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Difficulty: Very hardInterpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

Based on the causal structural signal established in the passage, complete the blank with a transition word or phrase that accurately reflects the relationship between the two clauses.

Answer:The archival records from the late Renaissance were compiled not through systematic cataloging but rather via intermittent, subjective accounts; 【consequently】, reconstructing an authoritative chronological timeline of the administration's policy decisions proved exceedingly difficult for contemporary historians.

Answer

An appropriate continuation/causal transition word such as 'consequently', 'thus', 'hence', 'therefore', or 'accordingly'.
The first independent clause describes the cause (haphazard and subjective record-keeping), while the second independent clause describes the direct effect (great difficulty in reconstructing an accurate historical timeline). Therefore, a conjunctive adverb indicating direct cause and effect—such as 'consequently', 'thus', 'hence', or 'therefore'—is required to logically complete the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first clause for tone and contextual premise.
The first clause establishes that historical records were created in an 'intermittent, subjective' manner rather than systematically.
Understanding the premise is necessary to determine the logical flow into the second clause.
2
Examine the relationship between the premise and the outcome in the second clause.
The second clause describes the outcome: reconstructing a reliable timeline was 'exceedingly difficult'. This outcome directly results from the unsystematic nature of the records.
Identifying the cause-and-effect relationship indicates that a causal transition signal is required.
3
Select a transition that signals cause and effect.
Transition words such as 'consequently', 'thus', 'hence', 'therefore', or 'accordingly' correctly express that the difficulty was a direct result of the fragmented records.
A causal transition bridges the premise (cause) with the conclusion (effect) seamlessly.

Key Concept

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals
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Topics

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

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