'Tulip mania'—the rapid rise and sudden fall of the price of tulip bulbs in seventeenth-century Amsterdam—is often cited as an...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
'Tulip mania'—the rapid rise and sudden fall of the price of tulip bulbs in seventeenth-century Amsterdam—is often cited as an example of the perils of rampant market speculation. However, recent research has demonstrated that the episode was neither as frenzied nor as disastrous as has been thought. The popular myth surrounding it, ______ should be regarded with some skepticism.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
for example,
by contrast,
nevertheless,
therefore,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Tulip mania'—the rapid rise and sudden fall of the price of tulip bulbs in seventeenth-century Amsterdam—is often cited as an example of the perils of rampant market speculation. |
|
| However, recent research has demonstrated that the episode was neither as frenzied nor as disastrous as has been thought. |
|
| The popular myth surrounding it, should be regarded with some skepticism. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Recent research showing tulip mania was less severe than believed means we should be skeptical of the popular myth about it.
Argument Flow: The passage presents the traditional view of tulip mania as a cautionary tale, then introduces contradictory research findings, leading to the conclusion that the popular myth requires skeptical evaluation.
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 logical relationship we need is clear from our passage analysis
- We have research that contradicts the common belief about tulip mania, and then we need to connect this to the conclusion that the myth should be viewed skeptically
- The connection should show cause and effect: Because the research shows the common belief is wrong, therefore we should be skeptical of the popular myth
for example,
✗ Incorrect
- For example introduces an illustration or specific instance
- This doesn't work because being skeptical of the myth isn't an example of the research findings - it's a conclusion based on them
by contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- By contrast indicates opposition or difference between two things
- This doesn't work because viewing the myth skeptically isn't contrasting with the research - it's agreeing with and following from the research
nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- Nevertheless means despite what was just said or even so
- This would suggest we should be skeptical despite the research findings, which is backwards
therefore,
✓ Correct
- Therefore indicates a logical conclusion or result
- Perfect fit: the research showed the common belief was wrong, so therefore we should be skeptical of the popular myth