In a heated debate in biogeography, the field is divided between dispersalists and vicariancists. _______ there are those who argue...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In a heated debate in biogeography, the field is divided between dispersalists and vicariancists. _______ there are those who argue that dispersal is the most crucial determining factor in a species' distribution, and those who insist that vicariance (separation due to geographic barriers) is. Biogeographer Isabel Sanmartín counts herself among neither.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Furthermore,
By contrast,
Similarly,
That is,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In a heated debate in biogeography, the field is divided between dispersalists and vicariancists.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'there are those who argue that dispersal is the most crucial determining factor in a species' distribution, and those who insist that vicariance (separation due to geographic barriers) is.' |
|
| 'Biogeographer Isabel Sanmartín counts herself among neither.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage describes a debate in biogeography between two schools of thought and introduces a scientist who doesn't align with either side.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes that there's a heated debate with two opposing camps, then explains what each side believes, and finally presents an example of someone who doesn't fit into either camp.
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 sentence before the blank tells us the field is 'divided between dispersalists and vicariancists'
- The sentence after the blank explains what this division actually means - defining what dispersalists believe versus what vicariancists believe
- The blank needs a connector that signals 'let me explain what I mean by that' or 'in other words'
- This is a clarification relationship, not a contrast, addition, or similarity
- So the right answer should be a transition that signals the following text will clarify or explain the preceding statement
Furthermore,
Furthermore
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Furthermore' adds additional information to support the same point
- The text after the blank isn't adding more information about the debate - it's explaining what the debate consists of
By contrast,
By contrast
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'By contrast' signals opposition or difference between two ideas
- The text after the blank doesn't contrast with the idea of division - it explains what the division means
Similarly,
Similarly
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Similarly' indicates two things are alike or comparable
- Nothing in the passage sets up a comparison that the explanation would be similar to
That is,
That is
- ✓ Correct
- 'That is' signals clarification or explanation of a previous statement
- Perfectly fits the relationship: 'the field is divided' → 'that is' → 'here's what that division looks like'