In the late twentieth century, scholars directed much discussion toward issues of spatiality. Adherents to quantitative analytical approaches delineat...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
In the late twentieth century, scholars directed much discussion toward issues of spatiality. Adherents to quantitative analytical approaches delineated space with the use of GIS spatial technologies; _____ cultural geographer Doreen Massey defined space as the product of 'an ever-shifting social geometry of power and signification,' focusing instead on socio-political forces.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
for example,
by contrast,
as such,
likewise,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In the late twentieth century, scholars directed much discussion toward issues of spatiality.' |
|
| 'Adherents to quantitative analytical approaches delineated space with the use of GIS spatial technologies;' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'cultural geographer Doreen Massey defined space as the product of 'an ever-shifting social geometry of power and signification,' focusing instead on socio-political forces.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Scholars in the late twentieth century took different approaches to understanding space—some using quantitative/technical methods, others focusing on social and political dimensions.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the historical context of spatial studies, then presents two contrasting approaches: quantitative analysts who used GIS technology to map space versus cultural geographer Doreen Massey who defined space through social and political relationships. The word 'instead' signals that these represent different philosophical approaches to the same concept.
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
- From our analysis, we see that quantitative analysts used technical GIS methods to define space, while Massey used a completely different approach focused on social and political forces
- The word 'instead' in Massey's description confirms these are opposing methodologies
- The transition needs to signal that we're moving from one approach to a contrasting approach—from technical/quantitative methods to social/political methods
- So the right answer should show contrast or opposition between these two different ways of understanding space
for example,
'for example,'
✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest Massey exemplifies the quantitative GIS approach
- But Massey's method is completely different from GIS technology
- Trap: Students might think all scholars mentioned are examples of the same approach, missing the contrast
by contrast,
'by contrast,'
✓ Correct
- Perfectly signals the opposition between quantitative/technical vs. social/political approaches
- Matches the 'instead' language that follows, reinforcing the contrasting nature
- Connects logically with our passage analysis showing two different methodologies
as such,
'as such,'
✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest Massey's approach follows logically from or results from the GIS approach
- But these are opposing philosophical approaches, not cause and effect
likewise,
'likewise,'
✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest similarity between the approaches
- Contradicts the fundamental difference between technical mapping and social/political analysis
- Trap: Students might focus on both being 'ways to define space' and miss that they're fundamentally different approaches