Dr. Maria Santos is a marine biologist who frequently employs innovative research techniques to study ocean ecosystems. _____ she recently...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Maria Santos is a marine biologist who frequently employs innovative research techniques to study ocean ecosystems. _____ she recently used underwater drones equipped with AI-powered cameras to monitor coral reef recovery in the Caribbean. This technology allowed Santos to collect detailed data on species diversity and habitat restoration patterns.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Specifically,
Nevertheless,
In contrast,
As a result,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Maria Santos is a marine biologist who frequently employs innovative research techniques to study ocean ecosystems.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'she recently used underwater drones equipped with AI-powered cameras to monitor coral reef recovery in the Caribbean.' |
|
| 'This technology allowed Santos to collect detailed data on species diversity and habitat restoration patterns.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: [GENERAL APPROACH] Dr. Santos uses innovative research techniques → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE] Used AI drones to study Caribbean coral reefs → [OUTCOME] Collected detailed ecosystem data
Main Point: Dr. Maria Santos demonstrates innovative marine biology research through her use of AI-powered underwater drones to study coral reef recovery.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Santos as someone who uses innovative research methods, then provides a concrete example of this innovation with the AI drone project, and concludes by showing what this technology accomplished in terms of data collection.
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 table analysis, we have a general statement about Santos using 'innovative research techniques' followed by a specific example of her using 'underwater drones equipped with AI-powered cameras'
- This is a clear general-to-specific relationship where the second sentence provides a concrete illustration of the broader claim made in the first sentence
- The right transition should signal that we're moving from a general concept to a particular example that demonstrates or illustrates that concept
Specifically,
Specifically ✓ Correct
- 'Specifically' perfectly signals the transition from general (innovative research techniques) to specific (underwater drones with AI cameras)
- This matches our prethinking exactly - we need a word that introduces a concrete example
- Creates the logical flow: general approach → specific instance of that approach
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless ✗ Incorrect
- 'Nevertheless' indicates contrast or opposition between ideas
- There's no contrast here - the drone example supports and illustrates the general claim about innovative techniques
In contrast,
In contrast ✗ Incorrect
- 'In contrast' explicitly signals opposition between the two ideas
- The drone example doesn't contrast with using innovative techniques - it exemplifies them
- This creates a logical contradiction where none exists in the intended meaning
As a result,
As a result ✗ Incorrect
- 'As a result' indicates cause and effect
- The first sentence doesn't cause the second - Santos didn't start using innovative techniques because she used drones; rather, the drones are an example of her innovative approach