For decades, astronomers believed that the universe's expansion was slowing down due to gravitational forces pulling matter together. _____ observatio...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
For decades, astronomers believed that the universe's expansion was slowing down due to gravitational forces pulling matter together. _____ observations from the Hubble Space Telescope revealed that the expansion is actually accelerating, driven by a mysterious force scientists now call dark energy.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Nevertheless,
As a result,
For instance,
In summary,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'For decades, astronomers believed that the universe's expansion was slowing down due to gravitational forces pulling matter together.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'observations from the Hubble Space Telescope revealed that the expansion is actually accelerating, driven by a mysterious force scientists now call dark energy.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: New telescope observations revealed that the universe's expansion is actually accelerating, contradicting decades of astronomical belief about it slowing down.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes what astronomers believed for decades about universal expansion, then presents observational evidence that directly contradicts this belief. The missing transition must connect these opposing ideas appropriately.
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 logical relationship here is one of contrast or contradiction
- We have a long-standing belief that expansion was slowing down, followed by evidence showing it's actually accelerating
- The transition word must signal this contradiction between expectation and reality
Nevertheless,
- Signals contradiction - perfect for showing how new evidence contradicts old beliefs
- Creates the logical flow: Despite believing X for decades, evidence actually shows Y
As a result,
- Indicates cause-and-effect, suggesting observations happened because of the belief
- Makes no logical sense - observations didn't result from belief; they contradicted it
For instance,
- Introduces an example that supports or illustrates a point
- Hubble observations don't exemplify the slowing expansion belief - they contradict it
In summary,
- Signals a conclusion that wraps up previous points
- Hubble observations aren't summarizing the expansion belief - they're presenting new, opposing evidence