Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardInterpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

Analyze the academic passage below and identify the transition word that correctly preserves the logical relationship. Which transition word accurately completes the causal signal in the sentence?

Answer:The climatological study demonstrated that sustained warming would degrade high-altitude permafrost layers; 【consequently】, the structural integrity of mountain slopes was expected to diminish rapidly, heightening the risk of catastrophic landslides.

Answer

The correct completion requires a causal continuation transition word such as 'consequently', 'therefore', 'accordingly', 'thus', or 'hence'.
The sentence establishes an explicit cause-and-effect relationship between permafrost degradation and diminished mountain slope stability. Therefore, words signaling a causal outcome (such as 'consequently', 'therefore', 'accordingly', 'thus', or 'hence') correctly complete the thought.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first clause of the sentence.
The first clause establishes a cause: 'sustained warming would degrade high-altitude permafrost layers'.
Understanding the premise is necessary to determine the logical direction of the sentence.
2
Analyze the second clause following the semicolon.
The second clause presents the outcome: 'the structural integrity of mountain slopes was expected to diminish rapidly'.
Comparing the two clauses shows that the second event is a direct logical outcome of the first event.
3
Select a transition word that reflects a cause-and-effect relationship.
Transition words such as 'consequently', 'therefore', or 'thus' correctly signal that the reduction in structural integrity is a direct result of permafrost degradation.
A causal transition structural signal is required to maintain coherent logical flow.

Key Concept

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals
Rate this question

Topics

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

More questions from this topic