Question

Difficulty: MediumOrganizing Synthesis Paragraphs Using Logical Connectors

A student is writing a synthesis paragraph and needs to connect two opposing viewpoints from different sources. Source 1 argues that urban development harms the environment, while Source 2 claims that green urban planning helps biodiversity.

Read the following sentence from the student's essay:
'La Fuente 1 afirma que el desarrollo urbano destruye los hábitats naturales; [BLANK], la Fuente 2 sostiene que la planificación urbana moderna puede aumentar la biodiversidad.'

Which of the following Spanish logical connectors best fills the blank to effectively synthesize these opposing viewpoints?

  1. A
    además
  2. sin embargoAnswer
  3. C
    por lo tanto
  4. D
    en conclusión

Answer

The correct answer is the contrasting connector 'sin embargo'.
The sentence requires a contrasting connector to synthesize two opposing viewpoints (destruction of habitats vs. increasing biodiversity). The phrase 'sin embargo' (however) effectively establishes this contrast and links the two sources logically.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sources provided in the context.
Source 1 presents a negative impact of urban development, while Source 2 presents a positive impact.
Understanding the relationship between the sources is necessary to choose the correct logical connector for synthesis.
2
Identify the rhetorical function needed for the blank.
The blank requires a transition that shows contrast or opposition between the two clauses.
Synthesis requires explicitly showing how sources interact (e.g., agreeing, disagreeing, or providing alternatives).
3
Evaluate the Spanish connector options based on their rhetorical function.
Only 'sin embargo' (however/nevertheless) indicates contrast. 'además' indicates addition, 'por lo tanto' indicates cause/effect, and 'en conclusión' indicates summary.
Selecting the connector with the correct function ensures logical cohesion in the paragraph.

Key Concept

Using contrasting logical connectors to synthesize opposing viewpoints

Hints

1
Identify the main idea of each source. Do they agree with each other, or do they present opposite views?
2
Source 1 talks about destroying habitats, while Source 2 talks about increasing biodiversity. You need a transition word that highlights this contrast.
3
Look for the Spanish equivalent of 'however' or 'nevertheless'.

Practice More

Practice writing synthesis sentences using sources that agree with each other, applying additive connectors like 'de igual manera' or 'asimismo'.

Alternative Method

You can also use 'por el contrario' or 'en contraste' to achieve the same synthetic effect in this sentence.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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