The prime meridian, the global indicator of zero degrees longitude established in 1884, was originally determined using astronomically derived coordin...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
The prime meridian, the global indicator of zero degrees longitude established in 1884, was originally determined using astronomically derived coordinates. ______ as decades passed, new calculations would reveal increasingly precise coordinates, yet the prime meridian remained unchanged; it wasn't until the 1980s that, spurred by improved geodetic data, the prime meridian was officially moved—roughly one hundred meters east.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Specifically,
To that end,
Again and again,
Granted,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The prime meridian, the global indicator of zero degrees longitude established in 1884, was originally determined using astronomically derived coordinates." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "as decades passed, new calculations would reveal increasingly precise coordinates, yet the prime meridian remained unchanged" |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The prime meridian, established in 1884, remained unchanged for decades despite increasingly precise coordinate calculations until it was finally moved in the 1980s.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes how the prime meridian was originally set, then describes a recurring pattern where better coordinate data became available but no changes were made, until finally ending with the resolution when the meridian was actually moved in the 1980s.
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 shows the relationship between the original 1884 establishment and the pattern that followed
- After the blank, we learn that "as decades passed, new calculations would reveal increasingly precise coordinates, yet the prime meridian remained unchanged"
- This describes something that happened multiple times over many years - a repeating pattern where better data became available but no action was taken
Specifically,
Specifically,
✗ Incorrect
- This introduces a specific example or detailed elaboration
- What follows isn't a specific example of the 1884 establishment, but rather a different time period showing a pattern
To that end,
To that end,
✗ Incorrect
- This indicates working toward achieving the goal mentioned before
- The pattern of ignoring new coordinate data doesn't work toward the goal of the original astronomical establishment
Again and again,
Again and again,
✓ Correct
- This indicates repetition, which perfectly matches the recurring pattern described
- The decades of getting better coordinates but not updating the meridian happened repeatedly until finally changing in the 1980s
Granted,
Granted,
✗ Incorrect
- This acknowledges a concession or admits something that might weaken the previous point
- What follows doesn't concede anything about the 1884 establishment