In a 2022 analysis of 200 terms, researchers found a broad pattern of valence-dependent mutation for which negative words saw...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In a 2022 analysis of 200 terms, researchers found a broad pattern of valence-dependent mutation for which negative words saw a faster rate of cognate replacement—_______ the rate at which a word will be replaced over time with a noncognate form. Adjectives (e.g., 'afraid') saw the largest effect; nouns (e.g., 'attack'), meanwhile, saw the smallest.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
for example,
likewise,
in addition,
that is,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a 2022 analysis of 200 terms, researchers found a broad pattern of valence-dependent mutation" |
|
| "for which negative words saw a faster rate of cognate replacement—" |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "the rate at which a word will be replaced over time with a noncognate form." |
|
| "Adjectives (e.g., 'afraid') saw the largest effect;" |
|
| "nouns (e.g., 'attack'), meanwhile, saw the smallest." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A 2022 study found that negative words are replaced faster than positive ones, with adjectives showing the strongest effect and nouns the weakest.
Argument Flow: The passage presents research findings, then defines a key term, and finally provides supporting evidence by comparing different word types to show the range of effects.
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 table, we can see that before the blank, we have "cognate replacement" mentioned, and after the blank, we get "the rate at which a word will be replaced over time with a noncognate form."
- The structure with the dash suggests that what follows the blank is meant to clarify or define what "cognate replacement" means.
- The transition needs to signal that we're about to get a definition or clarification of the term that just appeared.
- We need a connector that says "in other words" or "specifically."
- So the right answer should introduce a definition or explanation of the preceding term.
for example,
✗ Incorrect
- "For example," introduces a specific instance or illustration.
- This doesn't work because what follows isn't an example of cognate replacement—it's a definition of it.
likewise,
✗ Incorrect
- "Likewise," shows similarity or agreement with something previously stated.
- This doesn't make sense because we're not comparing two similar things—we're defining a term.
in addition,
✗ Incorrect
- "In addition," adds new, separate information to what was already said.
- This doesn't work because the phrase after the blank isn't additional information—it's a clarification of existing information.
that is,
✓ Correct
- "That is," signals that what follows will clarify or define what was just mentioned.
- This perfectly fits the structure where "cognate replacement" needs to be defined, and the dash + transition leads to its definition.