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Question

Difficulty: MediumSentence-Level Transitions

Passage

For centuries, the Khasi people of Meghalaya, India, have guided the aerial roots of *Ficus elastica* trees across rushing rivers, slowly weaving them into living bridges. Unlike standard wooden or steel structures, these organic bridges grow stronger over time and can easily withstand the region's extreme monsoon floods. [1] Consequently, the process of growing a living bridge requires immense patience, often taking up to 1515 years before the structure can support any pedestrian weight.

Question

Which choice provides the most logical transition from the preceding sentence to the sentence that follows?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    , however, the
  3. . However, theAnswer
  4. D
    . For example, the

Answer

The correct option is '. However, the' because it properly signals a contrast transition between the durability of the bridges and the long time it takes to grow them, while avoiding a comma splice by correctly separating the two independent clauses with a period.
The correct choice is the option that starts a new sentence with the contrast transition 'However'. This transition accurately reflects the relationship between the two sentences: the first sentence highlights a positive trait of the living bridges (their durability), while the second introduces a limitation (the fifteen-year growth period). Additionally, separating the independent clauses into two distinct sentences avoids a comma splice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences separated by the transition.
The first sentence explains a major advantage of the living root bridges (their durability in floods). The second sentence introduces a disadvantage (the long time required to grow them). This indicates a relationship of contrast.
To select the correct transition word, you must identify the logical connection between the ideas in both sentences.
2
Evaluate the grammar and punctuation of the options that express contrast.
Both the option with ', however, the' and the option with '. However, the' establish contrast. However, the option with ', however, the' results in a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with only a comma. The option starting a new sentence with '. However, the' is grammatically correct.
A transition must not only make logical sense but also conform to standard punctuation rules for joining independent clauses.

Key Concept

Selecting the correct transition word to establish a logical relationship of contrast between sentences, while using correct punctuation to avoid comma splices.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Sentence-Level Transitions

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