Independent filmmakers often struggle with severely limited production budgets. Many directors must serve multiple roles, handling both creative and l...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Independent filmmakers often struggle with severely limited production budgets. Many directors must serve multiple roles, handling both creative and logistical responsibilities simultaneously. Equipment rentals and location fees can quickly deplete available funds. _____ successful indie films demonstrate that artistic vision can triumph over financial constraints.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For instance,
Nevertheless,
Subsequently,
Similarly,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Independent filmmakers often struggle with severely limited production budgets." |
|
| "Many directors must serve multiple roles, handling both creative and logistical responsibilities simultaneously." |
|
| "Equipment rentals and location fees can quickly deplete available funds." |
|
| "successful indie films demonstrate that artistic vision can triumph over financial constraints." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite significant budget challenges, independent filmmakers can still create successful films when artistic vision prevails over financial constraints.
Argument Flow: The passage begins by establishing the financial difficulties independent filmmakers face, then provides specific examples of these challenges. The missing transition leads to a contrasting statement showing that despite these obstacles, artistic vision can still lead to success.
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 see a clear pattern: the first three sentences all describe problems and challenges (limited budgets, multiple roles, depleting funds), while the sentence after the blank presents a positive outcome (vision triumphing over constraints)
- The missing connector needs to show contrast - it needs to signal that despite all these challenges we just read about, there's still a way for filmmakers to succeed
- So the right answer should show contrast between the challenges described and the positive outcome that follows
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces examples or specific cases
- This doesn't fit because the sentence after the blank isn't an example of the struggles - it's actually the opposite
Nevertheless,
✓ Correct
- "Nevertheless" shows contrast despite previous information
- This perfectly matches our prethinking - it signals that despite all the budget challenges described, success is still possible
- Creates the logical flow: challenges exist, nevertheless success can happen
Subsequently,
✗ Incorrect
- "Subsequently" indicates something happening after in time sequence
- There's no time relationship being established here - we're not talking about what happens next chronologically
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- "Similarly" suggests the following information is comparable to what came before
- This is the opposite of what we need - the success of indie films contrasts with their struggles