Dr. Sarah Chen has made significant contributions to marine biology throughout her career. She discovered three new species of deep-sea...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen has made significant contributions to marine biology throughout her career. She discovered three new species of deep-sea organisms, published over fifty peer-reviewed articles, and secured research grants totaling millions of dollars. _____ her colleagues universally agree that her breakthrough coral reef restoration methodology represents her most transformative scientific legacy.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Nevertheless,
For instance,
Consequently,
Furthermore,
Looking at this question, I need to determine what logical transition best connects the ideas before and after the blank.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen has made significant contributions to marine biology throughout her career.' |
|
| 'She discovered three new species of deep-sea organisms, published over fifty peer-reviewed articles, and secured research grants totaling millions of dollars.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'her colleagues universally agree that her breakthrough coral reef restoration methodology represents her most transformative scientific legacy.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite Dr. Chen's many impressive achievements, her colleagues consider her coral reef restoration methodology to be her most important contribution.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes Chen as a significant contributor to marine biology, then lists multiple impressive achievements to demonstrate her success. However, it concludes by revealing that colleagues believe one particular achievement - her coral reef methodology - stands above all the others as her most transformative work.
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 have a list of many impressive achievements followed by a statement that ONE particular achievement is considered the MOST important
- This creates a contrast - despite all these other accomplishments, THIS one stands out as the most significant
- We need a transition that signals 'but even with all these achievements, here's what's really considered most important'
- The right answer should show contrast or exception rather than continuation or cause-and-effect
Nevertheless,
✓ Correct
- Creates the perfect contrast between the many achievements listed and the colleagues' assessment of what's truly most important
- 'Nevertheless' signals 'despite everything I just mentioned, here's what's actually most significant'
- Matches our prethinking about needing a contrasting relationship
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- Would introduce the colleagues' view as an example of her contributions, but that doesn't make logical sense
- The coral reef methodology isn't an example of the previous achievements - it's being singled out as more important than them
Consequently,
✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest the colleagues' opinion is a result of the achievements listed, but that's not the logical relationship
- The passage isn't showing cause and effect - it's showing contrast between many achievements and one standout achievement
Furthermore,
✗ Incorrect
- Would continue in the same direction, adding the colleagues' view as another achievement in the list
- But the passage structure shows the colleagues are making a distinction, not just adding to the list
Answer: A