Magnetic levitation (maglev) trains are suspended above a track by powerful electromagnets, reducing friction and thus allowing for much faster...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Magnetic levitation (maglev) trains are suspended above a track by powerful electromagnets, reducing friction and thus allowing for much faster speeds. Though maglev advocates in the US have long imagined these trains crisscrossing the country, their dream remains unrealized. ______ of the handful of maglev trains currently in operation, all are in Asia.
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 |
|---|---|
| 'Magnetic levitation (maglev) trains are suspended above a track by powerful electromagnets, reducing friction and thus allowing for much faster speeds.' |
|
| 'Though maglev advocates in the US have long imagined these trains crisscrossing the country, their dream remains unrealized.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'of the handful of maglev trains currently in operation, all are in Asia.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While maglev technology offers speed advantages and US advocates envision widespread adoption, the reality is that operational maglev trains exist only in Asia, not in the US.
Argument Flow: The passage first explains what maglev trains are and why they're appealing, then establishes that despite US interest, the technology hasn't been implemented there. The final piece provides concrete evidence supporting this lack of US implementation by noting that all existing maglev trains are located in Asia.
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 passage analysis, we have a clear logical flow
- The sentence before the blank tells us that US advocates' dream of widespread maglev trains 'remains unrealized'
- The sentence after the blank provides a fact that supports this claim: 'all are in Asia'
- The missing connector needs to signal that we're providing evidence or proof for the previous claim and create a smooth logical bridge between the problem (unrealized US dream) and the supporting fact (all trains are in Asia)
- 'In fact' signals that we're about to provide evidence or proof for the previous statement
- It perfectly connects the unrealized US dream with the supporting evidence that all operational maglev trains are in Asia
- 'To that end' suggests working toward achieving the goal mentioned previously
- Doesn't fit because the information about Asian trains isn't helping achieve the US advocates' dream
- 'Nevertheless' signals contrast or unexpected information
- Doesn't work because there's no contrast here - the Asian location actually supports the claim about unrealized US dreams
- 'That said' typically introduces a qualification or counterpoint to what was just stated
- Doesn't fit because the Asian location information doesn't qualify or counter the previous statement