Environmental scientist Dr. Sarah Chen has gained recognition for integrating community engagement with rigorous academic research. She regularly publ...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Environmental scientist Dr. Sarah Chen has gained recognition for integrating community engagement with rigorous academic research. She regularly publishes papers advocating for evidence-based environmental policies. _____ she dedicates weekends to organizing local conservation workshops and serves as a volunteer coordinator for the Regional Climate Action Network.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
Additionally,
Therefore,
Nevertheless,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Environmental scientist Dr. Sarah Chen has gained recognition for integrating community engagement with rigorous academic research." |
|
| "She regularly publishes papers advocating for evidence-based environmental policies." |
|
| "she dedicates weekends to organizing local conservation workshops and serves as a volunteer coordinator for the Regional Climate Action Network." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen is recognized for successfully combining serious academic research with active community involvement.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Dr. Chen's reputation for integrating two types of work, then provides a specific example of her academic contributions, and concludes with specific examples of her community engagement activities.
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 passage analysis, we have Dr. Chen's academic work (publishing papers) followed by her community work (organizing workshops and volunteering)
- Both activities are positive contributions that demonstrate different aspects of her integrated approach
- The relationship between these two parts is additive - we're learning about another way she contributes, not a contrasting or contradictory activity
- The logical connector needs to show continuation or addition, indicating that the community work is another example of her activities, building on rather than contrasting with her academic work
However,
✗ Incorrect
- "However" signals contrast or contradiction
- This would suggest her community work somehow opposes or conflicts with her academic work
- But both activities actually support her reputation for integrating community engagement with research
Additionally,
✓ Correct
- "Additionally" signals that more information is being added in the same direction
- Perfect fit since her community activities are another example of her integrated approach
- Creates smooth flow from academic example to community example
Therefore,
✗ Incorrect
- "Therefore" indicates cause and effect or logical conclusion
- The community work isn't a result of publishing papers - they're separate but related activities
Nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- "Nevertheless" signals contrast, similar to "however" but stronger
- Would incorrectly suggest her community work contradicts her academic focus
- Both activities actually reinforce the same integrated approach