For years, biologists have experimented with using grime-eating bacteria rather than harsh chemicals to clean artworks, and results have been...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
For years, biologists have experimented with using grime-eating bacteria rather than harsh chemicals to clean artworks, and results have been impressive overall. ______ these bacterial strains—which can metabolize centuries' worth of oil, glue, dirt, and other surface impurities without creating harmful byproducts—have proven more effective than traditional chemical cleaning methods.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
In many cases,
As a result,
Additionally,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "For years, biologists have experimented with using grime-eating bacteria rather than harsh chemicals to clean artworks, and results have been impressive overall." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "these bacterial strains—which can metabolize centuries' worth of oil, glue, dirt, and other surface impurities without creating harmful byproducts—have proven more effective than traditional chemical cleaning methods." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Bacteria-based cleaning methods have shown superior effectiveness compared to traditional chemical approaches for artwork restoration.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that bacterial cleaning experiments have yielded impressive results generally, then moves to provide specific evidence about how these bacteria outperform traditional chemical methods in effectiveness and safety.
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 analysis, we need a transition that connects the general statement about "impressive results overall" with the more specific claim about proven effectiveness
- The relationship is not contradictory since both sentences support bacterial cleaning
- The right transition should acknowledge that while results have been impressive overall, we are now focusing on specific instances where this has been demonstrated
However,
✗ Incorrect
- Creates a contrast between impressive results and proven effectiveness
- This does not make logical sense since both statements support bacterial cleaning
In many cases,
✓ Correct
- Smoothly connects the general claim about impressive results to specific evidence
- Acknowledges that while results are impressive "overall," we are now focusing on particular instances
- Creates logical flow from broad statement to specific supporting evidence
As a result,
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests the proven effectiveness is a consequence of the impressive results
- The relationship is explanatory, not causal since the second sentence explains what makes the results impressive
Additionally,
✗ Incorrect
- Implies the second sentence adds separate, additional information
- The second sentence actually specifies and explains the first sentence rather than adding unrelated information