Organisms have evolved a number of surprising adaptations to ensure their survival in adverse conditions. Tadpole shrimp (Triops longicaudatus) embryo...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Organisms have evolved a number of surprising adaptations to ensure their survival in adverse conditions. Tadpole shrimp (Triops longicaudatus) embryos, ________ can pause development for over ten years during extended periods of drought.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
in contrast,
for example,
meanwhile,
consequently,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Organisms have evolved a number of surprising adaptations to ensure their survival in adverse conditions.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'Tadpole shrimp (Triops longicaudatus) embryos, _____ can pause development for over ten years during extended periods of drought.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Organisms have developed remarkable survival adaptations, such as tadpole shrimp embryos that can pause their development for over a decade during droughts.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from a broad statement about organisms and their survival adaptations to a specific, concrete example of this phenomenon. The missing transition needs to signal this shift from general to specific.
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 analysis, we have a general statement about organisms developing survival adaptations, followed by specific information about tadpole shrimp embryos
- The relationship here is that the tadpole shrimp information serves as a concrete illustration of the general concept mentioned in the first sentence
- The right transition should signal that we're moving from a broad claim to a specific instance that demonstrates that claim
- This is a classic example relationship where the second part illustrates the first part
- So the right answer should indicate that the tadpole shrimp information is serving as a specific example of the surprising adaptations mentioned in the opening sentence
in contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- 'In contrast' signals opposition or difference between ideas
- The tadpole shrimp information doesn't contradict the opening statement—it supports it
- Would create a logical disconnect between the general claim and specific information
for example,
✓ Correct
- 'For example' perfectly signals that what follows is a specific illustration of the general concept
- Creates the exact logical relationship we need: general adaptations to specific example
- Matches our prethinking by showing the tadpole shrimp case demonstrates the broader point about surprising adaptations
meanwhile,
✗ Incorrect
- 'Meanwhile' indicates something happening at the same time or in parallel
- The tadpole shrimp information isn't a parallel development—it's an illustration of the main concept
- Creates confusion about the relationship between the two parts
consequently,
✗ Incorrect
- 'Consequently' shows cause and effect, suggesting the tadpole shrimp information results from the first sentence
- The logical relationship isn't causal—it's illustrative
- What trap this represents: Students might think there's a cause-effect relationship because the first sentence mentions adaptations and the second describes an adaptation, but the tadpole shrimp example doesn't result from the general statement—it exemplifies it