The chemical trimethylamine N-oxide not only gives fish their fishy smell but also protects them from crushing hydrostatic pressure in...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
The chemical trimethylamine N-oxide not only gives fish their fishy smell but also protects them from crushing hydrostatic pressure in deep waters. Trimethylamine N-oxide strengthens the bonds between water molecules in a fish's body. ________ these water molecules maintain their linked structure at extreme depths, thus preventing pressure-related damage.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Nevertheless,
As a result,
However,
For instance,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The chemical trimethylamine N-oxide not only gives fish their fishy smell but also protects them from crushing hydrostatic pressure in deep waters.' |
|
| 'Trimethylamine N-oxide strengthens the bonds between water molecules in a fish's body.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'these water molecules maintain their linked structure at extreme depths, thus preventing pressure-related damage.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Trimethylamine N-oxide protects deep-sea fish from pressure damage by strengthening water molecule bonds in their bodies.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces a chemical with dual functions, explains its protective mechanism through bond strengthening, then shows how this mechanism produces the protective result at extreme depths.
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 transition must connect the mechanism (strengthening bonds) to its result (maintaining structure)
- We need a cause-and-effect relationship since sentence 2 explains HOW the protection works, and sentence 3 shows WHAT happens because of this mechanism
- The logical flow should be: 'Chemical strengthens bonds' followed by 'molecules maintain structure'
- The right answer should show that maintaining structure is a direct consequence of the bond strengthening
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless
✗ Incorrect
- This signals contrast or opposition
- Doesn't fit because maintaining structure isn't opposing the bond strengthening—it's the result of it
As a result,
As a result
✓ Correct
- Shows clear cause-and-effect relationship
- Perfectly connects the mechanism (strengthening bonds) to its outcome (maintaining structure)
- Matches our prethinking about needing a consequence transition
However,
However
✗ Incorrect
- Signals contrast, like 'Nevertheless'
- Makes no logical sense since there's no contradiction between strengthening bonds and maintaining structure
For instance,
For instance
✗ Incorrect
- Introduces an example
- The sentence about maintaining structure isn't an example of strengthening bonds—it's the result of that strengthening