In her 2012 analysis of tree rings from Japan's Yaku Island, cosmic ray physicist Fusa Miyake noted an anomalous carbon-14...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In her 2012 analysis of tree rings from Japan's Yaku Island, cosmic ray physicist Fusa Miyake noted an anomalous carbon-14 spike dating to 774–775 CE, indicating that a massive burst of radiation reached Earth during that time. ________ this unprecedented radiocarbon surge was dubbed a 'Miyake event' in honor of its discoverer.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Fittingly,
Similarly,
However,
In other words,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In her 2012 analysis of tree rings from Japan's Yaku Island, cosmic ray physicist Fusa Miyake noted an anomalous carbon-14 spike dating to 774–775 CE, indicating that a massive burst of radiation reached Earth during that time." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "this unprecedented radiocarbon surge was dubbed a 'Miyake event' in honor of its discoverer." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Fusa Miyake discovered an unusual radiation event, and it was appropriately named after her.
Argument Flow: We learn about Miyake's significant discovery of a radiation surge in ancient tree rings. The passage then explains that this discovery was honored by naming the phenomenon after her.
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
- We have Miyake making an important scientific discovery, followed by that discovery being named after her
- This represents a logical, appropriate outcome - when someone makes a significant discovery, it's natural and fitting that it would be named in their honor
- The relationship here is one of appropriateness or logical consequence
- So the right answer should signal that naming the event after Miyake is a fitting or appropriate response to her discovery
Fittingly,
✓ Correct
- Creates the perfect logical relationship between discovery and naming
- Signals that naming the event after Miyake is appropriate given her role as discoverer
- Matches our prethinking about appropriateness/logical consequence
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- "Similarly" suggests comparison or parallel situations
- There's no comparison being made here - we only have one discovery and one naming
- Would need a previous example to compare to
However,
✗ Incorrect
- "However" indicates contrast or opposition
- Nothing in the naming contradicts or opposes the discovery
- The naming actually follows logically from the discovery
In other words,
✗ Incorrect
- "In other words" means rephrasing or restating something
- The naming isn't restating the discovery - it's a separate action that honors it
- Would make the sentence suggest the naming and discovery are the same thing