Small, flat structures called spatulae are found at the tips of the hairs on a spider's leg. These spatulae temporarily...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Small, flat structures called spatulae are found at the tips of the hairs on a spider's leg. These spatulae temporarily bond with the atoms of whatever they touch. _______ spiders are able to cling to and climb almost any surface.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For instance,
However,
Similarly,
As a result,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Small, flat structures called spatulae are found at the tips of the hairs on a spider's leg.' |
|
| 'These spatulae temporarily bond with the atoms of whatever they touch.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'spiders are able to cling to and climb almost any surface.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Spatulae on spider leg hairs enable spiders to climb any surface by bonding with atoms.
Argument Flow: The passage first defines what spatulae are, then explains how they work by bonding with atoms, and finally states the resulting ability this gives spiders. The missing connector should link the mechanism to its outcome.
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 sentences before the blank explain what spatulae are and how they function - they bond with atoms of whatever they touch
- The sentence after the blank states that spiders can climb almost any surface
- We need a connector that shows this climbing ability is a direct result of the spatulae's bonding function
- The relationship is clearly cause-and-effect: because spatulae bond with atoms, spiders can climb surfaces
- So the right answer should be a transition that indicates consequence or result
For instance,
- 'For instance' introduces an example or illustration
- The climbing ability isn't an example of spatulae bonding - it's the result of that bonding
However,
- 'However' signals contrast or opposition
- There's no contrasting information here - the climbing ability aligns perfectly with the bonding function
Similarly,
- 'Similarly' indicates comparison or parallel situations
- The climbing ability isn't similar to spatulae bonding - it's caused by that bonding
As a result,
- Shows cause-and-effect relationship perfectly
- The spatulae's atomic bonding (cause) leads to climbing ability (effect)
- Matches our prethinking about needing a result-indicating transition