When using sumac for dyeing cloth, textile artists first soak it in water to release its color. Then, they add...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
When using sumac for dyeing cloth, textile artists first soak it in water to release its color. Then, they add the cloth to the dyebath and simmer it for hours, perhaps even days. ______ they will remove the cloth, at which point it will have turned a vibrant red color.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Nevertheless,
Likewise,
Eventually,
In other words,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'When using sumac for dyeing cloth, textile artists first soak it in water to release its color.' |
|
| 'Then, they add the cloth to the dyebath and simmer it for hours, perhaps even days.' |
|
| '[MISSING TRANSITION]' |
|
| 'they will remove the cloth, at which point it will have turned a vibrant red color.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: The passage describes the sequential process of dyeing cloth with sumac.
Argument Flow: The passage walks through a time-based process, starting with preparing the sumac, then moving to the lengthy simmering process, and concluding with the removal of the now-colored cloth. The missing connector needs to bridge the extended simmering time with the final removal step.
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 what comes before the blank: we have a lengthy process - simmering for hours, perhaps even days. This suggests a significant time commitment.
- Looking at what comes after: they will remove the cloth - this is the final action in the sequence.
- The logical relationship we need connects a long time period with its conclusion. We need a word that indicates after this extended time period, finally or at the end of this long process.
- So the right answer should signal the conclusion of a time-based sequence - something that indicates the final step after a lengthy process.
Nevertheless,
✗ Incorrect
- Nevertheless signals contrast or opposition. There is no contrast here - removing the cloth after simmering is the expected next step, not something that goes against what we would expect.
- This would suggest the removal happens despite something, but the passage presents a straightforward sequence.
Likewise,
✗ Incorrect
- Likewise indicates similarity or comparison to something mentioned before. We are not comparing the removal step to another similar action.
- This transition would require a previous example to compare to, which we do not have.
Eventually,
✓ Correct
- Eventually perfectly signals the conclusion of a time-based process. It acknowledges the long simmering period (hours or days) and indicates that after this extended time, the final step occurs.
- This creates the logical flow: long process then finally conclusion. Matches our prethinking about needing a time-conclusion connector.
In other words,
✗ Incorrect
- In other words is used to rephrase or clarify what was just said. Removing the cloth is not a rephrasing of simmering - it is the next step in the process.
- This would suggest the removal is just another way of describing the simmering, which does not make sense.