Recent studies have demonstrated that interactive digital platforms can significantly enhance student engagement compared to traditional lecture forma...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Recent studies have demonstrated that interactive digital platforms can significantly enhance student engagement compared to traditional lecture formats, with educators reporting notable improvements in classroom participation. _____ schools implementing tablet-based collaborative learning systems have observed increases in student discussion frequency and quality of peer interactions during lessons.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Specifically,
However,
Therefore,
Meanwhile,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Recent studies have demonstrated that interactive digital platforms can significantly enhance student engagement compared to traditional lecture formats, with educators reporting notable improvements in classroom participation." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "schools implementing tablet-based collaborative learning systems have observed increases in student discussion frequency and quality of peer interactions during lessons." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Interactive digital platforms demonstrably improve student engagement and participation compared to traditional teaching methods.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from a general research finding about digital platforms superiority over traditional lectures to a specific real-world example showing concrete improvements in student discussion and peer interaction when schools implement tablet-based systems.
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 analysis, we have a general research claim followed by a specific real-world example
- The first sentence tells us that studies show digital platforms enhance engagement broadly, and the second sentence gives us a concrete instance of schools actually implementing these systems and seeing specific results
- The logical relationship needed here is one that signals moving from the broad research finding to the particular implementation
- So the right answer should signal that what follows is a specific illustration or concrete example of the general principle just established
Specifically,
- "Specifically" perfectly signals that what follows is a detailed example of the general claim
- Creates the logical flow from broad research findings to particular real-world implementation
- Matches our prethinking about needing a connector that moves from general to specific
However,
- "However" signals contrast or opposition between ideas
- There is no disagreement between the sentences - the tablet example supports the research findings
Therefore,
- "Therefore" indicates cause and effect - that the second sentence is a result of the first
- The school implementations are not caused by the studies; they are examples that demonstrate the same principle
- Creates illogical flow suggesting schools implemented tablets because of these particular studies
Meanwhile,
- "Meanwhile" suggests simultaneous but separate actions
- Implies the research and school implementations are happening at the same time but independently
- Misses the logical relationship where the school example illustrates the research findings