When soil becomes contaminated by toxic metals, it can be removed from the ground and disposed of in a landfill....
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
When soil becomes contaminated by toxic metals, it can be removed from the ground and disposed of in a landfill. ______ contaminated soil can be detoxified via phytoremediation: plants that can withstand high concentrations of metals absorb the pollutants and store them in their shoots, which are then cut off and safely disposed of, preserving the health of the plants.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Alternatively,
Specifically,
For example,
As a result,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'When soil becomes contaminated by toxic metals, it can be removed from the ground and disposed of in a landfill.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'contaminated soil can be detoxified via phytoremediation: plants that can withstand high concentrations of metals absorb the pollutants and store them in their shoots, which are then cut off and safely disposed of, preserving the health of the plants.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: Problem: Contaminated soil by toxic metals → Method 1: Remove & dispose in landfill → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → Method 2: Phytoremediation process (Plants absorb metals → Store in shoots → Cut off shoots → Safely dispose, plants preserved)
Main Point: There are different methods available for dealing with soil contaminated by toxic metals.
Argument Flow: The passage presents one method (removal and landfill disposal), then introduces a second method (phytoremediation) with detailed explanation of how it works while preserving the plants.
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
- The first sentence gives us Method 1 (removal and disposal), the second sentence gives us Method 2 (phytoremediation)
- These are two different approaches to the same problem
- We need a connector that shows we're moving from one option to another option
- The right answer should indicate that we're presenting an alternative or different approach to handling contaminated soil
Alternatively,
✓ Correct
- 'Alternatively' perfectly signals that we're moving from one method to a different method
- It shows these are two separate options for solving the same problem
- Matches our prethinking about needing a word that introduces an alternative approach
Specifically,
✗ Incorrect
- 'Specifically' would suggest the second sentence is giving more detailed information about the first method
- But phytoremediation is not a specific type of landfill disposal - it's completely different
- What trap this represents: Students might think any detailed explanation needs 'specifically,' but this introduces a new method entirely
For example,
✗ Incorrect
- 'For example' would make phytoremediation seem like an example of landfill disposal
- But these are two completely different methods, not one being an example of the other
- Creates an illogical relationship between the sentences
As a result,
✗ Incorrect
- 'As a result' indicates cause and effect
- Phytoremediation isn't caused by or resulting from landfill disposal
- These are independent methods, not connected by causation