Before it unveiled a massive new gallery in 2009, the Art Institute of Chicago was only able to display about...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Before it unveiled a massive new gallery in 2009, the Art Institute of Chicago was only able to display about \(5\%\) of its art collection. _______ the museum is able to display close to \(30\%\) of its collection.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Additionally,
For example,
Nevertheless,
Today,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Before it unveiled a massive new gallery in 2009, the Art Institute of Chicago was only able to display about 5% of its art collection.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'the museum is able to display close to 30% of its collection.' |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Art Institute of Chicago dramatically increased its display capacity after opening a new gallery in 2009.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a clear before-and-after comparison, showing how the museum moved from displaying only \(5\%\) of its collection to displaying \(30\%\) after a major expansion.
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
- We need a transition that shows the contrast between the museum's past limitation (\(5\%\) display capacity) and its current improved situation (\(30\%\) display capacity)
- The logical relationship is a time-based contrast - we're moving from a past state to the present state
- The transition should signal that we're now talking about the current situation, which is dramatically different from what was just described
Additionally,
Additionally,
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests we're adding similar information to what came before
- But we're not adding to the limitation - we're contrasting it with improvement
- Creates a logical disconnect since the information isn't additional but contradictory
For example,
For example,
✗ Incorrect
- This would introduce the 30% figure as an example of the 5% limitation
- Makes no logical sense since 30% contradicts rather than exemplifies 5%
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- While this shows contrast, it suggests the museum displays 30% despite the limitation
- But the limitation was removed by the new gallery - it's not still there to overcome
Today,
Today,
✓ Correct
- Clearly signals a shift from the past situation (pre-2009) to the present
- Creates the perfect time-based contrast our analysis predicted
- Logically connects the before-and-after comparison the passage establishes