Abstract Expressionism emerged as a dominant art movement immediately after World War II, with artists like Jackson Pollock gaining international...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Abstract Expressionism emerged as a dominant art movement immediately after World War II, with artists like Jackson Pollock gaining international recognition by 1947. _____ Minimalism required nearly two decades to establish itself, achieving widespread acceptance only in the mid-1960s.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Therefore,
In contrast,
Likewise,
To illustrate,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Abstract Expressionism emerged as a dominant art movement immediately after World War II, with artists like Jackson Pollock gaining international recognition by 1947. |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| Minimalism required nearly two decades to establish itself, achieving widespread acceptance only in the mid-1960s. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[Abstract Expressionism Timeline] → [MISSING CONNECTION] → [Minimalism Timeline - Much Longer]
Main Point: Different art movements achieved recognition at vastly different speeds—some quickly, others slowly.
Argument Flow: The passage presents Abstract Expressionism as an example of rapid artistic success, then shifts to show how Minimalism followed a much slower path to acceptance, creating a comparison between two different trajectories in the art world.
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
- From our analysis, we see Abstract Expressionism achieved quick recognition (by 1947, just after WWII), while Minimalism took nearly two decades to gain acceptance
- These are opposite timelines—one fast, one slow
- The logical connector needs to signal this contrast between the two art movements' paths to recognition
- The right answer should create a relationship that highlights how different these two experiences were—essentially saying "unlike the first example, here's what happened with the second movement"
- So the right answer should show contrast or opposition between the quick success of Abstract Expressionism and the slow acceptance of Minimalism
Therefore,
✗ Incorrect
- "Therefore" signals cause-and-effect or logical conclusion
- This would suggest Minimalism's slow acceptance somehow resulted from Abstract Expressionism's quick success
- Our passage presents two independent examples, not a causal relationship
In contrast,
✓ Correct
- Creates the exact opposition our analysis identified
- Signals that Minimalism's experience was the opposite of Abstract Expressionism's quick rise
- Matches the contrasting timelines perfectly: fast recognition vs. slow acceptance
Likewise,
✗ Incorrect
- "Likewise" means "in the same way" or "similarly"
- This would suggest both movements had similar experiences
- Contradicts the actual content: one was quick (1947), one was slow (20 years)
To illustrate,
✗ Incorrect
- This signals that the second sentence will provide an example of the first
- Would mean Minimalism illustrates how art movements gain quick recognition
- Completely backwards—Minimalism took decades, not years like Abstract Expressionism