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Transitions: Cause and Effect

43 questions

All types43Multiple choice23Fill in the blank20
Question 1Question →

Which transition word or phrase most logically completes the blank in the passage below?

Fill in the blanks below

When volcanic ash mixes with topsoil, it releases essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus during the weathering process. This natural enrichment significantly improves soil quality, creating a highly fertile environment that is ideal for farming. regions surrounding active volcanoes often support diverse and abundant agricultural yields despite the ongoing hazards of periodic eruptions.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Consequently (or another cause-and-effect transition such as 'Therefore', 'Thus', or 'As a result')
The correct transition must establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the sentences. The passage describes how weathering volcanic ash enriches topsoil and makes it highly fertile. This fertility is the direct cause of the abundant agricultural yields in regions surrounding active volcanoes. Therefore, cause-and-effect transitions like 'Consequently', 'Therefore', 'Thus', or 'As a result' logically connect these ideas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas presented in the passage.
The first two sentences explain that volcanic ash enriches topsoil and makes it highly fertile for agriculture. The final sentence states that regions surrounding active volcanoes support abundant agricultural yields.
Understanding the logical connection between the sentences is necessary to choose the correct transition.
2
Identify the transition type required for the blank.
The high fertility of the soil directly causes the surrounding regions to support abundant agricultural yields. Therefore, a cause-and-effect relationship exists.
Selecting a transition that matches this cause-and-effect relationship ensures the passage is cohesive.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 2Question →

Which transition word or phrase best completes the passage to show a cause-and-effect relationship?

Fill in the blanks below

Ancient Roman builders mixed volcanic ash with slaked lime to create a highly durable concrete. When exposed to seawater, this mixture triggered a chemical reaction that formed a rare mineral called aluminous tobermorite, which reinforced the concrete's structure over time. , Roman concrete structures like the Pantheon have survived for millennia, whereas modern maritime structures often degrade within decades.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Consequently (or another cause-and-effect transition such as 'therefore', 'thus', or 'as a result')
The sentence before the blank describes a chemical process that strengthens Roman concrete over time, while the sentence following the blank states that Roman structures have survived for thousands of years. Because the survival of these structures is a direct consequence of the chemical reinforcement, a cause-and-effect transition such as 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', or 'as a result' is logically necessary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences before and after the blank.
The first two sentences explain how a chemical reaction with seawater forms a reinforcing mineral that strengthens Roman concrete. The sentence after the blank states that Roman concrete structures have survived for thousands of years.
Understanding the semantic connection between the sentences helps identify the appropriate logical transition.
2
Determine the logical relationship and select the transition category.
The long-term survival of the structures is a direct result of the reinforcement process described previously. A cause-and-effect transition is required.
Since the second idea is a consequence of the first, transition words expressing cause-and-effect (like 'consequently' or 'therefore') are logically correct.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3Question →

In 1815, the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia released massive quantities of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere, blocking significant amounts of solar radiation from reaching Earth’s surface. _______ global temperatures dropped substantially, culminating in the widespread agricultural failures of the infamous 'Year Without a Summer' in 1816.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Consequently,

Answer

Consequently,
The correct answer is the transition indicating cause and effect. The passage details a clear causal link: the volcanic eruption blocked solar radiation, causing global temperatures to drop. The transition 'Consequently,' logically introduces the effect of the blocked solar radiation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences.
The first sentence explains that Mount Tambora's eruption blocked solar radiation from reaching Earth. The second sentence states that global temperatures dropped. The temperature drop is a direct result of the blocked solar radiation.
Understanding the logical connection between these sentences is necessary to select the correct transition.
2
Identify the transition type that matches this relationship and evaluate the choices.
A cause-and-effect transition is needed. The transition stating 'Consequently,' indicates this relationship correctly, while other options introduce incorrect relationships such as addition, contrast, or chronological sequence.
This step determines which transition maintains logical coherence.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Estimated Time:45s
Question 4Question →

Read the passage below. Which transition word or phrase most logically completes the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

In chemical experiments, raising the temperature of a reaction mixture increases the average kinetic energy of the reactant molecules, causing them to collide both more frequently and with greater force. , the overall chemical reaction typically proceeds at a significantly faster rate under warmer conditions than it does at lower temperatures.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

consequently (or another cause-and-effect transition such as therefore, thus, hence, or as a result)
The correct answer must be a cause-and-effect transition because the second sentence describes the direct result (a faster reaction rate) of the physical cause detailed in the first sentence (increased kinetic energy and molecular collisions). Words such as 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', and 'as a result' establish this logical connection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences separated by the blank.
The first sentence explains that raising temperature increases kinetic energy and collisions of molecules, and the second sentence states that reactions proceed faster in warmer conditions.
Identifying the relationship between the ideas is necessary to determine the correct category of transition.
2
Determine the logical flow between these ideas.
The faster reaction rate is a direct consequence of the increased kinetic energy and molecular collisions. This is a cause-and-effect relationship.
Pinpointing the specific logical flow helps narrow down the appropriate transition words.
3
Select a transition that expresses cause-and-effect and grammatically fits the sentence starting position.
Transition words like 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'as a result' logically and grammatically complete the sentence.
Providing a cause-and-effect transition correctly connects the premise to the conclusion.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 5Question →

Read the passage below. Which transition word or phrase most logically completes the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

During the early twentieth century, agricultural runoff containing high levels of phosphorus entered the Florida Everglades. This sudden influx of nutrients stimulated the rapid growth of invasive cattails, which quickly crowded out the native sawgrass. the region's biodiversity declined significantly, as many native animal species that relied on sawgrass lost their natural habitats and food sources.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

therefore
The correct answer must be a cause-and-effect transition such as 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'as a result'. The passage describes a clear causal chain: the influx of phosphorus stimulated cattail growth, which crowded out native sawgrass, which then caused a decline in biodiversity. A cause-and-effect transition logically connects the displacement of the native plants to the negative impact on the region's species.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences before and after the blank.
The sentences before the blank describe a cause (agricultural runoff led to invasive cattails crowding out native sawgrass). The sentence after the blank describes the effect (the region's biodiversity declined because native species lost their habitats).
Identifying the logical connection between the ideas is necessary to choose the correct transition.
2
Identify transition words that convey a cause-and-effect relationship.
Transitions such as 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'as a result' logically connect the cause to its effect.
A cause-and-effect transition is required to correctly complete the sentence.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Estimated Time:45s
Question 6Question →

Marine biologists have observed that rising ocean temperatures cause kelp forests to lose their structural integrity, making them highly susceptible to storm damage. In regions where ocean temperatures have spiked, kelp canopies have diminished by up to ninety percent. _______, the diverse marine species that rely on these underwater forests for food and shelter have experienced severe population declines.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: As a result

Answer

As a result
The correct transition is 'As a result' because it establishes the logical cause-and-effect link between the decrease in kelp canopies and the subsequent decline of marine species that depend on them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences.
The sentence before the blank states that kelp canopies have declined by ninety percent, and the sentence after the blank states that the marine species relying on these forests have experienced population declines.
Understanding how the ideas connect is necessary to choose the correct transition.
2
Determine the logical flow.
The loss of kelp forests (which provide food and shelter) directly leads to or causes the population declines of the dependent marine species. This is a cause-and-effect relationship.
Identifying the logical relationship allows us to select a transition word that denotes causation.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 7Question →

Many desert plants have developed waxy outer coatings on their leaves to prevent water loss in arid environments. This protective layer significantly reduces transpiration, the process by which water evaporates from plant tissues. ________, these plants are able to survive prolonged droughts that would otherwise wither species lacking such specialized adaptations.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: As a result

Answer

As a result
The correct answer is the option that states 'As a result' because it establishes the logical cause-and-effect relationship between the reduction of transpiration (the cause) and the ability of desert plants to survive droughts (the effect).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences.
The first sentence explains that a waxy coating reduces water loss in desert plants. The second sentence states that these plants can survive droughts. This is a cause-and-effect relationship.
Understanding the logical connection between the ideas is necessary to select the correct transition.
2
Evaluate the choices to find a transition that indicates cause and effect.
The phrase 'As a result' indicates a cause-and-effect relationship and logically connects the two sentences.
Only one option must correctly express the cause-and-effect relationship.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 8Question →

The following passage describes historical migration patterns in the American Southwest. Which transition word most logically completes the blank in the text to signal a cause-and-effect relationship?

Fill in the blanks below

In the thirteenth century, the ancestral Puebloan people of the American Southwest faced prolonged droughts that decimated their maize crops. This severe agricultural disruption threatened their entire societal structure. They, , abandoned their cliff dwellings and migrated southward to regions with more reliable water sources, establishing new communities along the Rio Grande.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

therefore (or thus, hence, accordingly)
The migration of the ancestral Puebloan people was a direct consequence of the prolonged droughts that ruined their crops and threatened their societal structure. Therefore, a cause-and-effect transition is required. The words 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'accordingly' correctly establish this relationship when embedded in the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas in the passage.
The first two sentences state that the ancestral Puebloan people experienced droughts that ruined their crops and threatened their society. The final sentence describes their action of abandoning their homes and migrating.
Understanding how these ideas connect is necessary to choose the correct transition.
2
Identify the logical connection.
The migration was a direct consequence of the crop failure and threat to their society. This is a cause-and-effect relationship.
The correct transition word must signal that the second event occurred as a result of the first event.
3
Select a fitting cause-and-effect transition word.
Transitions like 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'accordingly' fit grammatically and logically between the commas.
These words show that the abandonment of their dwellings was the logical outcome of the agricultural disruption.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 9Question →

In planetary science, the core-accretion model posits that giant planets form by first accumulating a massive solid core, which then rapidly attracts surrounding hydrogen and helium gas. For planets forming far from their host stars, this gas is cold and dense, making it highly susceptible to rapid gravitational collapse onto the core. ________ the gas envelope is captured in a brief geological window rather than over tens of millions of years.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Therefore,

Answer

Therefore,
The correct option is 'Therefore,' because the relationship between the sentences is cause-and-effect. The first sentence explains that gas far from host stars is highly susceptible to rapid gravitational collapse. The second sentence states the result of this susceptibility: the gas envelope is captured in a brief geological window. 'Therefore' logically signals this cause-and-effect connection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas in the passage.
The first sentence explains that gas far from host stars is cold, dense, and highly susceptible to rapid gravitational collapse. The second sentence states that the gas envelope is captured in a brief geological window rather than over tens of millions of years.
Understanding the logical connection between the sentences is necessary to choose the correct transition.
2
Identify the type of transition needed.
Since the rapid capture of the gas envelope is a direct result of the rapid gravitational collapse caused by its cold and dense state, the relationship is cause-and-effect. A cause-and-effect transition is required.
This determines the category of transition word to look for among the options.
3
Evaluate the answer choices based on the identified relationship.
'Therefore' is a cause-and-effect transition. 'Nevertheless' represents contrast, 'Furthermore' represents addition, and 'Previously' represents sequence.
Evaluating each choice ensures that only the one matching the logical connection is selected.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 10Question →

Which transition word or phrase best shows the causal link between the sun's solar winds and the composition of the inner planets?

Fill in the blanks below

In the early solar system, the proximity of the infant Sun generated intense solar winds that swept lighter gases like hydrogen and helium outward toward the colder, outer regions. , the inner planets were left with a scarcity of volatile elements, forming primarily from dense, rocky materials that could withstand the solar radiation.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Consequently (or other cause-and-effect transitions such as 'therefore', 'thus', or 'as a result')
The correct answer must be a cause-and-effect transition. The first sentence describes how the early Sun's winds swept lighter gases away from the inner solar system, and the second sentence describes the direct result of this process (the rocky, volatile-poor composition of the inner planets). Transitions like 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', or 'as a result' logically connect these sentences by signaling that the second event occurred because of the first.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the first and second sentences.
The first sentence explains that the early Sun's solar winds blew light gases away from the inner solar system. The second sentence describes the outcome: the inner planets formed without these volatile elements and are composed primarily of rocky materials.
To choose the correct transition, we must understand how the two ideas are logically connected.
2
Identify the type of transition required.
The second sentence is a direct effect of the cause described in the first sentence. A cause-and-effect transition is needed.
The sweeping away of gases directly led to the rocky composition of the inner planets.
3
Select a transition word that establishes this cause-and-effect relationship.
Words such as 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', 'accordingly', or 'as a result' are appropriate cause-and-effect transitions.
These words successfully signal that the composition of the inner planets was a consequence of the solar winds.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 11Question →

In the cold interstellar medium, gaseous carbon monoxide readily condenses onto cosmic dust grains, forming thick icy mantles. These icy layers act as cosmic catalysts, allowing hydrogen atoms to tunnel through activation barriers and react with the trapped carbon monoxide molecules. Complex organic molecules like methanol, __________, are synthesized in environments far too cold for traditional gas-phase chemistry to occur.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: consequently

Answer

consequently
The correct answer is the option that uses 'consequently'. The passage establishes that icy mantles on cosmic dust grains act as catalysts, enabling hydrogen atoms to react with carbon monoxide. The synthesis of complex organic molecules like methanol in these cold environments is the direct result of these catalyzed reactions. Therefore, a cause-and-effect transition is required, and 'consequently' fits this logical relationship perfectly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences.
The first two sentences explain how cosmic dust grains with icy mantles act as catalysts, enabling hydrogen and carbon monoxide to react. The final sentence states that complex organic molecules like methanol are synthesized in these cold environments.
To determine the correct transition, we must identify the logical connection between the catalysis/reaction process and the synthesis of methanol.
2
Identify the logical link.
The synthesis of complex molecules in these cold environments is the direct outcome of the catalysis process described. Thus, the relationship is cause-and-effect.
Choosing a transition that reflects this logical connection is necessary for the text to be coherent.
3
Evaluate the choices based on the logical link.
The transition 'consequently' correctly signals a cause-and-effect relationship. Other options like 'conversely' (contrast), 'furthermore' (addition), and 'meanwhile' (simultaneous occurrence) do not capture this causal link.
This confirms the correct transition word to complete the text.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 12Question →

The following passage describes a phenomenon in behavioral economics. Which transition word or phrase most logically completes the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

In behavioral economics, the 'projection bias' describes the tendency of individuals to overestimate the stability of their current preferences over time. For instance, consumers shopping on an empty stomach frequently purchase more groceries than they actually need, operating under the implicit assumption that their current state of hunger will persist into the future. , they often end up with an excess of perishable items that go unused once their immediate hunger is satisfied.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Consequently (or another cause-and-effect transition such as 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', 'accordingly', or 'as a result')
The passage establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the consumers' over-purchasing behavior based on their temporary hunger (the cause) and their eventual possession of wasted, excess food (the effect). Therefore, a cause-and-effect transition such as 'consequently,' 'therefore,' 'thus,' 'hence,' 'accordingly,' or 'as a result' is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas before and after the blank.
The text before the blank describes how hungry shoppers overestimate the duration of their hunger and purchase too much food. The text after the blank describes the outcome: they end up with unused, wasted food.
Understanding the logical connection between these sentences is necessary to select the correct transition.
2
Determine the logical relationship type.
The second sentence describes the direct outcome or effect of the behavior described in the first sentence, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
This allows us to narrow down the transition choice to words that signal cause-and-effect.
3
Identify transition words that convey this logical relationship.
Transitions like 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', 'accordingly', or 'as a result' logically connect the cause and the effect.
These words match the logical connection required to make the passage cohesive.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 13Question →

In behavioral economics, "choice overload" describes the psychological paralysis that occurs when consumers are presented with an excessive number of options. This abundance of choices can overwhelm a shopper's cognitive processing capacity. __________, individuals confronted with a vast selection often decide to walk away without making a purchase at all, or they select a product that fails to satisfy their actual needs.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Consequently

Answer

Consequently
The correct option is the transition that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The passage states that an abundance of choices can overwhelm a shopper's cognitive processing capacity. The subsequent sentence explains the outcome of this overwhelm: individuals often walk away without buying or make poor decisions. Therefore, a transition indicating a consequence, such as 'consequently', is logically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the first two sentences and the sentence containing the blank.
The first two sentences state that 'choice overload' occurs when there are too many options, which overwhelms a shopper's cognitive capacity. The sentence with the blank states that shoppers confronting a vast selection often walk away without purchasing or choose unsatisfying products.
Understanding the semantic connection between the two ideas is necessary to determine the correct logical transition.
2
Identify the logical relation between the cause (overwhelming cognitive capacity) and the effect (walking away without purchasing).
Because shoppers are overwhelmed (cause), they walk away without making a purchase (effect). This is a cause-and-effect relationship.
This determines that the transition must represent a cause-and-effect relationship.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that indicates cause-and-effect.
The transition 'Consequently' correctly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. Other transitions like 'Nevertheless' (contrast), 'Furthermore' (addition), and 'Previously' (chronology) do not fit this relationship.
Selecting the transition word that matches the identified logical relation completes the sentence correctly.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 14Question →

The following passage is from an academic text about language development. Complete the passage by typing the transition word or phrase that most logically completes the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

The interactionist framework of language acquisition posits that children acquire language through a combination of innate cognitive predispositions and rich social interactions. According to this model, caregivers continuously adjust their linguistic output in response to the child's real-time comprehension and feedback. Language learning, , is not a passive process of decoding ambient speech but rather a collaborative, mutually constructed endeavor.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct transition word or phrase is 'therefore' (or a synonym such as 'thus', 'consequently', 'hence', 'accordingly', or 'as a result').
The correct transition must establish a cause-and-effect relationship because the final sentence represents a logical conclusion or result of the interactive process detailed in the second sentence. Caregivers adjusting their speech in response to feedback (cause) results in language learning being a collaborative, mutually constructed process (effect). Words like 'therefore', 'thus', 'consequently', 'hence', 'accordingly', and 'as a result' correctly indicate this cause-and-effect link.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences preceding the blank and the sentence containing the blank.
The preceding sentences explain that caregivers adjust their speech based on the child's feedback during interaction. The sentence with the blank concludes that language learning is a collaborative, mutually constructed endeavor.
Understanding the surrounding context allows you to identify the logical connection needed between these ideas.
2
Determine the logical relationship category.
Because the collaborative nature of language learning is a direct consequence of the interactive adjustments made by caregivers, the relationship is cause-and-effect.
Identifying the relationship category narrows down the transition choices to cause-and-effect markers.
3
Select a grammatically and logically correct cause-and-effect transition.
Transition words like 'therefore', 'thus', 'consequently', 'hence', 'accordingly', or 'as a result' logically establish the causal connection and fit the grammatical structure of the sentence.
Completing the sentence requires a transition that matches both the logical flow and the sentence structure.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 15Question →

Read the passage below. Fill in the blank with the transition word or phrase that most logically connects the ideas.

Fill in the blanks below

In sociolinguistics, the prestige effect refers to the phenomenon where speakers adopt the dialect of a dominant social group to gain social status. In many urban centers, younger generations are increasingly abandoning local colloquialisms in favor of speech patterns popularized by national media. , regional dialects are rapidly fading, replaced by a standardized vernacular.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A transition word or phrase indicating cause and effect (such as 'Consequently', 'Therefore', 'Thus', or 'As a result') must be used to show that the decline of regional dialects is the direct outcome of younger generations adopting media-driven speech patterns.
A cause-and-effect transition (such as 'consequently' or 'therefore') is correct because the second sentence describes the direct result of the trend detailed in the first sentence (younger generations abandoning local colloquialisms in favor of speech patterns popularized by national media leads to the rapid fading of regional dialects).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two main ideas in the passage.
The passage first outlines a cause: younger generations are abandoning local colloquialisms in favor of media-driven speech patterns. The subsequent clause outlines the effect: regional dialects are rapidly fading.
Understanding how the two ideas relate is essential for choosing the right transition.
2
Identify the logical category of transition needed.
Because the fading of regional dialects is the direct consequence of the younger speakers' change in behavior, a cause-and-effect transition is required.
The transition must indicate that the second idea is a result of the first.
3
Select a grammatically and contextually appropriate cause-and-effect transition.
Words like 'Consequently', 'Therefore', 'Thus', or 'As a result' logically connect the sentences and fit the sentence structure.
These transitions correctly establish the cause-and-effect link.

Key Concept

Transitions signaling cause-and-effect relationships connect an event or condition with its direct consequence.
Question 16Question →

In modern urban design, dark asphalt pavements absorb a high percentage of incoming solar radiation, a phenomenon that significantly elevates surrounding air temperatures in metropolitan areas. ________, municipal planners are now increasingly coating public roads with light-colored reflective sealants to lower surface temperatures and help mitigate the intense urban heat island effect in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: As a result

Answer

As a result
The transition 'as a result' is correct because the second sentence describes a direct action taken as a consequence of the rising temperatures described in the first sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences in the passage.
The first sentence explains a problem (dark pavements absorb solar radiation and raise temperatures), and the second sentence describes an action taken by planners to address this problem (using reflective sealants).
Identifying the relationship between the ideas is necessary to determine the correct logical transition.
2
Determine the type of transition needed.
Because the planners' action is a direct consequence of the temperature increase, a cause-and-effect transition is required.
This helps eliminate options that represent other transition types, such as contrast or addition.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the cause-and-effect transition.
The phrase 'as a result' indicates that the subsequent action is a consequence of the preceding statement.
Selecting the correct transition completes the sentence with logical coherence.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 17Question →

In historical linguistics, the laryngeal theory proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure in 1878 predicted the existence of certain consonant sounds in Proto-Indo-European that had vanished in all known daughter languages. When Hittite cuneiform tablets were deciphered in the early twentieth century, scholars discovered a written language that retained these exact predicted consonants. The decipherment of Hittite, ________, provided direct empirical confirmation of Saussure's hypothetical structures, vindicating his reconstructed model decades after its publication.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: thus

Answer

thus
The transition 'thus' logically connects the sentences by establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. The passage states that Saussure predicted certain consonant sounds, and the deciphered Hittite tablets were discovered to have these exact consonants. Consequently, the decipherment of Hittite directly caused, or resulted in, the empirical confirmation of Saussure's hypothetical structures.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas in the passage.
The first sentence explains that Saussure's theory predicted certain vanished consonant sounds. The second sentence states that the deciphered Hittite tablets were found to contain these exact predicted consonants. The third sentence explains that the decipherment of Hittite provided direct empirical confirmation of the theory.
Understanding how the sentences connect is necessary to identify the correct logical transition.
2
Identify the logical connection required for the blank.
Since the decipherment of Hittite (revealing the predicted consonants) is the cause that directly led to the empirical confirmation of Saussure's theory (the effect), a cause-and-effect transition is needed.
The correct transition must reflect this cause-and-effect relationship.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that signals cause-and-effect.
The transition 'thus' signifies cause-and-effect and fits the grammatical structure of the sentence. The other options signal contrast ('nevertheless'), addition ('furthermore'), or simultaneous events ('meanwhile'), none of which represent the cause-and-effect relationship between the decipherment and the empirical confirmation.
Selecting the option that correctly conveys the cause-and-effect relationship ensures logical coherence.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 18Question →

In many tropical ecosystems, certain species of paper wasps construct their nests in close proximity to highly aggressive dolichoderine ant colonies, utilizing the ants' territorial behavior as a shield against larger predators. ________ the wasps must synthesize chemical compounds that mimic the host colony's cuticular hydrocarbons to prevent these indiscriminate predators from attacking them.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Consequently,

Answer

The transition 'Consequently,' is the correct choice because it logically links the cause (wasps nesting near aggressive ants) with the effect (wasps needing to synthesize chemical mimicry to survive).
The first sentence explains that paper wasps nest near aggressive ants to use them as a shield against predators. The second sentence explains that, because these ants are aggressive, the wasps must synthesize a chemical mimic to avoid being attacked. The relationship is cause-and-effect (the nesting choice causes the need for chemical mimicry). Therefore, the cause-and-effect transition 'consequently' is the most logical choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences in the passage.
The first sentence explains that paper wasps nest near aggressive ants for protection. The second sentence explains that the wasps must synthesize chemical compounds mimicking the ants to prevent attacks.
Understanding the logical connection between sentences is essential to selecting the correct transition.
2
Determine the logical category that best connects these ideas.
The need for chemical mimicry is a direct effect or result of the wasps' choice of nesting site. Therefore, a cause-and-effect transition is required.
This allows us to narrow down the transition type to cause-and-effect.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that fits this logical category.
'Consequently' is a cause-and-effect transition, while the other choices represent contrast, addition, and chronology.
Matching the transition category to the options identifies the correct answer.

Key Concept

Identifying cause-and-effect relationships between sentences to select the appropriate logical transition.
Question 19Question →

In forest ecosystems, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic networks that connect the roots of different trees, allowing them to share nutrients and chemical warning signals. When a tree is attacked by pests, it can transmit warning compounds through these subterranean pathways. _______ neighboring trees receive these signals in advance and synthesize defensive chemicals to ward off the impending threat.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Consequently,

Answer

Consequently, because it correctly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between a tree transmitting warning compounds and neighboring trees receiving those signals to prepare their defenses.
The transition 'consequently' correctly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the first sentence (the transmission of warning compounds by a tree under attack) and the second sentence (neighboring trees receiving the signals and preparing defenses).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences before and after the blank.
The first sentence describes the action of transmitting warning compounds. The second sentence describes the result of neighboring trees receiving the warning and synthesizing defenses.
Determining the logical connection is necessary to select the correct transition word.
2
Identify the type of connection between these ideas.
Since the receipt of signals and synthesis of defenses is a direct result of the compound transmission, the relationship is cause-and-effect.
This narrows down the correct transition to one that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
3
Evaluate the options to find the word that signals a cause-and-effect relationship.
The transition 'consequently' signals a cause-and-effect relationship, while the other choices represent contrast, addition, or chronology.
This confirms the correct choice and explains why the alternatives are incorrect.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
Question 20Question →

The following passage is adapted from a sociological discussion on group dynamics. Complete the passage by typing the transition word or phrase that most logically connects the ideas.

Fill in the blanks below

In sociology, preference falsification refers to the act of misrepresenting one's genuine wants under perceived social pressure. When individuals fear social isolation or reprisal for holding minority viewpoints, they publicly conform to dominant opinions. , collective public sentiment appears far more unanimous than it actually is, often masking widespread but hidden discontent.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Consequently (or another cause-and-effect transition such as 'therefore', 'thus', or 'as a result')
The first sentence explains that fear of social reprisal causes individuals to publicly conform to dominant opinions. The second sentence describes the direct effect of this behavior: collective public sentiment appears far more unanimous than it actually is. Therefore, a cause-and-effect transition (such as 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', or 'as a result') is required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical relationship between the sentence preceding the blank and the sentence following the blank.
The preceding sentence explains that individuals publicly conform due to fear of reprisal (the cause), while the following sentence describes the outcome that public sentiment appears unnaturally unanimous (the effect).
To understand how the two ideas are connected.
2
Identify the appropriate category of transition.
A cause-and-effect transition is required since the second idea is a direct consequence of the first.
To select a word that expresses this specific logical relationship.
3
Select a grammatically correct cause-and-effect transition word or phrase.
Words like 'consequently', 'therefore', 'thus', or the phrase 'as a result' logically and grammatically fit the blank.
To complete the passage correctly.

Key Concept

Transitions: Cause and Effect
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Transitions: Cause and Effect Practice Questions — SAT | Examkin