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Difficulty: HardTransitions: Chronology and Sequence

In the early nineteenth century, astronomers noticed unexplained anomalies in the orbit of Uranus, suggesting the presence of an unseen outer body. In 1845, English mathematician John Couch Adams calculated the coordinates of this hypothetical planet, though his findings were initially shelved by colleagues. ___________, French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier independently published his own mathematical predictions in 1846, leading directly to the observational discovery of Neptune by Johann Gottfried Galle.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. SubsequentlyAnswer
  2. B
    Previously
  3. C
    Simultaneously
  4. D
    Nevertheless

Answer

Subsequently
The correct option is the word that indicates that one event happened after another. The passage details two key calculations in the search for Neptune: John Couch Adams's calculations in 1845, followed by Urbain Le Verrier's predictions in 1846. The transition word 'Subsequently' correctly denotes that Le Verrier's publication occurred after Adams's calculations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and timing of the two main events in the passage.
The first event is John Couch Adams calculating the coordinates of the hypothetical planet in 1845. The second event is Urbain Le Verrier publishing his own predictions in 1846.
Identifying the chronological relationship between the events (1845 followed by 1846) is necessary to determine the correct sequential transition.
2
Evaluate the transition word that best connects these sequential events.
A transition indicating subsequent action or chronological progression is needed to bridge the events of 1845 and 1846.
This establishes a logical flow indicating that the second event followed the first in time.
3
Test the options against the identified chronological relationship.
The word 'Subsequently' correctly signals that Le Verrier's 1846 work came after Adams's 1845 calculations. Options like 'Previously' and 'Simultaneously' distort the chronological timeline, while 'Nevertheless' incorrectly introduces a contrast relationship.
This confirms the correct transition choice and eliminates incorrect alternatives.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
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Topics

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence

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