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Transitions: Chronology and Sequence

19 questions

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Question 1Question →

In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter successfully located the sealed entrance to King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, ending a years-long search. ________, Carter and his team spent several weeks carefully clearing the debris-filled corridor that led to the main burial chambers, ensuring that every artifact was documented and left undamaged during the excavation process.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Answer: Subsequently

Answer

Subsequently
The correct option is the word indicating a later event in a sequence. The text outlines a chronological order: first, Howard Carter found the tomb's entrance; after that, the team cleared the corridor. 'Subsequently' correctly denotes that the clearing happened after the discovery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the chronology of the events in the text.
The first event is Howard Carter finding the sealed entrance to the tomb. The second event is his team spending weeks clearing the corridor.
Understanding the timeline helps identify the logical chronological relationship between the two sentences.
2
Determine the relationship required by the blank.
The transition needs to connect the first event (discovery) to a subsequent event (clearing the corridor).
Since the clearing happened after the discovery, a transition indicating a later time is required.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the chronological match.
'Subsequently' means afterward or later, which fits the sequence perfectly.
It logically links the discovery of the entrance to the follow-up work of clearing the corridor.

Key Concept

Identifying logical transitions that establish chronological sequences or time order between sentences.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 2Question →

In 1912, geophysicist Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that Earth's continents were once joined in a single supercontinent. For decades, Wegener's hypothesis was widely dismissed by the scientific community due to the lack of a known physical mechanism that could move landmasses. ______ in the 1950s and 1960s, the discovery of seafloor spreading provided the geological evidence required to validate his ideas, paving the way for the acceptance of plate tectonics.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Subsequently,

Answer

Subsequently,
The transition 'Subsequently' is correct because it logically connects the chronological events in the passage. The passage first describes Alfred Wegener's 1912 proposal and the decades of skepticism that followed, and then transitions to a later event in the 1950s and 1960s (the discovery of seafloor spreading) that validated his ideas. 'Subsequently' correctly signals that this validation occurred after the initial proposal and dismissal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the chronological relationship between the events in the text.
The first sentence sets the starting point of the timeline in 1912 (Wegener's proposal). The second sentence describes the following 'decades' of rejection. The final sentence introduces a later period: 'the 1950s and 1960s'.
Identifying the dates and sequence of events establishes the temporal flow of the passage.
2
Determine the direction of the chronological sequence.
The event in the blank sentence (the discovery of seafloor spreading in the 1950s and 1960s) occurred after the 1912 proposal and the decades of rejection.
Establishing that the second event occurs later in time indicates a sequential relationship.
3
Select the transition word that conveys an event occurring after another in time.
'Subsequently' is the only option that denotes an event happening later in a sequence.
Choosing 'Subsequently' correctly alerts the reader that the narrative has moved forward in time.

Key Concept

Chronological transitions establish the order in which events occur. When moving forward in time from an earlier event to a later one, transitions like 'subsequently', 'afterward', or 'later' should be used.
Question 3Question →

The following sentences describe the historical development of penicillin. Arrange them in the correct chronological sequence by ordering the items from first to last.

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Answer

The correct chronological order of the sentences is: first, the initial discovery in 1928; second, the subsequent isolation of the agent in the late 1930s; third, the human testing in 1941; and fourth, the mass production that began shortly thereafter.
The correct sequence begins with the 1928 discovery, followed by the isolation in the late 1930s, continuing to the 1941 trials, and ending with the subsequent mass production.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the sentence that introduces the starting event or earliest date.
The sentence describing Alexander Fleming's initial discovery in 1928 is identified as the first event in the sequence.
A chronological sequence begins with the earliest dated event that sets the baseline context.
2
Look for transition words or dates indicating the next phase of development.
The sentence starting with 'Afterward, in the late 1930s' is identified as the second event.
The transition 'Afterward' indicates a later step, and the date (late 1930s) directly follows 1928.
3
Identify the next chronological marker following the late 1930s.
The sentence starting with 'By 1941' is identified as the third event.
The year 1941 chronologically follows the late 1930s.
4
Determine the final step using relative sequence transitions.
The sentence beginning with 'Shortly thereafter' describing mass production is identified as the final event.
The phrase 'Shortly thereafter' links the mass production directly to the preceding human trials in 1941.

Key Concept

Identifying chronological markers and sequential transitions to reconstruct a logical timeline.
Question 4Question →

In 1967, geophysicist Jason Morgan proposed that Earth's tectonic plates move along rigid boundaries, a hypothesis that promised to revolutionize geology but required empirical verification. ______ researchers analyzed magnetic anomalies along ocean ridges to test Morgan's model, finally publishing a definitive set of global plate motion data in 1972.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

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Answer: In the interim,

Answer

In the interim,
The correct answer is the phrase that indicates the research occurred during the time between Morgan's 1967 proposal and the 1972 publication of the final data. 'In the interim' perfectly captures this chronological window and matches the academic tone of the passage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the chronological anchors in the passage.
The passage establishes two key temporal markers: Morgan's initial proposal of the hypothesis in 1967, and the final publication of the empirical data in 1972.
Identifying the timeline of events is necessary to determine the correct chronological relationship.
2
Determine the relationship between the sentence with the blank and the temporal markers.
The blank introduces the phase where researchers conducted analyses to test the model. This testing happened after the 1967 proposal but before the 1972 publication.
Understanding where the action fits in the sequence allows for the selection of an appropriate transitional phrase.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that correctly represents this relationship.
'In the interim' is the only option that denotes an action taking place during an intervening period of time between two established events.
Selecting the transition that accurately reflects the chronology and matches the academic tone of the text.

Key Concept

Identifying the chronological relationship between sequential events in a passage and selecting a transition that correctly positions an event in time while maintaining an academic tone.
Question 5Question →

In the 1940s, classicist Alice Kober cataloged grammatical patterns in the undeciphered Cretan script Linear B, discovering that the language was inflected before her untimely death in 1950. ________, architect Michael Ventris built upon Kober’s grid system and successfully deciphered the script in 1952, revealing it to be an archaic form of Greek.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

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Answer: Thereafter

Answer

Thereafter
The passage describes a chronological sequence of events in the decipherment of the Linear B script. First, Alice Kober carried out her analysis in the 1940s and died in 1950. Later, in 1952, Michael Ventris used her findings to complete the decipherment. The transition 'Thereafter' correctly indicates that Ventris's work occurred after Kober's work and death.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences in the passage.
The first sentence describes Kober's work in the 1940s and her death in 1950. The second sentence describes Ventris's subsequent success in 1952.
Understanding the timeline is necessary to determine the correct chronological transition.
2
Evaluate the chronological relationship.
The events in the second sentence occurred after the events in the first sentence, establishing a subsequent relationship.
This helps narrow down the choices to transition words that mean 'after' or 'following this'.
3
Select the transition word that fits this relationship.
The transition 'Thereafter' means 'after that time' or 'subsequently', which perfectly fits the passage's chronological sequence.
This transition maintains the logical flow and historical accuracy of the text.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
Question 6Question →

The following sentences describe the geological process of sinkhole formation. Arrange the sentences in the correct chronological and logical sequence to form a coherent paragraph.

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Answer

The correct sequence of the sentences is: first, rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes acidic; second, this acidic water percolates downward and dissolves bedrock; third, underground cavities grow too large to support the surface; and fourth, the surface collapses to create a sinkhole.
The correct order follows the natural physical progression of sinkhole formation: first, rainwater becomes acidic; second, that specific acidic water percolates and dissolves bedrock; third, cavities grow larger over time; and fourth, the surface collapses as a consequence of the unsupported cavities. The transition words 'then', 'Eventually', and 'Consequently', along with the referring phrase 'This acidic water', reinforce this sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory sentence that establishes the initial cause of the sequence.
The sentence about rainwater absorbing carbon dioxide to turn acidic is identified as the start of the sequence.
It does not rely on any preceding context or pronouns and establishes the source of the acidity needed for the subsequent steps.
2
Look for transition words and pronoun referents that connect to the initial sentence.
The sentence beginning with 'This acidic water then percolates...' is placed second.
The phrase 'This acidic water' directly references the result of the first sentence, and the transition 'then' denotes the next step in the physical process.
3
Trace the logical progression of cause and effect in the dissolution of subterranean rock.
The sentence starting with 'Eventually, the underground cavities...' is placed third.
The creation of 'underground cavities' is the logical long-term consequence of the percolation and dissolution described in the second step, indicated by the time transition 'Eventually'.
4
Identify the final outcome or culmination of the sequence.
The sentence starting with 'Consequently, the surface suddenly collapses...' is placed last.
The transition 'Consequently' signals the direct result of the cavities becoming too large to support the surface weight, concluding the process of sinkhole formation.

Key Concept

Chronological and logical sequencing in informative texts relies on transition words (such as 'then', 'eventually', and 'consequently') and pronoun referents (such as 'this acidic water') to establish a clear order of events.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 7Question →

During a submarine volcanic eruption, magma erupts from fissures on the ocean floor and cools rapidly upon contact with seawater, building up layers of basaltic rock. Over thousands of years, repeated eruptions accumulate enough material to breach the ocean surface. _______, wind and waves carry seeds to the newly formed island, initiating the colonization of terrestrial plant life.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Answer: Afterward

Answer

Afterward
The correct transition is the word meaning subsequent in time. The passage describes a sequence of geological and biological events: first, underwater volcanic activity builds up rock layers; second, the island rises above the sea surface; third, wind and waves carry seeds to the new land. The transition 'Afterward' logically signals this subsequent stage in the timeline.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences.
The first two sentences describe the formation of a volcanic island over thousands of years. The final sentence describes the arrival of seeds to this newly formed landmass.
Understanding the logical connection between the ideas is necessary to select the correct transition word.
2
Determine the chronological order of the events.
The island must first breach the ocean surface before seeds can be carried to it. The arrival of seeds is a subsequent event in the timeline.
This establishes that a chronological or sequential transition indicating a subsequent event is required.
3
Evaluate the transition choices.
'Afterward' correctly signals that the seed arrival happens after the island's formation. 'Previously' reverses this order, 'In contrast' incorrectly implies opposition, and 'Furthermore' indicates addition rather than sequence.
This allows us to identify the transition that fits the chronological flow of the passage.

Key Concept

Chronological and sequential transitions are used to clarify the timing and order of events in a narrative or process description.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 8Question →

The following sentences describe the historical development of the vaccine for smallpox. In what order should these sentences be arranged to form a logically coherent chronological narrative?

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Answer

The correct sequence of sentences is: first, the sentence introducing Lady Montagu and the practice of variolation; second, the sentence describing Edward Jenner's 1796 hypothesis; third, the sentence explaining the experiment to test this hypothesis; and finally, the sentence concluding with the global eradication of smallpox in 1980.
The correct order follows a clear chronological progression (from the early eighteenth century to 1796, then to the testing phase, and finally to the long-term impact in 1980) and respects pronouns and determiners ('this hypothesis' and 'this pioneering experiment') that link sentences together.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the chronological and logical starting point of the narrative.
The sentence introducing Lady Mary Wortley Montagu is identified as the first sentence.
It introduces the earliest time frame ('early eighteenth century') and the foundational concept of 'variolation' which subsequent sentences refer to.
2
Identify the subsequent chronological event that builds on the first.
The sentence beginning 'Decades later, in 1796' is identified as the second sentence.
The transition 'Decades later' links it chronologically to the eighteenth century, and its comparison to the risks of 'variolation' logically requires the concept to have been introduced beforehand.
3
Link the hypothesis to its direct experimental application.
The sentence starting with 'To test this hypothesis' is identified as the third sentence.
The demonstrative pronoun phrase 'this hypothesis' refers back to the hypothesis formulated by Edward Jenner in the second sentence, and it describes the execution of the experiment.
4
Determine the final conclusion or long-term consequence of the sequence.
The sentence starting with 'Ultimately, this pioneering experiment' is identified as the fourth sentence.
The transition 'Ultimately' signals a concluding outcome, 'this pioneering experiment' refers back to the trial in the third sentence, and the year '1980' marks the final point on the timeline.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 9Question →

In 1948, physicists Ralph Alpher and Robert Herman first predicted the existence of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation as a relic of the Big Bang. For years, their theoretical calculations remained unverified due to the limitations of observational technology. _______ in 1964, radio astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson detected this faint hum of radiation while testing a sensitive horn antenna, providing the first empirical proof of the prediction.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

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Answer: Eventually,

Answer

Eventually,
The correct choice is 'Eventually,' because it logically indicates that the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation in 1964 occurred after a long period of time and scientific progress following the 1948 prediction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the chronological sequence of events in the passage.
The timeline begins in 1948 with a theoretical prediction. This is followed by a period of years in which the calculations remained unverified. The final event occurs in 1964 with the empirical detection of the radiation.
Understanding the timeline is necessary to determine the chronological relationship between the sentences.
2
Identify the relationship indicated by the transition.
The transition needs to connect the long period of unverified theory to the subsequent empirical discovery that occurred years later.
Selecting the correct transition requires matching the logical connection of the events with a transition that signals the passage of time leading to a subsequent event.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that indicates chronological progression over time.
'Eventually' is a chronological transition that signals an event occurring after a long delay or series of events. Other transitions signal addition, opposition, or an initial state, which do not fit the chronological context.
This determines the final correct option by eliminating incorrect relationships.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 10Question →

The following sentences describe the historical decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Arrange the sentences in the correct chronological and logical sequence.

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Answer

The correct chronological order begins with the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799, followed by early decipherment attempts, then Thomas Young's phonetic breakthrough in 1814, and finally Jean-François Champollion's full decipherment in 1822.
The correct sequence begins with the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799, transitions to the immediate aftermath of that discovery, moves to Thomas Young's breakthrough in 1814, and concludes with Champollion's decipherment in 1822, which logically builds upon Young's work.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the starting event of the timeline.
The discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 is the event that initiates the entire sequence.
Decipherment efforts cannot begin without the object of study first being found.
2
Find logical linkages and pronoun referents.
The sentence mentioning 'this discovery' must follow the initial discovery of the Rosetta Stone.
This establishes the transition between the discovery and the subsequent years of failed attempts.
3
Order the remaining events chronologically and logically.
Thomas Young's breakthrough in 1814 is placed before Champollion's decipherment in 1822.
Chronological order dictates that 1814 precedes 1822, and logically, Champollion's work builds upon Young's prior insight.

Key Concept

Identifying chronological markers and tracing logical dependencies to reconstruct a narrative sequence.
Question 11Question →

The following sentences describe the historical development of the scientific understanding of dark matter. Arrange the sentences in the correct chronological and logical sequence.

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Answer

The correct sequence begins with the introduction of Fritz Zwicky's initial proposal in the 1930s, followed by the community's multi-decade dismissal of his hypothesis, then the pivotal corroborating evidence presented by Vera Rubin and Kent Ford in the 1970s, and finishes with the scientific community's subsequent acceptance and theoretical modeling.
The correct order follows a clear chronological progression. The sequence begins with the earliest event in the 1930s (Zwicky's initial proposal). It then describes the immediate historical reception, noting that the community 'initially dismissed' it for 'several decades.' The narrative continues with the resolution of this skepticism in the 1970s ('The tide turned...'), and concludes with the direct consequence of that discovery ('Following Rubin and Ford's empirical confirmation... subsequently began...').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory sentence.
The sentence describing Fritz Zwicky's observation in the 1930s is the logical starting point because it introduces the primary concept (dark matter) and the earliest timestamp.
Chronological narratives must establish the initial condition or discovery before tracking its evolution over time.
2
Connect the initial event to its immediate historical aftermath.
The sentence starting with 'Despite Zwicky's groundbreaking observations' directly references the preceding event and describes the reception of the theory over the subsequent 'several decades.'
The pronoun reference and contrast transition link this sentence directly as the second step in the sequence.
3
Locate the turning point that resolves the initial period of dismissal.
The sentence mentioning that 'The tide turned in the 1970s' logically follows the decades of dismissal, introducing Rubin and Ford's galactic rotation curve findings.
The 1970s timestamp chronologically succeeds the 1930s and the subsequent decades of stagnation.
4
Identify the concluding impact and subsequent research developments.
The sentence starting with 'Following Rubin and Ford's empirical confirmation' establishes the final phase, wherein cosmologists accepted the theory and 'subsequently' built simulations.
This sentence relies on the empirical confirmation described in the previous step and outlines the modern consensus and application.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
Question 12Question →

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?

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Answer: Subsequently

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
Question 13Question →

The following sentences describe the historical process of deciphering the Maya glyphs. Arrange the sentences in the correct chronological and logical sequence to form a coherent narrative.

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Answer

The correct order of the sentences is: first, the initial struggle by early researchers; second, Yuri Knorozov's phonetic proposal in the 1950s; third, Tatiana Proskouriakoff's demonstration of historical content building on that phonetic approach; and finally, the late twentieth-century synthesis that decoded most texts.
The correct narrative flows from the initial research struggles, to the introduction of the phonetic hypothesis in the 1950s, followed by historical discoveries that built on that hypothesis, and culminating in the near-total decipherment of the script by the late twentieth century.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the starting point of the narrative.
The sentence describing early European researchers and their initial struggle represents the baseline context and must come first.
This establishes the initial state before any breakthroughs occurred.
2
Identify the next chronological development.
The sentence introducing Yuri Knorozov's 1950s phonetic proposal comes second.
The 1950s reference represents the first major chronological advancement after the early struggles.
3
Determine which sentence builds on the previous breakthrough.
The sentence stating that Tatiana Proskouriakoff built on the phonetic approach comes third.
Her work is logically dependent on the phonetic approach proposed by Knorozov, establishing a sequential dependency.
4
Identify the final conclusion of the process.
The sentence detailing the late twentieth-century synthesis that decoded the texts comes last.
This represents the final culmination and resolution of the decipherment history.

Key Concept

Chronological and Logical Sequencing
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 14Question →

The sentences below describe the historical development of penicillin as a therapeutic medicine. Arrange the sentences in the correct chronological and logical sequence.

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Answer

The correct sequence begins with the discovery of penicillin in 1928, followed by the research plateau and the subsequent involvement of the Oxford team, then the purification of the compound for animal trials, and finally the transition to industrial mass production in collaboration with American factories.
The correct sequence begins with the discovery of penicillin in 1928. It then transitions to the decade-long research plateau that followed, which was ended by the Oxford team's work. Once the Oxford team focused on the compound, they purified and stabilized it for animal trials. Finally, the successful animal trials allowed researchers to collaborate with American factories to scale up mass production.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial event that establishes the topic and timeline.
The sentence introducing Alexander Fleming's 1928 discovery of penicillin establishes the baseline context.
Chronologically and logically, the initial discovery must precede any subsequent research efforts or production scales.
2
Look for transitions or cohesive devices linking to the initial discovery and its limitation.
The sentence describing the 'decade-long research plateau' connects directly to the inability to isolate the compound mentioned in the first sentence.
The phrase 'This decade-long research plateau' functions as an anaphoric reference to the stagnation following the 1928 discovery, marking the next chronological phase starting in the late 1930s.
3
Identify the logical next step of the Oxford team's research program.
The sentence starting with 'After purifying and stabilizing the compound' describes the immediate outcome of the Oxford team's focus.
Before conducting animal trials, the team first had to solve the instability issue mentioned in previous sentences, making this step logically prior to testing and manufacturing.
4
Determine the final phase of the process.
The sentence detailing the scale-up to mass production in collaboration with American factories concludes the sequence.
Mass production and industrial scaling naturally follow successful therapeutic validation in laboratory animal trials.

Key Concept

Chronological and logical flow in a process narrative.
Question 15Question →

During the Archean Eon, Earth's atmosphere was largely composed of volcanic gases such as methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, with virtually no free oxygen. Around 2.4 billion years ago, photosynthetic cyanobacteria emerged and began producing oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. ________, the oceans became saturated with oxygen, and the excess gas accumulated in the atmosphere, triggering the Great Oxidation Event.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Answer: Gradually,

Answer

Gradually,
The passage describes a chronological progression over time. The emergence of cyanobacteria led to the slow accumulation of oxygen, which eventually saturated the oceans and atmosphere. 'Gradually' is the correct transition because it accurately reflects this progressive, step-by-step chronological development.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences before and after the blank.
The sentence before the blank describes the emergence of cyanobacteria and their production of oxygen. The sentence after the blank describes the saturation of the oceans and the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere.
Identifying the logical relationship between ideas is necessary to select the correct transition word.
2
Determine the chronological relationship of the events.
The accumulation of oxygen is a subsequent event that occurred over a long period following the emergence of cyanobacteria.
This establishes that a chronological or sequential transition indicating progression over time is needed.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that correctly indicates a progressive, sequential timeline.
The word 'Gradually' correctly shows that the process developed incrementally over time. Other options misrepresent the relationship by indicating contrast, elaboration, or a reversed chronological order.
Eliminating incorrect transition relationships leads to the correct choice.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 16Question →

The following sentences describe the historical scientific process of determining the structure and function of DNA. Arrange the sentences in the correct chronological and logical order to form a coherent paragraph.

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Answer

The correct sequence begins with Friedrich Miescher's 1869 isolation of nuclein, followed by Oswald Avery's 1944 proof of its genetic role, followed by Erwin Chargaff's 1950 discovery of base ratios, and concluding with Watson and Crick's 1953 double-helix model.
The logical sequence is defined by both dates and explicit transitions: the sequence starts in 1869 ('First'), transitions to 1944 ('Decades later'), connects to 1950 ('Following this discovery'), and concludes in 1953 ('Ultimately') with Watson and Crick's model which synthesized the earlier clues.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the sentence that initiates the sequence.
The sentence starting with 'First' describes the earliest event (1869) and introduces the substance 'nuclein'.
Transition words like 'First' and chronological order require the earliest date to lead the sequence.
2
Locate the logical transition referring back to the initial substance.
The sentence starting with 'Decades later' describes the 1944 demonstration that 'this substance' (referring back to Miescher's nuclein) is the genetic carrier.
The pronoun phrase 'this substance' must refer back to a previously introduced noun, linking the 1869 event to the 1944 event.
3
Trace the consequence of the 1944 discovery.
The sentence starting with 'Following this discovery' links Chargaff's 1950 base ratio observations directly to the 1944 identification of DNA as the genetic carrier.
'Following this discovery' connects the timeline sequentially from 1944 to 1950.
4
Determine the concluding event.
The sentence starting with 'Ultimately' details the construction of the double-helix model in 1953 using the previously mentioned 'clues'.
The word 'Ultimately' signals the final step in a process, and 1953 represents the latest point on the timeline.

Key Concept

Using sequential transitions and chronological markers to establish a logical narrative order.
Question 17Question →

In 1912, meteorologist Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that Earth's continents were once joined in a single landmass. Because he could not identify a mechanism for how the continents moved, his ideas were widely dismissed. ______ in the 1950s, researcher Marie Tharp mapped the ocean floor using sonar data, revealing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and providing the crucial evidence of seafloor spreading. This discovery validated Wegener's concepts, cementing the modern theory of plate tectonics.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Answer: Subsequently,

Answer

Subsequently,
The passage describes two chronological events: Alfred Wegener's proposal of continental drift in 1912, followed by Marie Tharp mapping the ocean floor in the 1950s. The transition word 'Subsequently' correctly signals that Tharp's work happened after Wegener's proposal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the ideas in the passage.
The first part of the passage describes Alfred Wegener's proposal in 1912. The second part describes Marie Tharp mapping the ocean floor in the 1950s.
Identifying the chronological relationship between the events is necessary to choose the correct transition word.
2
Determine the temporal order of these events.
The event in the second sentence (1950s) occurs after the event in the first sentence (1912).
This determines that a transition word indicating a subsequent time or chronological progression is needed.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that matches this relationship.
'Subsequently' correctly indicates a subsequent event in a sequence.
Selecting the transition that matches the chronological order of the text ensures logical flow.

Key Concept

Chronological and Sequential Transitions
Question 18Question →

The following sentences describe the historical scientific process behind mapping the ocean floor and discovering seafloor spreading. What is the most logical and chronological order for these sentences?

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Answer

The correct sequence begins with Marie Tharp plotting raw sonar data in the early 1950s, followed by her noticing a V-shaped cleft while analyzing those profiles, then Bruce Heezen initially dismissing the finding as a drafting error, and ending with Heezen subsequently plotting earthquake epicenters to validate the mapping.
The correct chronological and logical sequence begins with the initiation of the mapping project in the early 1950s, followed by the discovery of the cleft while analyzing the mapping profiles, then the initial skepticism of Tharp's research partner, and finally the subsequent verification of the cleft through earthquake epicenter mapping.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory sentence that establishes the broad context and timeframe.
The sentence introducing Marie Tharp plotting raw sonar data in the early 1950s is placed first.
It establishes the chronological starting point and introduces the sonar data referenced later.
2
Locate the sentence that builds directly on the introduction by referencing the plotted sonar profiles.
The sentence starting with 'While analyzing these profiles' is placed second.
The phrase 'these profiles' points back to the 'raw sonar data' in the first sentence, and it introduces the finding of the V-shaped cleft.
3
Identify the immediate response to the discovery of the cleft.
The sentence starting with 'Initially, her research partner...' is placed third.
'Initially' indicates the first response to the hypothesis proposed in the second sentence, establishing the initial skepticism.
4
Determine the final resolving action in the sequence.
The sentence starting with 'Shortly thereafter, Heezen plotted...' is placed fourth.
'Shortly thereafter' transitions to the subsequent action that validates the findings and resolves the skepticism.

Key Concept

Chronological and logical sequencing in informational texts using transitions and pronoun antecedents.
Question 19Question →

In 1856, eighteen-year-old chemist William Henry Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine, a treatment for malaria, when his experiment went awry and produced a dark, sticky sludge. As he was cleaning his flask with alcohol, however, he noticed that the substance left a brilliant purple residue on the glass. _______ he patented this new substance as 'mauveine'—the world's first synthetic dye—and launched the modern chemical industry.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Subsequently,

Answer

The transition 'Subsequently' is the correct choice because it logically connects the chronological steps of Perkin noticing the residue and then patenting it.
The passage describes a sequence of events: first, Perkin noticed a purple residue while cleaning his flask; next, he patented the substance and launched an industry. The transition 'Subsequently' is correct because it logically signals a subsequent step in a chronological sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences before and after the blank.
The sentence before the blank describes Perkin noticing a purple residue. The sentence with the blank describes him patenting the substance and starting an industry.
Understanding the connection between these events determines the appropriate category of transition word.
2
Identify the chronological order of the actions.
Noticing the residue happened first. Patenting the substance occurred after this discovery.
A sequential or chronological transition is needed to show that the second event followed the first.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that establishes a subsequent chronological relationship.
'Subsequently' correctly indicates that the patenting occurred after the discovery. Other options represent incorrect relationships like reverse chronology, contrast, or exemplification.
Selecting the correct transition ensures the text flows logically and accurately represents the historical timeline.

Key Concept

Transitions: Chronology and Sequence
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Transitions: Chronology and Sequence Practice Questions — SAT | Examkin