Dr. Sarah Chen's research team discovered that a specific protein found in certain marine algae could effectively repair damaged heart...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen's research team discovered that a specific protein found in certain marine algae could effectively repair damaged heart tissue in laboratory studies. The protein showed remarkable regenerative properties, successfully restoring cardiac function in multiple animal trials. _____ preliminary human trials have now begun, with early results suggesting the treatment could revolutionize cardiac medicine.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Nevertheless,
Moreover,
Alternatively,
In contrast,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen's research team discovered that a specific protein found in certain marine algae could effectively repair damaged heart tissue in laboratory studies." |
|
| "The protein showed remarkable regenerative properties, successfully restoring cardiac function in multiple animal trials." |
|
| "preliminary human trials have now begun, with early results suggesting the treatment could revolutionize cardiac medicine." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A marine protein discovered by Dr. Chen's team shows promising potential for revolutionizing cardiac medicine through successful progression from lab studies to human trials.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a positive scientific progression - starting with laboratory discovery of the protein's heart-healing properties, confirming these properties through successful animal trials, and advancing to promising human trials that suggest revolutionary medical applications.
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
- From our analysis, we see a clear progression of positive results: lab success to animal trial success to human trials with promising results
- The blank comes right before we learn that human trials have begun with encouraging early results
- The logical relationship we need is one that continues this positive momentum - essentially saying "and furthermore" or "building on this success"
- We need a transition that adds to or builds upon the previous successes rather than contrasting with them
Nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- "Nevertheless" signals contrast or contradiction, suggesting the human trials happened despite problems, but we have no evidence of any problems
Moreover,
✓ Correct
- "Moreover" signals addition and continuation in the same direction
- It perfectly matches the positive progression we identified and creates the logical flow that maintains the building momentum of scientific advancement
Alternatively,
✗ Incorrect
- "Alternatively" introduces a different option, suggesting human trials are a substitute for animal trials, which doesn't make scientific sense since they are sequential phases
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- "In contrast" signals opposition, suggesting human trials oppose animal trials, but both show positive results