For years, the faded murals in the abandoned cathedral appeared to be nothing more than water-damaged plaster, their colors dulled...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
For years, the faded murals in the abandoned cathedral appeared to be nothing more than water-damaged plaster, their colors dulled by decades of neglect. _____ when restoration experts examined them closely, they discovered intricate Byzantine techniques and rare pigments that revealed the works to be masterpieces from the 14th century.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
Therefore,
For example,
That is,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'For years, the faded murals in the abandoned cathedral appeared to be nothing more than water-damaged plaster, their colors dulled by decades of neglect.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'when restoration experts examined them closely, they discovered intricate Byzantine techniques and rare pigments that revealed the works to be masterpieces from the 14th century.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: What appeared to be damaged, worthless murals were actually discovered to be valuable 14th century masterpieces.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a classic appearance-versus-reality structure, moving from the long-standing impression of worthless, damaged artwork to the contrasting discovery of their true historical and artistic value.
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 can see there's a clear relationship between the two parts
- The first sentence establishes that the murals appeared worthless and damaged
- The second sentence reveals that expert examination showed they were actually valuable masterpieces
- This creates a contrast between appearance and reality
- The right transition word needs to signal this contrast or contradiction
However,
- 'However' perfectly signals the contrast between appearance and reality
- It shows that the expert examination contradicted the long-standing impression
Therefore,
- 'Therefore' signals cause and effect, suggesting the discovery was a logical result of the appearance
- This doesn't make sense - finding masterpieces isn't a logical consequence of things appearing damaged
For example,
- 'For example' introduces an illustration or specific instance
- The discovery isn't an example of the murals appearing damaged - it's the opposite
That is,
- 'That is' signals clarification or restatement of the same idea
- The discovery doesn't clarify or restate the damaged appearance - it contradicts it