Urban public squares that were historically designed purely for market functions are now being reimagined as community gathering spaces. As...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
Urban public squares that were historically designed purely for market functions are now being reimagined as community gathering spaces. As city planners have recognized the importance of social cohesion, traditional utilitarian designs are no longer sufficient for modern urban needs. _____ contemporary squares prioritize community engagement over mere commercial efficiency, incorporating features like performance areas and interactive installations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Increasingly,
On the other hand,
For instance,
Nevertheless,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Urban public squares that were historically designed purely for market functions are now being reimagined as community gathering spaces." |
|
| "As city planners have recognized the importance of social cohesion, traditional utilitarian designs are no longer sufficient for modern urban needs." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "contemporary squares prioritize community engagement over mere commercial efficiency, incorporating features like performance areas and interactive installations." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Urban public squares are being transformed from purely commercial spaces to community-focused areas that prioritize social engagement.
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 the reasoning for change (planners recognizing social cohesion is important, old designs insufficient) followed by a description of what contemporary squares actually do (prioritize community engagement), the logical relationship here is one of continuation or escalation
- The transition should signal that this community-focused approach is becoming more widespread or represents a current/ongoing trend
Increasingly,
✓ Correct
- "Increasingly" perfectly captures the ongoing trend of squares becoming more community-focused and shows this transformation is growing over time
On the other hand,
✗ Incorrect
- "On the other hand" signals contrast, but there's no contrast here since contemporary squares ARE the solution to insufficient traditional designs
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces a specific example, but the sentence describes a general characteristic of contemporary squares, not a specific case
Nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- "Nevertheless" indicates contrast despite previous information, creating wrong logical relationship between the problem and its solution