Last spring, the county established a wildlife corridor connecting two previously fragmented forest areas. ______ some environmental groups argue that...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Last spring, the county established a wildlife corridor connecting two previously fragmented forest areas. ______ some environmental groups argue that the corridor may inadvertently create new barriers for smaller species that prefer edge habitats.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Therefore,
However,
Furthermore,
Meanwhile,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Last spring, the county established a wildlife corridor connecting two previously fragmented forest areas. |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| some environmental groups argue that the corridor may inadvertently create new barriers for smaller species that prefer edge habitats. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[POSITIVE ACTION] County establishes wildlife corridor → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → [CONTRASTING CONCERN] Environmental groups raise concerns about barriers
Main Point: A wildlife corridor created to help connect forests may actually create problems for some species.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a positive environmental action (establishing a corridor) but then introduces a contrasting concern from environmental groups about unintended negative consequences for certain species.
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
Let's first think about what the right answer should tell us:
- The transition must connect a positive action (establishing the corridor) with a concern or criticism about that same action
- We need a word that shows contrast or opposition between the first idea and the second
- The relationship is contradictory - the corridor that was meant to help might actually hurt some species
So the right answer should signal a contrast or contradiction between the positive intention of the corridor and the potential negative effects.
Therefore,
- Signals cause-and-effect or logical conclusion
- Would suggest the environmental groups' concerns logically follow from establishing the corridor
- Wrong because the groups' concerns oppose the corridor's intended purpose, not follow from it
However,
- Signals contrast or opposition between ideas
- Perfect fit for showing the tension between the corridor's positive intent and the groups' concerns
- Matches our prethinking about needing a contrast transition
Furthermore,
- Signals addition or continuation of the same line of thinking
- Would suggest the groups' concerns support or add to the positive action
- Wrong because the concerns oppose the corridor, not support it
Meanwhile,
- Signals simultaneous but separate actions or events
- Would suggest the groups' arguments happen at the same time but independently
- Wrong because the concerns directly relate to and oppose the corridor establishment