Dr. Martinez's research team has discovered that urban green spaces significantly improve air quality in dense metropolitan areas. The data...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Martinez's research team has discovered that urban green spaces significantly improve air quality in dense metropolitan areas. The data shows measurable reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels near parks and gardens. _____ these green corridors serve as vital wildlife habitats that support biodiversity within city limits.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
In contrast,
Additionally,
Instead,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez's research team has discovered that urban green spaces significantly improve air quality in dense metropolitan areas." |
|
| "The data shows measurable reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels near parks and gardens." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "these green corridors serve as vital wildlife habitats that support biodiversity within city limits." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Urban green spaces provide multiple benefits to metropolitan areas, improving both air quality and supporting wildlife biodiversity.
Argument Flow: The passage starts with a research finding about air quality benefits from urban green spaces, provides specific data to support this claim, then adds information about an additional ecological benefit these spaces provide as wildlife habitats.
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
- The sentence before the blank discusses air quality benefits of green spaces, with specific data about reduced pollutants
- The sentence after the blank introduces a completely different benefit - wildlife habitats and biodiversity support
- These are two separate, complementary benefits of the same thing
- The relationship needed is additive - we're building on the first benefit by adding a second benefit
- The transition should signal adding another advantage
However,
✗ Incorrect
- "However" signals contrast or contradiction, but both sentences describe benefits of green spaces
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- "In contrast" explicitly signals opposition between ideas, but both sentences present positive benefits
Additionally,
✓ Correct
- "Additionally" signals that we're adding information to what came before, perfect fit for introducing a second benefit alongside the first benefit
Instead,
✗ Incorrect
- "Instead" indicates replacement, but the passage wants to present both benefits together