Marie Curie's innovative techniques for isolating radioactive elements transformed early 20th-century chemistry. Her systematic methods, involving the...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Marie Curie's innovative techniques for isolating radioactive elements transformed early 20th-century chemistry. Her systematic methods, involving the processing of tons of pitchblende ore through precise crystallization procedures, established new standards for elemental analysis and influenced countless researchers. ______ the methodological approaches she pioneered are collectively known as Curie techniques in modern radiochemical laboratories.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Accordingly,
In contrast,
For instance,
Otherwise,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Marie Curie's innovative techniques for isolating radioactive elements transformed early 20th-century chemistry.' |
|
| 'Her systematic methods, involving the processing of tons of pitchblende ore through precise crystallization procedures, established new standards for elemental analysis and influenced countless researchers.' |
|
| 'the methodological approaches she pioneered are collectively known as Curie techniques in modern radiochemical laboratories.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Marie Curie's groundbreaking isolation techniques were so transformative that they established new scientific standards and are still recognized today through the naming of 'Curie techniques.'
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Curie's revolutionary impact on chemistry, details how her specific methods influenced the field and other researchers, then moves to show how significant this impact was—her approaches are now permanently honored in scientific naming conventions.
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
- Before the blank, we learn that Curie's methods transformed chemistry, established new standards, and influenced countless researchers
- After the blank, we discover that these same methods are now called 'Curie techniques' in modern labs
- The logical relationship here is consequence or result—because her methods were so influential and transformative, they earned the honor of being named after her
- This is a natural outcome of the significant impact described before the blank
- So the right answer should show logical consequence, indicating that the naming of 'Curie techniques' is a natural result of the transformative impact we just learned about
Accordingly,
✓ Correct
- Shows logical consequence—because her methods were so transformative and influential, it makes sense they'd be honored with her name
- Perfectly connects the cause (major impact on chemistry) with the effect (methods named after her)
- Creates smooth logical flow from past influence to present recognition
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- 'In contrast' signals opposition or difference
- There's no contrasting relationship here—the naming honors her influence rather than opposing it
- Would create confusing logic suggesting the naming contradicts her impact
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- 'For instance' introduces a specific example
- The naming isn't an example of her influence—it's a result of that influence
- What trap this represents: Students might think the naming is just one example of her ongoing influence, missing that it's actually a consequence of that influence
Otherwise,
✗ Incorrect
- 'Otherwise' presents an alternative scenario or consequence if something doesn't happen
- Creates illogical meaning suggesting the naming would only occur under different circumstances
- Completely disrupts the natural flow from cause to effect