Deep-sea thermal vents were first discovered near the Galápagos Islands in 1977, revealing ecosystems that thrive in complete darkness. For...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Deep-sea thermal vents were first discovered near the Galápagos Islands in 1977, revealing ecosystems that thrive in complete darkness. For decades, marine biologists have studied these unique environments using submersibles and remote-operated vehicles. _____ researchers employ advanced deep-sea robots equipped with high-definition cameras and sophisticated sampling tools to explore these mysterious habitats.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
In contrast,
Today,
Nevertheless,
For example,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Deep-sea thermal vents were first discovered near the Galápagos Islands in 1977, revealing ecosystems that thrive in complete darkness.' |
|
| 'For decades, marine biologists have studied these unique environments using submersibles and remote-operated vehicles.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'researchers employ advanced deep-sea robots equipped with high-definition cameras and sophisticated sampling tools to explore these mysterious habitats.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Deep-sea thermal vent research has evolved from basic submersibles to sophisticated robotic technology over the decades since their 1977 discovery.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the historical discovery of thermal vents, describes past research approaches, then moves to current technological methods. The missing connector needs to bridge the temporal shift from past to present research techniques.
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 can see the passage moves from past research methods (submersibles and ROVs used 'for decades') to current research methods (advanced robots with modern equipment)
- The missing transition needs to signal this temporal shift from past to present
- The right answer should indicate a time progression - specifically moving from the historical research period to the current/modern era of research
In contrast,
- 'In contrast' suggests opposition or contradiction
- The passage isn't contrasting past and present methods - it's showing technological progression
Today,
- 'Today' clearly signals the temporal shift to present time
- Perfectly bridges past research methods ('for decades') with current technology
- Matches our prethinking about needing a time indicator
Nevertheless,
- 'Nevertheless' suggests proceeding despite an obstacle or contradiction
- There's no obstacle being overcome here - just technological advancement
For example,
- 'For example' would make the robot sentence an illustration of the previous statement
- The advanced robots aren't an example of submersibles and ROVs - they're a replacement technology