Dr. Maria Santos pioneered several breakthrough techniques in molecular biology during the 1990s, fundamentally changing how researchers approach gene...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Maria Santos pioneered several breakthrough techniques in molecular biology during the 1990s, fundamentally changing how researchers approach genetic analysis. _____ her innovative methods are rarely credited in contemporary textbooks, which instead emphasize the contributions of her male colleagues from the same period.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Nevertheless,
For instance,
In particular,
Likewise,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Maria Santos pioneered several breakthrough techniques in molecular biology during the 1990s, fundamentally changing how researchers approach genetic analysis." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "her innovative methods are rarely credited in contemporary textbooks, which instead emphasize the contributions of her male colleagues from the same period." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite Dr. Santos's groundbreaking contributions to molecular biology, she receives little recognition compared to her male contemporaries.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Santos as a pioneer who fundamentally changed genetic analysis, then reveals the contradictory reality that her innovations go largely unrecognized while her male colleagues receive the credit.
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 word that connects Santos's major achievements with the fact that she gets no credit
- The relationship is clearly contrasting - despite doing important work, she doesn't get recognition
- The transition should signal contrast between her achievements and her lack of recognition
Nevertheless,
- "Nevertheless" signals contrast perfectly - despite her achievements, she lacks recognition
- Creates the exact logical relationship we identified in our prethinking
For instance,
- "For instance" introduces examples
- Would suggest the textbook situation is an example of her pioneering work, which makes no sense
In particular,
- "In particular" provides emphasis
- Would suggest we're focusing on one specific aspect of her contributions
- Doesn't capture the contrasting relationship
Likewise,
- "Likewise" indicates similarity
- Would suggest the textbook situation is similar to her pioneering work
- Creates the opposite relationship from what we need