A potter choosing which type of clay to use for a piece considers two key factors: the desired look of...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
A potter choosing which type of clay to use for a piece considers two key factors: the desired look of the piece and its intended use. ______ earthenware clay is often used for decorative pieces because of its rustic look. This type of clay is not often used in industrial settings, though, because it is less durable than other clays.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "A potter choosing which type of clay to use for a piece considers two key factors: the desired look of the piece and its intended use." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "earthenware clay is often used for decorative pieces because of its rustic look." |
|
| "This type of clay is not often used in industrial settings, though, because it is less durable than other clays." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Potters choose clay based on both aesthetic and practical considerations, with different clays serving different purposes.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes two key factors in clay selection, then appears to provide a specific example showing how these factors work in practice, followed by a contrast that demonstrates both factors at play.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our passage analysis, we move from a general statement about the two factors potters consider to a specific case about earthenware clay being used for decorative purposes because of its rustic look
- This is a classic general-to-specific relationship where we need a transition that signals "here's a concrete example of what I just told you"
- The relationship needed is one that shows we're illustrating the principle with a specific instance - particularly showing how the "desired look" factor influences clay selection
✗ Incorrect
- This transition suggests we're rephrasing or restating the same idea in different terms
- But we're not restating the general principle - we're moving to a specific example
- Students might think we're explaining the same concept differently, but we're actually shifting from general to specific
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests dismissing or setting aside the previous information
- But the earthenware example actually supports and illustrates the principle about considering desired look
- Creates an illogical relationship where the example contradicts rather than supports the opening
✗ Incorrect
- This signals we're ending with a summary or final thought
- But we're in the middle of the passage providing an example, not concluding
- Students might see this as wrapping up the discussion, but there's still more information coming
✓ Correct
- Perfectly signals the shift from general principle to specific illustration
- Shows that earthenware clay demonstrates how the "desired look" factor works in practice
- Sets up the logical flow where we see both factors at play