In order to create the Global Positioning System (GPS), scientists had to develop an accurate mathematical model of Earth's shape...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In order to create the Global Positioning System (GPS), scientists had to develop an accurate mathematical model of Earth's shape that accounted for various forces, such as tides. ________ it was mathematician Gladys West who wrote the computer program that could perform these necessary calculations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In order to create the Global Positioning System (GPS), scientists had to develop an accurate mathematical model of Earth's shape that accounted for various forces, such as tides." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "it was mathematician Gladys West who wrote the computer program that could perform these necessary calculations." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Creating GPS required complex mathematical modeling, and mathematician Gladys West developed the computer program to handle these calculations.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes a technical challenge (the need for sophisticated mathematical modeling for GPS), then identifies the person who met this challenge (Gladys West writing the necessary computer program).
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 analysis, we have a challenge established (GPS needed complex calculations) followed by the identification of who solved that challenge (Gladys West created the program)
- The transition should signal that we're moving from problem to solution - specifically, it should indicate that after all was said and done, or as the final result, West was the one who accomplished this task
- "Ultimately" signals a final result or conclusion
- Perfect fit for moving from challenge (calculations needed) to resolution (West provided them)
- Creates the logical flow: "This was needed... and ultimately, this person delivered it."
- "In other words" suggests restating the same idea in different terms
- We're not restating anything - we're identifying who solved the problem
- "Secondly" implies this is the second point in a sequence
- There's no "first" point established, and we're not listing multiple points
- "In addition" suggests adding more information of the same type
- We're not adding another requirement - we're revealing who fulfilled the existing requirement