Dr. Sarah Chen published her groundbreaking study on coral reef recovery in a peer-reviewed marine biology journal, presenting it as...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen published her groundbreaking study on coral reef recovery in a peer-reviewed marine biology journal, presenting it as fundamental research into ecosystem resilience. The study appeared to focus on basic scientific understanding; _____ her primary objective was to influence upcoming legislation on coastal development regulations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
for instance,
ultimately,
accordingly,
additionally,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen published her groundbreaking study on coral reef recovery in a peer-reviewed marine biology journal, presenting it as fundamental research into ecosystem resilience.' |
|
| 'The study appeared to focus on basic scientific understanding;' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'her primary objective was to influence upcoming legislation on coastal development regulations.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's coral reef study appeared to be basic research but was actually intended to influence coastal development legislation.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes how Chen's study was presented and appeared to be basic scientific research, then reveals that her true objective was actually to influence policy and legislation.
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 connector must show a contrast between appearance and reality
- It needs to signal that despite how the study appeared, the actual purpose was different
- The relationship is 'seemed like X, but actually Y'
- It should indicate that the real/ultimate purpose is being revealed
for instance,
'For instance'
✗ Incorrect
- Introduces an example or specific case
- This doesn't fit because influencing legislation isn't an example of basic scientific understanding—it's actually the opposite
ultimately,
'Ultimately'
✓ Correct
- Reveals the final or true purpose despite initial appearances
- This perfectly captures that regardless of how the study appeared, the real objective was policy influence
accordingly,
'Accordingly'
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests logical consequence or result
- This would mean the legislation influence followed from the basic research focus, which contradicts the passage structure
additionally,
'Additionally'
✗ Incorrect
- Simply adds more information in the same direction
- This would suggest both basic research AND legislation influence were goals, missing the contrast