In his painting At the Cycle-Race Track, Jean Metzinger aims to depict a bike race in four-dimensional space. Of course,...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In his painting At the Cycle-Race Track, Jean Metzinger aims to depict a bike race in four-dimensional space. Of course, Metzinger's painting doesn't technically represent a fourth dimension; humans can only see in three dimensions. ________ by depicting the race through multiple, simultaneous perspectives, Metzinger offers a fascinating glimpse at what this other universe might look like.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In his painting At the Cycle-Race Track, Jean Metzinger aims to depict a bike race in four-dimensional space." |
|
| "Of course, Metzinger's painting doesn't technically represent a fourth dimension; humans can only see in three dimensions." |
|
| "by depicting the race through multiple, simultaneous perspectives, Metzinger offers a fascinating glimpse at what this other universe might look like." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While Metzinger's painting cannot technically represent four-dimensional space, it still provides a meaningful glimpse into what such a universe might look like through multiple simultaneous perspectives.
Argument Flow: The passage presents an artistic goal, acknowledges why that goal is technically impossible, but then shows how the artist still achieves something valuable despite that limitation.
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 a clear pattern: sentence 2 presents a limitation (the painting can't technically be 4D), but sentence 3 shows that despite this limitation, the artist still accomplishes something meaningful
- The transition we need must acknowledge the limitation stated in sentence 2 and signal that we're moving past that limitation to introduce a contrasting idea that shows achievement despite constraints
✗ Incorrect
- "Moreover" adds to or continues the same line of thinking
- This would suggest we're building on the limitation, not moving past it
- Doesn't fit the contrast between limitation and achievement we identified
✓ Correct
- "That said" acknowledges what was just stated but introduces a qualifying or contrasting point
- Perfect for acknowledging the limitation while introducing what the artist still accomplishes
- Creates the exact logical relationship we need between limitation and achievement
✗ Incorrect
- "In other words" introduces a restatement or clarification of the previous point
- The third sentence isn't restating the limitation—it's showing what the artist achieves despite it
✗ Incorrect
- "For example" introduces a specific instance of what was just described
- The multiple perspectives aren't an example of the painting not being 4D
- This would create a confusing logical relationship