When investigating ancient settlement patterns, archaeologist Dr. Chen initially relied on aerial photography to identify potential dig sites. _____ h...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
When investigating ancient settlement patterns, archaeologist Dr. Chen initially relied on aerial photography to identify potential dig sites. _____ his team now prioritizes ground-penetrating radar, as this technology reveals subsurface structures that photographs cannot detect.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Therefore,
However,
Moreover,
For instance,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "When investigating ancient settlement patterns, archaeologist Dr. Chen initially relied on aerial photography to identify potential dig sites." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "his team now prioritizes ground-penetrating radar, as this technology reveals subsurface structures that photographs cannot detect." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: Dr. Chen's Research Methods: INITIALLY: Aerial photography (Purpose: find dig sites) NOW: Ground-penetrating radar (Advantage: reveals subsurface structures photos can't detect)
Main Point: Dr. Chen's archaeological team has shifted from using aerial photography to ground-penetrating radar for site investigation.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Dr. Chen's initial reliance on one research method, then presents his team's current preference for a different technology, explaining the superiority of the newer approach.
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, we see a clear shift from Dr. Chen's initial approach (aerial photography) to his team's current approach (ground-penetrating radar)
- The second sentence explains that the new method is better because it can detect things the old method couldn't
- This represents a change or contrast between two different approaches - from the original method to an improved one
- So the right answer should signal a contrast or change that shows we're moving from the initial method to a different, better method
Therefore,
- "Therefore" signals a logical conclusion or result
- Doesn't fit because the radar use isn't a result of using aerial photography - it's a replacement for it
However,
- "However" signals contrast or change from what came before
- Perfectly captures the shift from aerial photography to ground-penetrating radar
- Matches our prethinking about needing a contrast connector
Moreover,
- "Moreover" means "in addition to" or "furthermore"
- Doesn't work because radar isn't being used in addition to photography - it's replacing it
For instance,
- "For instance" introduces a specific example
- The radar use isn't an example of aerial photography - it's an alternative method