Controlled burns are a forest management technique that involves deliberately setting low-intensity fires during optimal weather conditions to reduce ...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Controlled burns are a forest management technique that involves deliberately setting low-intensity fires during optimal weather conditions to reduce accumulated undergrowth and dead material. _____ this practice helps prevent catastrophic wildfires by eliminating the fuel sources that allow fires to spread rapidly and burn at dangerous temperatures.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
For example,
Additionally,
In contrast,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Controlled burns are a forest management technique that involves deliberately setting low-intensity fires during optimal weather conditions to reduce accumulated undergrowth and dead material.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'this practice helps prevent catastrophic wildfires by eliminating the fuel sources that allow fires to spread rapidly and burn at dangerous temperatures.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: [DEFINITION] Controlled burns = forest management technique [MISSING CONNECTOR] [BENEFIT/PURPOSE] Prevents catastrophic wildfires by removing fuel
Main Point: Controlled burns are a forest management technique that helps prevent dangerous wildfires by removing fuel sources.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces controlled burns as a deliberate forest management practice, then explains how this practice benefits forest safety by preventing catastrophic fires through fuel reduction.
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 passage analysis, the first sentence defines what controlled burns are, and the second sentence explains the benefit of this practice
- The missing connector needs to show that the second sentence is continuing the explanation by adding the 'why this matters' piece
- The relationship should show continuation or addition, not contrast or exemplification
However,
✗ Incorrect
- 'However' signals contrast or contradiction
- The second sentence doesn't contradict the first - it explains the benefit
For example,
✗ Incorrect
- 'For example' introduces a specific instance of something general
- The second sentence isn't giving an example of controlled burns - it's explaining their purpose
Additionally,
✓ Correct
- 'Additionally' shows continuation and addition of information
- Perfectly connects the definition (sentence 1) with the benefit/purpose (sentence 2)
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- 'In contrast' signals opposition between ideas
- The benefit actually supports and explains the value of the technique described