Contemporary music education has embraced holistic approaches that integrate performance, composition, and cultural understanding into comprehensive p...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Contemporary music education has embraced holistic approaches that integrate performance, composition, and cultural understanding into comprehensive programs. _____ the Kodály method incorporates folk songs, hand signs, and rhythmic syllables to develop musical literacy through multiple sensory channels.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
By contrast,
Nevertheless,
For example,
On the other hand,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Contemporary music education has embraced holistic approaches that integrate performance, composition, and cultural understanding into comprehensive programs." |
|
| "_____" |
|
| "the Kodály method incorporates folk songs, hand signs, and rhythmic syllables to develop musical literacy through multiple sensory channels." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Contemporary music education uses holistic approaches, with the Kodály method being a specific example.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces a general trend in music education toward holistic approaches, then provides the Kodály method as a concrete illustration of this trend in practice.
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 connector that shows the Kodály method relates to the holistic approaches mentioned in the first sentence
- The relationship should indicate that Kodály method is a specific instance of the general concept
- The connector should show that what follows supports or illustrates what came before
By contrast,
By contrast
✗ Incorrect.
- Signals opposition or difference
- The Kodály method doesn't oppose holistic approaches—it demonstrates them
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless
✗ Incorrect.
- Suggests the Kodály method happens despite the holistic approach trend
- Implies contradiction that doesn't exist
For example,
For example
✓ Correct.
- Signals that Kodály method is a specific instance of holistic approaches
- Creates perfect logical relationship—general concept followed by specific illustration
On the other hand,
On the other hand
✗ Incorrect.
- Suggests contrast or alternative perspective
- The Kodály method supports rather than contrasts with holistic approaches