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Difficulty: MediumTransitions: Contrast and Concession

For years, cognitive scientists widely accepted the "bilingual advantage" hypothesis, which posits that regularly managing two languages enhances general executive functions such as working memory and cognitive flexibility. ________, recent large-scale replication studies and comprehensive meta-analyses have failed to find consistent evidence of this cognitive benefit, suggesting that the initial positive findings may have been amplified by publication bias.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

  1. A
    Consequently,
  2. However,Answer
  3. C
    Furthermore,
  4. D
    Specifically,

Answer

The transition 'However,' is the correct choice because it establishes a contrast between the historical acceptance of the bilingual advantage hypothesis and the recent failure of replication studies to find consistent evidence for it.
The transition 'However,' is correct because it signals a contrast between the two sentences. The first sentence establishes that the 'bilingual advantage' hypothesis was widely accepted by scientists for years, while the second sentence introduces conflicting information: recent studies have failed to find consistent evidence of this advantage. A contrast transition is required to bridge these opposing viewpoints.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences separated by the blank.
The first sentence describes a widespread belief in the 'bilingual advantage' hypothesis, whereas the second sentence describes recent studies that failed to support this hypothesis.
Understanding the logical connection is necessary to select the correct category of transition word.
2
Identify the type of relationship between these two ideas.
The relationship is one of contrast or concession because the second sentence presents information that opposes or challenges the established belief described in the first sentence.
This narrows down the choice to transitions that signal contrast or concession.
3
Evaluate the given options to find the transition that signals contrast.
'However,' is a contrast transition, while 'Consequently,' indicates cause and effect, 'Furthermore,' indicates addition, and 'Specifically,' indicates elaboration.
Selecting 'However,' correctly links the opposing sentences.

Key Concept

Transitions: Contrast and Concession
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Topics

Transitions: Contrast and Concession

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