Dr. Sarah Chen hypothesized that introducing specific bacteria into contaminated soil would accelerate the breakdown of petroleum-based pollutants, an...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen hypothesized that introducing specific bacteria into contaminated soil would accelerate the breakdown of petroleum-based pollutants, and _____ her laboratory experiments demonstrated a 300% increase in pollutant degradation rates when the bacteria were present, validating her bioremediation approach.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Certainly,
However,
For instance,
Meanwhile,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen hypothesized that introducing specific bacteria into contaminated soil would accelerate the breakdown of petroleum-based pollutants, and" |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "her laboratory experiments demonstrated a 300% increase in pollutant degradation rates when the bacteria were present, validating her bioremediation approach." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[HYPOTHESIS] Chen's theory: bacteria leads to faster pollutant cleanup
[MISSING CONNECTOR]
[EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION] Lab results: 300% increase confirms theory
Main Point: Dr. Chen's hypothesis about using bacteria for environmental cleanup was validated through laboratory experiments that showed dramatic improvements in pollutant breakdown rates.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a clear hypothesis-to-validation sequence where Chen's theoretical prediction about bacterial bioremediation is followed by experimental results that strongly confirm her approach works as expected.
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
- Based on our analysis, we have Chen's hypothesis followed by experimental results that perfectly support what she predicted
- The missing transition needs to show that the experimental evidence strongly confirms or validates her theoretical prediction
- This is not a contrast situation - the results align with expectations
- The right answer should emphasize confidence or confirmation that the experimental results support the hypothesis as expected
Certainly,
✓ Correct
- "Certainly" emphasizes confidence and confirmation
- Creates the logical flow: hypothesis leads to strong confirmatory evidence
- Matches the validation relationship shown in our analysis
- Fits the tone of scientific confidence when results support predictions
However,
✗ Incorrect
- "However" signals contrast or contradiction
- Would suggest the experimental results oppose or complicate the hypothesis
- This trap represents students thinking any connector works, but this reverses the logical relationship
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces an example of something previously mentioned
- The experiments are not an example of the hypothesis - they are evidence testing it
- Creates a logical mismatch between prediction and validation
Meanwhile,
✗ Incorrect
- "Meanwhile" indicates simultaneous or parallel actions
- Does not capture the cause-and-effect relationship between hypothesis and experimental validation
- Misrepresents the sequential nature of scientific method