Most of the planets that have been discovered outside our solar system orbit G-type stars, like our Sun. In 2014,...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Most of the planets that have been discovered outside our solar system orbit G-type stars, like our Sun. In 2014, ________ researchers identified a planet orbiting KELT-9, a B-type star more than twice as massive and nearly twice as hot as the Sun. Called KELT-9b, it is one of the hottest planets ever discovered.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Most of the planets that have been discovered outside our solar system orbit G-type stars, like our Sun.' |
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| 'In 2014,' |
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| 'researchers identified a planet orbiting KELT-9, a B-type star more than twice as massive and nearly twice as hot as the Sun.' |
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| 'Called KELT-9b, it is one of the hottest planets ever discovered.' |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[GENERAL PATTERN] Most exoplanets orbit G-type stars (Sun-like) → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → [CONTRASTING SPECIFIC CASE] 2014 discovery: planet orbiting B-type star (very different from Sun)
Main Point: While most discovered exoplanets orbit Sun-like stars, researchers have also found planets orbiting very different types of stars.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a general pattern about most discovered exoplanets, then presents a specific discovery that contrasts with this pattern by featuring a planet orbiting a much hotter and more massive star than our Sun.
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 transition must connect a general pattern (most planets orbit G-type stars) with a specific case that differs from this pattern (a planet orbiting a B-type star)
- We need a connector that shows contrast or exception, since B-type stars are described as very different from G-type stars (more massive and hotter)
- The relationship is: general rule → contrasting specific example
- The right answer should signal a contrast or exception to the established pattern
- 'Likewise' indicates similarity or continuation
- This would suggest the KELT-9 discovery supports the pattern about G-type stars, but B-type stars are explicitly different from G-type stars
- Creates a logical contradiction since the passage emphasizes how different KELT-9 is from our Sun
- 'However' signals contrast or exception
- Perfectly connects the general pattern (most planets orbit G-type stars) with a contrasting specific case (planet orbiting very different B-type star)
- Matches the logical relationship we identified in our prethinking
- 'Therefore' indicates cause-and-effect or logical conclusion
- Would suggest the KELT-9 discovery is a result of the pattern about G-type stars, which makes no logical sense
- The discovery is presented as notable precisely because it differs from the typical pattern
- 'For example' introduces a supporting instance of the previous statement
- Would suggest KELT-9b supports the claim about G-type stars, but KELT-9 is explicitly a B-type star
- This trap catches students who think any planet discovery is an example of planet discovery, missing the contrast between star types