In June, female loggerhead sea turtles will swim back to the sandy beaches where they were born to lay eggs...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In June, female loggerhead sea turtles will swim back to the sandy beaches where they were born to lay eggs of their own. First, the turtle will dig her nest in the sand. ______ she will lay up to 100 eggs in the nest. Finally, she will cover it all with sand, before returning to the ocean.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
By contrast,
Similarly,
Next,
For example,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| In June, female loggerhead sea turtles will swim back to the sandy beaches where they were born to lay eggs of their own. |
|
| First, the turtle will dig her nest in the sand. |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| she will lay up to 100 eggs in the nest. |
|
| Finally, she will cover it all with sand, before returning to the ocean. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Female loggerhead sea turtles follow a specific three-step process when returning to their birth beaches to lay eggs.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the context of turtles returning to lay eggs, then describes a clear sequential process with explicit sequence markers (First and Finally) that frame the three main steps of nesting behavior.
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 passage uses clear sequence markers - First begins the process and Finally ends it
- The blank sits between these two markers, connecting the first step (digging) to the second step (laying eggs)
- We need a transition that continues this sequential flow logically and smoothly
- The right answer should signal that we're moving to the next step in this ordered process
By contrast,
By contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- By contrast signals opposition between ideas
- Laying eggs isn't contrasting with digging the nest - it's the next logical step
Similarly,
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- Similarly suggests what follows resembles what came before
- Laying eggs isn't similar to digging - it's the next distinct step
Next,
Next,
✓ Correct
- Next perfectly continues the sequential pattern established by First and concluded by Finally
- Creates the logical flow: First (dig) → Next (lay eggs) → Finally (cover and return)
For example,
For example,
✗ Incorrect
- For example introduces a specific illustration of a general concept
- The passage describes the actual sequence, not examples