Examining tissue samples under high magnification, Dr. Martinez's research team observed cellular structures that resembled the characteristic markers...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Examining tissue samples under high magnification, Dr. Martinez's research team observed cellular structures that resembled the characteristic markers of autoimmune inflammation. _____ advanced genetic sequencing revealed that the inflammation was actually caused by a rare hereditary enzyme deficiency, completely changing the treatment approach for affected patients.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Eventually,
Similarly,
Therefore,
Meanwhile,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Examining tissue samples under high magnification, Dr. Martinez's research team observed cellular structures that resembled the characteristic markers of autoimmune inflammation." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "advanced genetic sequencing revealed that the inflammation was actually caused by a rare hereditary enzyme deficiency, completely changing the treatment approach for affected patients." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Advanced genetic testing revealed that what initially appeared to be autoimmune inflammation was actually caused by a hereditary enzyme deficiency, leading to a completely different treatment approach.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from an initial visual observation that suggested one diagnosis to more sophisticated testing that revealed the true cause and necessitated a different treatment strategy. The missing transition needs to bridge the gap between these two sequential research phases.
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 that the research team first made observations based on visual examination, and then later used advanced genetic sequencing that revealed different information
- The relationship here is temporal—one research method was used first, then another method was employed that provided more definitive results
- The right transition should indicate that the genetic sequencing happened after the initial tissue examination, showing a progression in the research process
Eventually,
✓ Correct
- "Eventually" indicates that the genetic sequencing happened after some time following the initial observations
- Creates the logical flow: first they observed, then later advanced testing revealed the truth
- Matches our prethinking about temporal sequence in the research process
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- "Similarly" suggests the genetic sequencing findings would be comparable to the initial observations
- Actually contradicts the passage since the genetic testing revealed something completely different from what was initially observed
Therefore,
✗ Incorrect
- "Therefore" implies the genetic sequencing results were a logical consequence of the initial observations
- Does not fit because the sequencing revealed that the initial interpretation was wrong, not a conclusion drawn from it
Meanwhile,
✗ Incorrect
- "Meanwhile" suggests the genetic sequencing was happening at the same time as the tissue examination
- Does not capture the sequential nature of the research process described