The initial clinical trials for the experimental drug compound seemed to show minimal therapeutic benefit, with patients reporting only modest...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
The initial clinical trials for the experimental drug compound seemed to show minimal therapeutic benefit, with patients reporting only modest improvements in symptoms. _____ researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that the compound significantly reduced inflammatory markers when administered at higher dosages, leading to breakthrough applications in autoimmune treatment.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
For instance,
In turn,
That is,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The initial clinical trials for the experimental drug compound seemed to show minimal therapeutic benefit, with patients reporting only modest improvements in symptoms.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that the compound significantly reduced inflammatory markers when administered at higher dosages, leading to breakthrough applications in autoimmune treatment.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: An initially disappointing experimental drug became a breakthrough treatment when researchers discovered it worked effectively at higher dosages.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from initial disappointment with an experimental drug's minimal benefits to a major discovery that the same compound becomes highly effective at higher doses, transforming it into a breakthrough treatment for autoimmune conditions.
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 relationship we need is clear: we start with disappointing results (minimal benefit, modest improvements), then we get exciting breakthrough results (significant reduction, breakthrough applications)
- This is a direct contrast - the same drug went from seeming ineffective to being highly effective
- The right transition should signal that what's coming next contradicts or contrasts with what we just learned
However,
- 'However' signals direct contrast between the disappointing initial results and the breakthrough discovery
- This perfectly captures the relationship: initial trials showed minimal benefit, BUT researchers discovered it worked well at higher doses
For instance,
- 'For instance' introduces an example of what was just mentioned
- This would suggest the Johns Hopkins discovery is an example of the minimal benefits we just read about
- That makes no logical sense
In turn,
- 'In turn' suggests a sequence or chain reaction from what came before
- This would imply the breakthrough discovery was caused by or followed naturally from the disappointing results
That is,
- 'That is' introduces clarification or restatement of the same idea
- This would suggest the Johns Hopkins discovery is just restating the minimal benefits, which doesn't make sense