After marine biologists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution recognized that plastic pollution was devastating coral reef ecosystems, they aimed to...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
After marine biologists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution recognized that plastic pollution was devastating coral reef ecosystems, they aimed to develop an innovative filtration system that could remove microplastics without harming marine life. _____ they created the OceanSweep device, which uses biomimetic filters inspired by whale feeding mechanisms.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
To this end,
For instance,
In contrast,
In summary,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "After marine biologists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution recognized that plastic pollution was devastating coral reef ecosystems," |
|
| "they aimed to develop an innovative filtration system that could remove microplastics without harming marine life." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "they created the OceanSweep device, which uses biomimetic filters inspired by whale feeding mechanisms." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Marine biologists developed an innovative filtration device after recognizing the need to remove microplastics from coral reef ecosystems without harming marine life.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from problem identification (plastic pollution harming reefs) to goal setting (develop safe filtration) to implementation (creating the OceanSweep device). The missing transition needs to connect the intention with the actual action taken.
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
- The sentence before the blank tells us the scientists had a goal - they "aimed to develop" a filtration system
- The sentence after the blank tells us what they actually did - "they created the OceanSweep device"
- We need a transition that shows they took action specifically to achieve that goal they just mentioned
- The relationship is: stated intention followed by action taken to fulfill that intention
To this end,
✓ Correct
- "To this end" means "for this purpose" or "to achieve this goal"
- Perfectly connects their stated aim (develop filtration system) with their actual action (created OceanSweep)
- Shows they took deliberate action to fulfill their stated goal
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces an example of something already mentioned
- But creating the OceanSweep is not an example of their aim—it IS their aim being fulfilled
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- "In contrast" signals opposition or difference between ideas
- But creating the device does not contrast with their goal—it fulfills it
- Creates an illogical relationship between intention and action
In summary,
✗ Incorrect
- "In summary" concludes or wraps up information already presented
- But this is not summarizing—it is presenting new information about what they actually did