Establishing Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is no easy task. Each month, readings of a single second from atomic clocks around...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Establishing Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is no easy task. Each month, readings of a single second from atomic clocks around the world are taken and sent to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in France.
BIPM metrologists perform the meticulous work of assembling these minutely disparate readings into a globally shared time standard.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
There,
In particular,
For example,
Conversely,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Establishing Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is no easy task." |
|
| "Each month, readings of a single second from atomic clocks around the world are taken and sent to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in France." |
|
| "BIPM metrologists perform the meticulous work of assembling these minutely disparate readings into a globally shared time standard." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Establishing UTC requires a complex monthly process where atomic clock readings are collected globally and sent to BIPM in France, where scientists assemble them into a unified time standard.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces UTC as a difficult task, then describes the two-step process: first, data collection and transmission to a specific location (BIPM in France), then the work performed at that location to create the global standard.
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 need a connector that links two related parts of the same process
- The first sentence establishes that readings are sent to BIPM in France (location established)
- The second sentence describes what happens with those readings - but notice it says "BIPM metrologists perform..." This suggests we're now talking about what happens at that location
- The logical relationship needed is location-based - we've established where the readings go (BIPM in France), and now we're describing what happens at that place
- So the right answer should indicate location or place, creating a smooth connection between "sent to BIPM in France" and "BIPM metrologists perform the work."
There,
- "There" refers back to the location established in the previous sentence (BIPM in France)
- Creates perfect logical flow: readings sent to BIPM → There (at BIPM), scientists do the work
- Matches our prethinking about needing a location-based connector
In particular,
- "In particular" suggests we're narrowing focus or getting more specific
- But we're not getting more specific - we're continuing the same process at the established location
- What trap this represents: Students might think we're getting more detailed about the process, but the relationship is actually location-based, not specificity-based
For example,
- "For example" introduces an illustration of a concept
- But the second sentence isn't an example of the first - it's the next step in the same process
- The two sentences describe sequential steps, not example relationships
Conversely,
- "Conversely" indicates contrast or opposition
- But there's no contrast here - both sentences describe parts of the same collaborative process
- What trap this represents: Students might incorrectly see contrast between "around the world" and "BIPM," but these aren't opposing ideas - they're parts of a coordinated system