Dr. Maria Chen had spent three years developing a method to detect exoplanets using radio wave analysis, facing widespread skepticism...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Maria Chen had spent three years developing a method to detect exoplanets using radio wave analysis, facing widespread skepticism from colleagues who deemed the approach fundamentally flawed. ______ her breakthrough study successfully identified two previously unknown planets, proving her critics wrong and revolutionizing the field.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Additionally,
Similarly,
Meanwhile,
However,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Maria Chen had spent three years developing a method to detect exoplanets using radio wave analysis," |
|
| "facing widespread skepticism from colleagues who deemed the approach fundamentally flawed." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "her breakthrough study successfully identified two previously unknown planets," |
|
| "proving her critics wrong and revolutionizing the field." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's initially criticized method for detecting exoplanets ultimately proved successful and transformative.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Chen's research background and the skepticism it faced, then shows how her eventual breakthrough vindicated her approach and revolutionized the field.
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 connects two contrasting ideas: before the blank we have skepticism and criticism of Chen's approach, while after the blank we have her breakthrough success
- The logical relationship here is contrast - despite the initial skepticism, her work succeeded
Additionally,
Additionally,
✗ Incorrect
- "Additionally" signals adding more information in the same direction
- This would suggest her success builds upon the skepticism, which doesn't make sense
Similarly,
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- "Similarly" indicates what follows resembles what came before
- This would mean her success is similar to the skepticism, which is illogical
Meanwhile,
Meanwhile,
✗ Incorrect
- "Meanwhile" shows things happening at the same time
- Doesn't capture the logical relationship between criticism and vindication
However,
However,
✓ Correct
- "However" signals contrast and contradiction
- Perfectly captures the reversal: despite the skepticism, her work succeeded
- Creates the logical flow from criticism to vindication