Guard cells are specialized cells that are part of a plant's pores. These cells help regulate the amount of carbon...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Guard cells are specialized cells that are part of a plant's pores. These cells help regulate the amount of carbon dioxide a plant takes in. _______ they help regulate a plant's water loss.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Additionally,
Previously,
In conclusion,
Instead,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Guard cells are specialized cells that are part of a plant's pores." |
|
| "These cells help regulate the amount of carbon dioxide a plant takes in." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "they help regulate a plant's water loss." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Guard cells are specialized plant cells that perform multiple regulatory functions including controlling both carbon dioxide intake and water loss.
Argument Flow: The passage starts by defining guard cells, then describes one important function (CO2 regulation), and continues with a second related function (water regulation). The missing transition should connect these two related functions.
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 see that the sentence before the blank describes how guard cells regulate CO2 intake, and the sentence after the blank describes how they regulate water loss
- These are two separate but related functions of the same cells
- The logical relationship here is addition or continuation - we're listing multiple functions that guard cells perform
- The transition should signal that we're adding another function to the list
Additionally,
Additionally,
✓ Correct
- "Additionally" signals that we're adding another function to what was just described
- This perfectly matches the logical relationship between CO2 regulation and water regulation - both are functions of guard cells
- Creates a smooth flow from first function to second function
Previously,
Previously,
✗ Incorrect
- "Previously" indicates something that happened before in time
- There's no time sequence being established in this passage - we're just listing current functions
- Would incorrectly suggest that water regulation happened before CO2 regulation
In conclusion,
In conclusion,
✗ Incorrect
- "In conclusion" signals that we're wrapping up or summarizing
- The passage is still in the middle of explaining guard cell functions, not concluding
Instead,
Instead,
✗ Incorrect
- "Instead" shows contrast or replacement - that one thing happens rather than another
- Guard cells do both functions (CO2 and water regulation), not one instead of the other
- Would incorrectly suggest these functions are alternatives rather than both being true