When marine biologist Dr. Chen began studying coral reef recovery patterns in the Pacific, initial surveys suggested that damaged reefs...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
When marine biologist Dr. Chen began studying coral reef recovery patterns in the Pacific, initial surveys suggested that damaged reefs were regenerating slowly through natural processes. _____ detailed analysis revealed that certain reef systems were actually declining at an accelerated rate due to previously undetected bleaching events.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Similarly,
However,
Moreover,
Specifically,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "When marine biologist Dr. Chen began studying coral reef recovery patterns in the Pacific, initial surveys suggested that damaged reefs were regenerating slowly through natural processes." |
|
| [MISSING TRANSITION] |
|
| "detailed analysis revealed that certain reef systems were actually declining at an accelerated rate due to previously undetected bleaching events." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's detailed analysis contradicted initial survey findings by revealing that coral reefs were actually declining rapidly rather than recovering slowly.
Argument Flow: The passage presents Dr. Chen's initial research findings suggesting reef recovery, but then contrasts these with more detailed analysis that revealed the opposite—reef decline due to previously unnoticed bleaching events.
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 passage analysis, we see that the sentence before the blank presents initial findings (reefs regenerating slowly), while the sentence after presents detailed analysis findings (reefs actually declining rapidly)
- These two findings directly contradict each other
- The right transition needs to signal this contradiction or contrast
Similarly,
Similarly,
✗ Incorrect
- "Similarly" suggests the detailed analysis findings agree with the initial survey findings, which contradicts our passage analysis
However,
However,
✓ Correct
- "However" signals contrast or contradiction, which perfectly matches the relationship we identified between recovery vs decline findings
Moreover,
Moreover,
✗ Incorrect
- "Moreover" suggests addition or continuation, ignoring that the findings contradict each other
Specifically,
Specifically,
✗ Incorrect
- "Specifically" suggests elaboration of the same conclusion, but we have two opposite conclusions