Celebrated Tewa potter Maria Martinez (1887–1980) made her signature all-black ceramic vessels using a heating technique called reduction firing. This...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Celebrated Tewa potter Maria Martinez (1887–1980) made her signature all-black ceramic vessels using a heating technique called reduction firing. This technique involves smothering the flame surrounding the clay vessel. ______ the vessel takes on a shiny, black hue.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
On the contrary,
For example,
Previously,
As a result,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Celebrated Tewa potter Maria Martinez (1887–1980) made her signature all-black ceramic vessels using a heating technique called reduction firing." |
|
| "This technique involves smothering the flame surrounding the clay vessel." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "the vessel takes on a shiny, black hue." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Maria Martinez created her signature black ceramic vessels using a reduction firing technique that involved smothering flames to achieve the distinctive color.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Martinez and her technique, explains what the technique involves, and then describes the visual result that makes her vessels distinctive.
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 analysis, we have a clear sequence: Martinez uses a technique that involves smothering flames, and then we learn the vessel becomes black and shiny
- The logical relationship here is cause and effect - the smothering of flames directly causes the color change
- We need a transition that signals this process leads to this outcome
On the contrary,
"On the contrary"
✗ Incorrect
- This signals opposition or contrast between ideas
- There's no contrast here - the black result directly follows from the smothering technique
For example,
"For example"
✗ Incorrect
- This introduces a specific instance of a general concept
- The black color isn't an example of reduction firing - it's the direct result
Previously,
"Previously"
✗ Incorrect
- This indicates something that happened before in time
- The black color doesn't happen before the smothering - it happens after
As a result,
"As a result"
✓ Correct
- Clearly signals cause and effect relationship
- Matches our analysis: smothering flames causes the black, shiny appearance