To guarantee the validity of experimental results, scientists rely on precise, unchanging standards of measurement. ________ metrologists (scientists ...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
To guarantee the validity of experimental results, scientists rely on precise, unchanging standards of measurement. ________ metrologists (scientists who study measurement) developed the SI, or International System of Units. The SI's units of measurement are based on unchanging values in nature, such as the mass of an electron or the speed of light.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
In contrast,
Regardless,
In addition,
For this reason,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "To guarantee the validity of experimental results, scientists rely on precise, unchanging standards of measurement." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "metrologists (scientists who study measurement) developed the SI, or International System of Units." |
|
| "The SI's units of measurement are based on unchanging values in nature, such as the mass of an electron or the speed of light." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Metrologists created the SI system to provide the precise, unchanging measurement standards that scientists need for valid experimental results.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a scientific need (precise measurement standards), then presents a solution (metrologists developing SI), and finally explains how that solution meets the original need (using unchanging natural values).
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 see a clear cause-and-effect relationship
- The first sentence establishes that scientists need precise, unchanging standards
- The second sentence tells us that metrologists developed the SI system
- The logical relationship here is causal - the development of the SI system happened as a direct response to the need for precise standards
- We need a transition that shows the second sentence is a result or consequence of the problem identified in the first sentence
In contrast,
"In contrast,"
✗ Incorrect
- This signals opposition or contradiction between ideas
- But developing the SI system doesn't contradict the need for precise standards - it fulfills that need
Regardless,
"Regardless,"
✗ Incorrect
- This means "despite what was just said" or "without being affected by"
- Suggests the SI development happened independently of the precision need, which contradicts the logical flow
In addition,
"In addition,"
✗ Incorrect
- This adds supplementary information to what came before
- But the SI development isn't additional information about needing precise standards - it's the solution to that need
For this reason,
"For this reason,"
✓ Correct
- Clearly establishes cause-and-effect relationship between the sentences
- Shows that SI development was a direct response to the need for precise measurement standards
- This matches our prethinking about the causal relationship in the passage