By developing a quantum computing algorithm that could solve optimization problems in minutes rather than years, Dr. Sarah Chen's research...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
By developing a quantum computing algorithm that could solve optimization problems in minutes rather than years, Dr. Sarah Chen's research team achieved what they described as a "breakthrough that felt both revolutionary and inevitable." _____ their algorithm consistently outperformed classical computing methods by factors of thousands in preliminary testing, demonstrating the transformative potential that quantum theorists had long predicted.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Indeed,
However,
Meanwhile,
Otherwise,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "By developing a quantum computing algorithm that could solve optimization problems in minutes rather than years, Dr. Sarah Chen's research team achieved what they described as a 'breakthrough that felt both revolutionary and inevitable.'" |
|
| "______" |
|
| "their algorithm consistently outperformed classical computing methods by factors of thousands in preliminary testing, demonstrating the transformative potential that quantum theorists had long predicted." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: [ACHIEVEMENT CLAIM] Dr. Chen's team achieved breakthrough with quantum algorithm → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → [SUPPORTING EVIDENCE] Algorithm outperformed classical methods by 1000x factors
Main Point: Dr. Chen's quantum computing algorithm represents a major breakthrough, demonstrating dramatically superior performance over traditional methods.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a significant achievement claim about quantum computing, then provides concrete performance data that supports and validates this breakthrough claim.
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 relationship between the breakthrough claim and the evidence that follows
- The first sentence makes a big claim about achieving a breakthrough
- The second sentence provides specific data that supports and confirms this claim
- The logical relationship should emphasize or confirm rather than contrast or introduce something unrelated
Indeed,
✓ Correct
- "Indeed" signals confirmation and emphasis of what was just stated
- This creates the perfect logical flow: breakthrough claim → confirmation transition → supporting evidence
- The performance data naturally serves as proof of the breakthrough when introduced with "Indeed"
However,
✗ Incorrect
- "However" signals contrast or contradiction
- This would suggest the performance data somehow contradicts the breakthrough claim
Meanwhile,
✗ Incorrect
- "Meanwhile" indicates something happening simultaneously or in parallel
- The performance testing isn't happening at the same time as achieving the breakthrough - it's evidence for it
Otherwise,
✗ Incorrect
- "Otherwise" suggests an alternative scenario or consequence if something doesn't happen
- This makes no sense in context - the performance data isn't an alternative to the breakthrough