Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen advocates for a holistic approach to coral reef research, arguing that scientists must examine not...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen advocates for a holistic approach to coral reef research, arguing that scientists must examine not just individual coral species but the entire ecosystem network, including fish populations, water chemistry, and human impacts. _____ Chen designed her five-year research project to study all interconnected elements of reef systems simultaneously.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
With this goal,
For example,
Nevertheless,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen advocates for a holistic approach to coral reef research, arguing that scientists must examine not just individual coral species but the entire ecosystem network, including fish populations, water chemistry, and human impacts. |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| Chen designed her five-year research project to study all interconnected elements of reef systems simultaneously. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: [CHEN ADVOCACY] to [MISSING CONNECTOR] to [CHEN ACTION]
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen advocates for holistic coral reef research and has designed her research project to implement this comprehensive approach.
Argument Flow: The passage presents Chen advocacy for studying entire coral reef ecosystems rather than individual species then shows how she put this philosophy into practice by designing a comprehensive five-year research project.
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
- The first sentence establishes Chen advocacy for a holistic research approach studying entire ecosystems rather than individual coral species
- The second sentence describes Chen actual research design that studies all interconnected elements simultaneously
- The relationship here is that Chen is putting her advocacy into practice acting on her stated belief
- We need a transition that shows this connection between her philosophical position and her practical implementation
- So the right answer should connect her advocacy goal with her corresponding action
However,
- However signals contrast or opposition
- There is no contrast between Chen advocacy and her research design they are aligned
- What trap this represents: Students might think there is a contrast between theory and practice but the passage shows consistency
With this goal,
- With this goal directly connects Chen advocacy the holistic approach to her action designing the comprehensive project
- Shows Chen is acting in accordance with her stated position
- Creates logical flow from philosophy to implementation
For example,
- For example introduces a specific instance of a general concept
- The second sentence is not an example of holistic research in general it is Chen specific implementation of her own approach
- What trap this represents: Students might see the research project as an example of holistic research but it is more specifically Chen implementing her own advocacy
Nevertheless,
- Nevertheless suggests proceeding despite obstacles or opposition
- No obstacles or opposition are mentioned in the passage
- Creates an illogical suggestion that Chen designed her project despite her own advocacy