Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen achieved two major breakthroughs in her coral reef research. Her team first discovered a new...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen achieved two major breakthroughs in her coral reef research. Her team first discovered a new species of coral in the Pacific in early 2023. _____ that same year, they developed an innovative method for coral restoration that showed remarkable success rates. Both discoveries earned Chen international recognition in marine science.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For instance,
Subsequently,
Nevertheless,
Specifically,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen achieved two major breakthroughs in her coral reef research." |
|
| "Her team first discovered a new species of coral in the Pacific in early 2023." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "that same year, they developed an innovative method for coral restoration that showed remarkable success rates." |
|
| "Both discoveries earned Chen international recognition in marine science." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen achieved two significant coral research breakthroughs in 2023 that brought her international recognition.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Chen's two major accomplishments, then details each breakthrough chronologically within the same year, and concludes by explaining the recognition she received from both discoveries.
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 table, we need a connector that shows the relationship between the first discovery (early 2023) and the second discovery (same year)
- The key relationship here is chronological sequence - the second breakthrough happened after the first one, both within the same time period (2023)
- The right transition should signal temporal progression or continuation, showing that the second discovery followed the first one in time
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces an example or illustration, but the second discovery is not an example of the first - they are two separate, distinct breakthroughs
Subsequently,
✓ Correct
- "Subsequently" means "afterward" or "later in time" and perfectly fits for showing the chronological sequence between the first discovery (early 2023) and the second one (later that same year)
Nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- "Nevertheless" signals contrast or opposition, but both discoveries are positive breakthroughs with no contrasting relationship
Specifically,
✗ Incorrect
- "Specifically" introduces elaboration or clarification, but the restoration method does not elaborate on the coral species discovery - they are separate breakthroughs