Traditional surgical procedures for removing kidney stones required large incisions and extended recovery periods. However, the development of laser l...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Traditional surgical procedures for removing kidney stones required large incisions and extended recovery periods. However, the development of laser lithotripsy technology changed this approach entirely. Surgeons can now break down stones using focused laser beams without making any incisions. _____ patients experience minimal pain and can return to normal activities within days.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Consequently,
For example,
In contrast,
Similarly,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Traditional surgical procedures for removing kidney stones required large incisions and extended recovery periods.' |
|
| 'However, the development of laser litrotripsy technology changed this approach entirely.' |
|
| 'Surgeons can now break down stones using focused laser beams without making any incisions.' |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| 'patients experience minimal pain and can return to normal activities within days.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Laser litrotripsy technology has revolutionized kidney stone removal by eliminating the need for incisions and dramatically improving patient recovery.
Argument Flow: The passage starts by establishing the problems with traditional surgical methods, introduces a technological breakthrough that solved these problems, explains how the new method works, and then describes the positive results for patients.
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 need a connector that shows the relationship between the new laser technology (no incisions) and the patient benefits (minimal pain, quick recovery)
- The relationship here is cause and effect - because the new technology does not require incisions, patients experience better outcomes
- We need a transition that signals 'as a result of what we just described' or 'because of this new approach'
Consequently,
Consequently,
✓ Correct
- Shows cause-and-effect relationship between new technology and patient benefits
- Matches our prethinking perfectly - signals that patient outcomes are a result of the laser approach
- Creates logical flow: new method described → therefore → positive results
For example,
For example,
✗ Incorrect
- Would introduce the patient outcomes as an illustration rather than a result
- Does not capture the cause-effect relationship we identified
In contrast,
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest patient outcomes oppose or differ from what came before
- Creates illogical meaning since the outcomes align with and result from the new technology
Similarly,
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- Would suggest patient outcomes are comparable to something previously mentioned
- No parallel comparison is being made in this context