Question

Difficulty: EasyTransitions: Contrast and Concession

Many early agricultural societies relied heavily on seasonal rainfall to sustain their crops, making their food supplies highly vulnerable to sudden shifts in climate and prolonged droughts. The ancient inhabitants of the Indus Valley, ________, developed sophisticated canal systems and reservoirs to divert and store river water. This infrastructure allowed their cities to flourish even during extended dry periods, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for environmental adaptation.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. A
    moreover
  2. howeverAnswer
  3. C
    as a result
  4. D
    similarly

Answer

however
The correct option 'however' is a transition that signals a contrast or concession. The passage establishes a contrast between the vulnerability of most early agricultural societies to seasonal droughts and the Indus Valley civilization's resilience, which was achieved through advanced water management infrastructure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two main ideas in the passage.
The first sentence describes how many early agricultural societies were highly vulnerable to droughts because they relied on seasonal rainfall. The second sentence describes how the Indus Valley civilization built canal systems and reservoirs to manage river water, making them resilient to dry periods.
Understanding the logical connection between these sentences is necessary to determine the correct transition.
2
Identify the type of relationship between the two ideas.
The relationship is one of contrast or concession, as the Indus Valley civilization's resilience is an exception to the general vulnerability of other early agricultural societies.
This helps narrow down the appropriate transition category.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that expresses contrast.
The transition 'however' correctly signals contrast. The other options express addition ('moreover'), cause-and-effect ('as a result'), or similarity ('similarly').
Selecting the correct transition completes the logical flow of the text.

Key Concept

Transitions: Contrast and Concession
Estimated Time:45s
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