The Madison is a type of line dance that involves neat rows of dancers performing a repeated sequence of steps...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
The Madison is a type of line dance that involves neat rows of dancers performing a repeated sequence of steps in unison. _____ many other dances are also defined by order, repetition, and synchronicity, but the Madison is distinguished by its extreme uniformity; when an auditorium full of dancers performs the Madison, one almost gets the impression of a military march.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
However,
Of course,
Specifically,
Moreover,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The Madison is a type of line dance that involves neat rows of dancers performing a repeated sequence of steps in unison.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'many other dances are also defined by order, repetition, and synchronicity,' |
|
| 'but the Madison is distinguished by its extreme uniformity;' |
|
| 'when an auditorium full of dancers performs the Madison, one almost gets the impression of a military march.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While many dances share qualities of order, repetition, and synchronicity, the Madison stands out for its extreme uniformity.
Argument Flow: The passage defines the Madison's characteristics, then acknowledges these aren't unique to the Madison, but distinguishes the Madison by the extreme degree of these qualities, supporting this with a military march comparison.
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 analysis, we need a transition that acknowledges something expected or obvious
- The sentence after the blank says 'many other dances are also defined by order, repetition, and synchronicity' - this is acknowledging that the Madison's qualities aren't unique
- This sounds like a concession - admitting something that might seem to weaken the Madison's specialness, before the 'but' clause shows why it's still distinctive
- The transition should signal: 'Yes, as you might expect' or 'Obviously' or 'Naturally, other dances have these qualities too'
- So the right answer should acknowledge something that's expected or already known, setting up the concession before the contrast
However,
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'However' signals contrast or opposition
- But the contrast already happens with 'but the Madison is distinguished'
- This would create awkward double-contrast: 'However...but'
- What trap this represents: Students might think they need contrast here, missing that the real contrast comes after 'but'
Of course,
- ✓ Correct
- 'Of course' acknowledges something expected or obvious
- Perfect for conceding that other dances naturally have these qualities too
- Sets up the logical flow: 'Of course other dances have these qualities, BUT Madison is more extreme'
- Matches our prethinking about acknowledging the expected
Specifically,
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Specifically' suggests the following content will provide specific details or examples
- But we're not getting specific details about the Madison - we're talking about other dances
- Creates illogical flow where we'd expect specifics about Madison but get info about other dances instead
Moreover,
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Moreover' adds supporting information in the same direction
- But mentioning other dances doesn't support the Madison's uniqueness - it challenges it
- This would suggest other dances having the same qualities strengthens Madison's case, which is backwards
The answer is B.