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Difficulty: MediumTransitions: Contrast and Concession

In seventeenth-century Europe, natural ultramarine pigment, derived from imported lapis lazuli, was famously expensive, often costing more than its weight in gold. Consequently, most painters of the era reserved it strictly for the most sacred subjects, such as the robes of the Virgin Mary. Johannes Vermeer utilized the pigment lavishly, applying it not only to prominent focal points but also to underpaintings and minor domestic objects. ________, recent chemical analyses of his works reveal that he frequently mixed ultramarine with cheaper earth pigments, suggesting a pragmatic approach to managing his material costs.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. A
    Furthermore
  2. NonethelessAnswer
  3. C
    For instance
  4. D
    Subsequently

Answer

Nonetheless
The correct transition 'Nonetheless' appropriately signals a relationship of contrast or concession between the two sentences. The preceding sentence highlights Johannes Vermeer’s seemingly extravagant and unconstrained use of natural ultramarine pigment on minor objects, whereas the following sentence reveals that he systematically mixed this precious pigment with cheaper alternatives to control costs. This contrast between lavish presentation and cost-saving pragmatism is logically connected by a transition indicating concession.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two parts of the text surrounding the blank.
The sentence before the blank describes Johannes Vermeer's lavish, unconstrained use of natural ultramarine pigment on minor domestic objects and underpaintings. The sentence after the blank reveals that chemical analyses show he mixed ultramarine with cheaper earth pigments to manage material costs.
Understanding the context of both sentences helps identify the logical connection between Vermeer's extravagant presentation and his cost-conscious practice.
2
Identify the logical category of transition needed.
The second sentence introduces a pragmatic limitation (mixing with cheap pigments) that contrasts with the lavishness described in the first sentence. This requires a transition that signals contrast or concession.
Evaluating the relationship reveals that the ideas run counter to one another, making a contrast transition necessary.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that fits the contrast/concession category.
'Nonetheless' is a concession/contrast transition that perfectly connects the two ideas. 'Furthermore' represents addition, 'For instance' represents exemplification, and 'Subsequently' represents chronology.
Comparing the function of each transition choice to the identified relationship ensures the correct logical connector is selected.

Key Concept

Transitions: Contrast and Concession
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Transitions: Contrast and Concession

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