The university implemented a need-blind admissions policy, removing family income as a factor in acceptance decisions. _____ students from lower-incom...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
The university implemented a need-blind admissions policy, removing family income as a factor in acceptance decisions. _____ students from lower-income backgrounds gained access to educational opportunities previously unavailable to them.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Consequently,
On the contrary,
For instance,
Likewise,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The university implemented a need-blind admissions policy, removing family income as a factor in acceptance decisions." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "students from lower-income backgrounds gained access to educational opportunities previously unavailable to them." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A need-blind admissions policy resulted in increased access for lower-income students.
Argument Flow: The passage describes a policy change (removing income considerations) and then shows the result (lower-income students gained access). The missing transition should connect this cause-effect relationship.
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 show the relationship between the policy change and its result
- We need a connector that indicates cause and effect - the policy led to the outcome
- The word should signal that what follows is a direct result of what came before
Consequently,
✓ Correct
- "Consequently" shows cause and effect perfectly
- It indicates that the student access is a direct result of the policy change
On the contrary,
✗ Incorrect
- "On the contrary" signals contrast or opposition
- This would suggest the opposite of what we'd expect happened
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces an example
- The second sentence isn't an example of the policy - it's the result
Likewise,
✗ Incorrect
- "Likewise" shows similarity or comparison
- There's no comparison being made here - just one policy and its effect