Students who engage in surface learning typically focus on memorizing facts and procedures without deeper comprehension. Deep learning students, _____...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Students who engage in surface learning typically focus on memorizing facts and procedures without deeper comprehension. Deep learning students, _____ approach their studies like archaeologists carefully excavating a site: they dig beneath surface information to uncover underlying connections and meanings.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
conversely,
for instance,
in other words,
likewise,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Students who engage in surface learning typically focus on memorizing facts and procedures without deeper comprehension." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "Deep learning students...approach their studies like archaeologists carefully excavating a site: they dig beneath surface information to uncover underlying connections and meanings." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: The passage contrasts two fundamentally different approaches to learning - surface versus deep learning methods.
Argument Flow: We first learn about surface learning as a shallow approach focused on memorization without understanding. Then we need a logical connector to introduce deep learning, which is presented as the opposite approach - one that seeks underlying connections and meanings through careful investigation.
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 passage analysis, we have two learning approaches being presented
- The first approach (surface learning) is described negatively - students just memorize without deeper comprehension
- The second approach (deep learning) is described very positively - students dig deep like archaeologists to uncover connections and meanings
- These are clearly opposite approaches to learning
- The missing transition needs to signal this contrast - that deep learning students do something fundamentally different from what surface learning students do
- So the right answer should indicate a contrast or opposition between these two learning styles
conversely,
- "Conversely" signals direct contrast and opposition
- Perfect match for contrasting surface vs. deep learning approaches
- Creates logical flow: surface learners memorize, conversely, deep learners investigate
for instance,
- "For instance" introduces an example
- Would suggest deep learning is an example of surface learning, which contradicts the passage
in other words,
- "In other words" suggests restating the same idea differently
- Would mean deep learning and surface learning are the same thing said differently
- Completely contradicts the passage
likewise,
- "Likewise" indicates similarity or agreement
- Would suggest deep learners do something similar to surface learners
- Contradicts the clear contrast between memorization vs. deep investigation