When inventor Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwaves could heat food while working on radar technology, many colleagues were skeptical...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
When inventor Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwaves could heat food while working on radar technology, many colleagues were skeptical about its practical applications. _____ his employer Raytheon developed the discovery into the first commercially successful countertop microwave oven.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For example,
Nevertheless,
In other words,
Meanwhile,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "When inventor Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwaves could heat food while working on radar technology," |
|
| "many colleagues were skeptical about its practical applications." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "his employer Raytheon developed the discovery into the first commercially successful countertop microwave oven." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite initial skepticism about Percy Spencer's accidental microwave discovery, his employer successfully commercialized it.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a contrast between expected failure (skepticism) and actual success (commercial development). The missing transition must bridge this gap between negative expectations and positive reality.
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
- We have skepticism about practical applications before the blank, and successful commercial development after the blank
- This creates a contrast relationship - the outcome contradicted the skeptical expectations
- The right transition should signal that despite the doubt, success happened anyway
For example,
"For example"
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests what follows illustrates the skepticism
- But Raytheon's success contradicts the skepticism rather than exemplifying it
Nevertheless,
"Nevertheless"
✓ Correct
- Signals contrast - despite the skepticism, something different happened
- Creates the perfect logical bridge between doubt and success
In other words,
"In other words"
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests rephrasing the same idea
- But the commercial success is a different idea from the skepticism, not a restatement
Meanwhile,
"Meanwhile"
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests events happening at the same time
- Doesn't capture the logical relationship between skepticism and eventual success