In response to adverse environmental conditions, many plants produce abscisic acid (ABA), a stress hormone. ABA triggers a slowdown in...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In response to adverse environmental conditions, many plants produce abscisic acid (ABA), a stress hormone. ABA triggers a slowdown in the biological processes of most plants. _______ when the mustard plant Schrenkiella parvula produces ABA in response to an environmental stressor, the hormone triggers accelerated growth.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Moreover,
In contrast,
For example,
Thus,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In response to adverse environmental conditions, many plants produce abscisic acid (ABA), a stress hormone.' |
|
| 'ABA triggers a slowdown in the biological processes of most plants.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'when the mustard plant Schrenkiella parvula produces ABA in response to an environmental stressor, the hormone triggers accelerated growth.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While ABA generally slows plant processes, the mustard plant Schrenkiella parvula unusually accelerates growth when producing this hormone.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the general pattern of how plants respond to ABA (slowdown), then presents a specific plant that contradicts this pattern (speedup). The missing transition word needs to signal this contrast between the general rule and the exception.
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 general rule (ABA slows most plants) followed by a specific exception (this plant speeds up)
- The transition needs to signal that we're about to hear something that goes against the general pattern we just learned
- We need a word that shows contrast or opposition between these two pieces of information
Moreover,
Moreover ✗ Incorrect
- 'Moreover' adds similar or supporting information
- This would suggest the mustard plant example supports the general rule, but it actually contradicts it
In contrast,
In contrast ✓ Correct
- Perfectly signals the opposition between the general rule (slowdown) and this specific exception (speedup)
- Matches our prethinking about needing a contrasting transition
For example,
For example ✗ Incorrect
- 'For example' introduces a typical instance of what was just described
- The mustard plant is not an example of the general pattern - it's the opposite
Thus,
Thus ✗ Incorrect
- 'Thus' shows a logical consequence or result
- The mustard plant's behavior isn't a result of the general pattern - it's an exception to it