Renowned marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen believes that analyzing water samples in the laboratory provides invaluable insights into ocean ecosystem...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Renowned marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen believes that analyzing water samples in the laboratory provides invaluable insights into ocean ecosystem health. _____ Chen has discovered that her microscopic data often reveals pollution patterns completely invisible to traditional field observation methods.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
In fact,
However,
Similarly,
Therefore,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Renowned marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen believes that analyzing water samples in the laboratory provides invaluable insights into ocean ecosystem health." |
|
| _____ |
|
| "Chen has discovered that her microscopic data often reveals pollution patterns completely invisible to traditional field observation methods." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's laboratory analysis of water samples provides unique insights into ocean health that traditional methods cannot detect.
Argument Flow: The passage presents Chen's belief in the value of laboratory analysis, then provides concrete evidence supporting this belief by showing how her microscopic data reveals pollution patterns invisible to field observation.
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 presents Chen's belief that lab analysis is invaluable
- The second sentence then provides specific evidence of this value - her microscopic data can see pollution patterns that field observation cannot detect
- This is a perfect example of why her lab work is so valuable
- The relationship we need is one that introduces supporting evidence or elaboration
In fact,
- "In fact" signals that supporting evidence or elaboration is coming
- Creates the perfect logical flow: Chen believes lab analysis is valuable, and in fact, here's evidence of that value
However,
- "However" signals contrast or opposition
- Would create a contradictory relationship between the sentences
Similarly,
- "Similarly" indicates comparison with something mentioned previously
- There's nothing earlier in the passage to compare this discovery to
Therefore,
- "Therefore" signals a conclusion drawn from previous information
- The discovery isn't a conclusion from her belief - it's evidence supporting the belief