Geoscientists have long considered Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano to be Earth's largest shield volcano by volume, measuring approximately 74,000 cubic...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Geoscientists have long considered Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano to be Earth's largest shield volcano by volume, measuring approximately 74,000 cubic kilometers. _______ according to a 2020 study by local geoscientist Michael Garcia, Hawaii's Pūhāhonu shield volcano is significantly larger, boasting a volume of about 148,000 cubic kilometers.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Secondly,
Consequently,
Moreover,
However,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Geoscientists have long considered Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano to be Earth's largest shield volcano by volume, measuring approximately 74,000 cubic kilometers." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "according to a 2020 study by local geoscientist Michael Garcia, Hawaii's Pūhāhonu shield volcano is significantly larger, boasting a volume of about 148,000 cubic kilometers." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[ESTABLISHED BELIEF] Scientists long thought: Mauna Loa = largest (74,000 km³) → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → [NEW CONTRADICTING EVIDENCE] 2020 study shows: Pūhāhonu = actually larger (148,000 km³)
Main Point: New research has overturned the long-held scientific belief about which Hawaiian volcano is the largest.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a classic scientific revision scenario - it establishes what scientists have long believed about volcano sizes, then introduces recent research that contradicts this established view with significantly different measurements.
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 transition must show the relationship between the old belief (Mauna Loa is largest) and the new finding (Pūhāhonu is actually larger)
- This is clearly a contrast situation - the new information contradicts what scientists previously thought
- We need a word that signals contradiction or opposition, not continuation or cause-effect
- The right answer should signal contrast between the established scientific view and the new research findings
Secondly,
✗ Incorrect
- "Secondly" suggests we're adding a second point in a sequence
- This would imply the new study supports or adds to the previous belief
- The relationship here is contradiction, not addition
Consequently,
✗ Incorrect
- "Consequently" indicates cause and effect - that the second idea results from the first
- The 2020 study doesn't result from scientists' long-held belief
- This creates an illogical causal connection
Moreover,
✗ Incorrect
- "Moreover" means "in addition to" or "furthermore"
- This would suggest the new study reinforces what scientists already believed
- Actually, the study contradicts the previous belief about which volcano is largest
However,
✓ Correct
- "However" signals contrast and contradiction
- Perfectly captures the relationship: scientists believed X, but new research shows Y
- Creates the logical flow from established belief to contradicting evidence