If learners encounter difficulties with advanced mathematical topics, instructors may provide supplementary practice exercises for reinforcement. ____...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
If learners encounter difficulties with advanced mathematical topics, instructors may provide supplementary practice exercises for reinforcement. _______ learners can achieve mastery of these topics via collaborative learning sessions: peers who have already understood the material engage directly with those experiencing challenges, decomposing complex problems into smaller elements and delivering immediate guidance.
Which option provides the most appropriate logical connector for the passage?
For example,
Instead,
Consequently,
However,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| If learners encounter difficulties with advanced mathematical topics, instructors may provide supplementary practice exercises for reinforcement. |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| learners can achieve mastery of these topics via collaborative learning sessions: peers who have already understood the material engage directly with those experiencing challenges, decomposing complex problems into smaller elements and delivering immediate guidance. |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: There are different approaches to help students master difficult mathematical concepts, including both instructor-led supplementary practice and peer collaborative learning.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the problem of learners struggling with advanced math topics, presents one solution (instructor-provided practice), then introduces a different solution involving peer-to-peer learning where more advanced students help struggling peers by breaking down complex problems.
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 have two different approaches presented:
- First: instructors providing supplementary practice exercises
- Second: learners achieving mastery through collaborative peer learning
- The relationship needed is one that introduces an alternative approach
- The second sentence doesn't build on or exemplify the first approach - it presents a completely different method
- We need a transition that signals here's another way or alternatively
- So the right answer should indicate that the second approach is an alternative to the first, not an example, consequence, or simple contrast
For example,
For example - ✗ Incorrect
- Would make the peer learning an example of supplementary practice exercises
- But peer learning isn't an example of instructor-provided practice - it's student-to-student interaction
Instead,
Instead - ✓ Correct
- Signals that peer collaborative learning is an alternative approach to instructor-provided practice
- Matches our analysis that shows two different methods being presented
- Creates the logical flow: instructors can do X, or instead, learners can achieve the same goal through Y
Consequently,
Consequently - ✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest peer learning results from instructor-provided practice
- But the passage presents these as separate approaches, not cause and effect
However,
However - ✗ Incorrect
- Would create contrast but doesn't capture the alternative approach relationship as precisely as instead
- However suggests opposition or contradiction rather than presenting another viable option