Urban planner Maria Rodriguez emphasizes that successful neighborhood revitalization requires comprehensive community engagement rather than top-down ...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Urban planner Maria Rodriguez emphasizes that successful neighborhood revitalization requires comprehensive community engagement rather than top-down development decisions. _____ her recent proposal outlines specific methods for incorporating resident feedback, local business input, and cultural preservation into planning processes.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
In contrast,
As a result,
Specifically,
On the other hand,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Urban planner Maria Rodriguez emphasizes that successful neighborhood revitalization requires comprehensive community engagement rather than top-down development decisions." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "her recent proposal outlines specific methods for incorporating resident feedback, local business input, and cultural preservation into planning processes." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Maria Rodriguez believes successful neighborhood development requires community involvement, and her recent proposal demonstrates specific ways to achieve this engagement.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Rodriguez's general philosophy about community-centered development, then moves to show how she specifically implements this philosophy through her recent proposal that incorporates various community voices.
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, the first sentence establishes Rodriguez's general belief about comprehensive community engagement
- The sentence after the blank provides specific examples of what this comprehensive engagement looks like in practice
- So we need a transition that signals "here are the specific details" or "to elaborate on this idea"
- The right answer should indicate that what follows will provide specific examples or details about the general concept just mentioned
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- "In contrast" signals opposition or difference
- But the second sentence supports and elaborates on Rodriguez's philosophy rather than opposing it
As a result,
✗ Incorrect
- "As a result" indicates cause and effect
- The proposal isn't a consequence of her emphasis—it's an example of how she implements her philosophy
Specifically,
✓ Correct
- "Specifically" indicates that what follows will provide concrete details about something just mentioned
- Perfect fit: first sentence gives general philosophy, second sentence gives specific implementation methods
- Creates the logical flow from general principle to specific application
On the other hand,
✗ Incorrect
- "On the other hand" signals contrast or an alternative perspective
- Both sentences align with the same philosophy of community engagement
- Would create illogical opposition between supporting ideas