conclusion is about Morska’s values (communal equality vs. individual wealth). The correct choice should reflect a value-based implication.
Match the logic of “could have, but chose not to”
Dr. Patel’s reasoning depends on choice rather than inability. Look for an answer that explains why people would avoid luxury goods even when accessible.
Watch for answers that add extra specifics
Be cautious of options that add very specific new claims (for example, exactly how goods were managed, an absolute rule about status, or a totally different motive for avoiding trade). Those details are not implied unless the text points to them.
Think about what equality would discourage
In an equality-focused community, what kinds of behaviors around wealth would likely be frowned upon?
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate the key claim
Key points:
- Archaeologists found lots of local utilitarian pottery but almost no imported luxury goods.
- Trade routes were nearby, so access to luxury goods would have been feasible.
- Dr. Patel’s conclusion: the inhabitants could have obtained luxury goods but apparently chose not to, so the society likely emphasized communal equality over individual wealth.
Identify what an implication should look like
An implication should be a natural consequence of a society that prioritizes equality over individual wealth.
So the best answer should describe an attitude, norm, or practice that would help prevent individuals from standing out as richer than others.
Evaluate the choices as implications of the claim
- Choice A (luxury goods stored for communal use) is possible in an egalitarian society, but Dr. Patel’s claim is that people did not obtain luxury goods, not that they obtained them and then stored them communally.
- Choice B (status measured solely by service) matches the theme of equality, but the word solely makes it an overly strong, absolute claim that Dr. Patel’s argument does not establish.
- Choice C (avoided outsiders to preserve tradition) introduces a different motivation (cultural isolation/traditionalism) that is not part of Dr. Patel’s reasoning about equality versus wealth.
Choose the implication most directly supported
If people avoided luxury goods despite having access, and the society emphasized communal equality over individual wealth, it most strongly suggests that the culture discouraged showing off personal riches.
Therefore, the best completion is: social norms at Morska discouraged conspicuous displays of personal affluence.