The liquid metals in Earth's core circulate constantly, and this circulation generates electrical currents that flow between Earth's North and...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
The liquid metals in Earth's core circulate constantly, and this circulation generates electrical currents that flow between Earth's North and South magnetic poles. These electrical currents, ________ create a barrier around Earth that protects us from radiation and charged particles coming from space.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The liquid metals in Earth's core circulate constantly," |
|
| "and this circulation generates electrical currents that flow between Earth's North and South magnetic poles." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "create a barrier around Earth that protects us from radiation and charged particles coming from space." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
Core metals circulate constantly → Creates electrical currents (N-S poles) → [MISSING TRANSITION] → Currents create protective barrier → Shields Earth from space radiation
Main Point: The circulation of liquid metals in Earth's core creates electrical currents that form a protective magnetic barrier around our planet.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a clear cause-and-effect sequence: constant circulation leads to electrical current generation, which leads to the creation of Earth's protective magnetic shield.
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 a clear sequence: circulation generates currents, and those same currents create the protective barrier
- The missing transition needs to show that the currents are the direct result of circulation AND that they're the cause of the barrier formation
- We need a connector that shows this sequential cause-and-effect relationship—essentially "as a result of this process" or "consequently"
- So the right answer should indicate that the barrier creation is the natural next step or consequence of the electrical current generation
- "In turn" perfectly shows the sequential cause-and-effect relationship
- Indicates that the barrier creation is the next logical step after current generation
- Matches our prethinking about needing a sequential connector
- "Likewise" suggests similarity or addition, not causation
- Would imply the barrier creation is similar to something else, which doesn't fit the logic
- This is a trap for students who think it continues the explanation, but it doesn't show the causal relationship
- "Nevertheless" indicates contrast or opposition
- Would suggest the barrier creation happens despite something, which contradicts the passage logic
- Creates an illogical relationship between currents and barrier formation
- "In reality" suggests clarification or correction of a misconception
- There's no misconception being corrected here—just a straightforward explanation
- Doesn't establish any logical relationship between the currents and barrier creation