Many urban planners advocate for high-density development as an efficient use of limited city space, arguing that apartment buildings and...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Many urban planners advocate for high-density development as an efficient use of limited city space, arguing that apartment buildings and condominiums can house more residents per acre than single-family homes. _____ residents in established neighborhoods often prefer lower-density housing, citing concerns about traffic congestion and overcrowding in schools.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For instance,
However,
Consequently,
In addition,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Many urban planners advocate for high-density development as an efficient use of limited city space, arguing that apartment buildings and condominiums can house more residents per acre than single-family homes.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'residents in established neighborhoods often prefer lower-density housing, citing concerns about traffic congestion and overcrowding in schools.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Urban planners and residents have opposing views on development density, with planners favoring efficiency and residents prioritizing quality of life concerns.
Argument Flow: The passage presents the professional urban planning perspective that high-density development maximizes limited space efficiently. It then shifts to show that actual residents in established neighborhoods prefer the opposite approach due to practical concerns about infrastructure strain.
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 urban planners advocating for one approach (high-density development) while residents prefer the opposite approach (lower-density housing)
- The logical connector needs to signal this shift from professional advocacy to opposing resident preferences
- The relationship we need is contrast or opposition - something that shows these are conflicting viewpoints rather than supporting each other
For instance,
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests what follows is an example of what came before
- But residents preferring low-density housing isn't an example of planners advocating for high-density development
However,
However,
✓ Correct
- Signals contrast between planners' advocacy and residents' actual preferences
- Perfectly matches our prethinking about needing opposition/contrast
- Creates logical flow: 'Planners want X, however residents want Y'
Consequently,
Consequently,
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests cause-and-effect relationship
- Would mean residents' preferences are a result of planners' advocacy
- But the passage doesn't establish this causal connection
In addition,
In addition,
✗ Incorrect
- Signals continuation in the same direction
- Would suggest residents' preferences support or add to planners' advocacy
- But we need contrast, not agreement