Question 118·Hard·Transitions
In public budgeting, some analysts argue that subsidizing intercity rail is impractical for mid-sized regions because initial capital costs are prohibitive. ______ recent case studies from comparable regions show that staged construction paired with fare integration can shorten commute times and increase ridership enough to offset operating expenses within five years.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide how the ideas on each side of the blank relate: same idea, contrast, cause-effect, example, or detail. Then quickly classify each option by its typical use and eliminate any that do not match the relationship you identified. Always read the sentence with your chosen transition inserted to confirm the logic and flow before moving on.
Hints
Hint 1: Compare the tones of the two sentences
Look at whether the first sentence is positive or negative about subsidizing intercity rail, and then see if the second sentence agrees with that view or pushes back against it.
Hint 2: Identify the logical relationship
Ask yourself: Is the second sentence giving a result, an example, a more specific detail, or something that goes against what was just said?
Hint 3: Check each transition type
Think about how you normally use words like "consequently," "for example," and "in particular" in writing, and eliminate any that do not match the relationship you identified between the two sentences.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the relationship between the two sentences
Read the meaning of each sentence:
- First sentence: Some analysts say subsidizing intercity rail is impractical because the initial costs are too high.
- Second sentence: Recent case studies show that a certain approach (staged construction and fare integration) can make the system successful enough to cover operating expenses.
These two ideas are in tension: the first is negative (impractical); the second offers evidence that suggests it can work. That means the sentences contrast with each other.
Classify what each transition type would signal
Now think about what each option usually shows:
- "Consequently," = result or effect (X happened, consequently Y happened).
- "For example," = an illustration or sample of the previous idea.
- "In particular," = narrowing in on a specific part of the previous idea.
- "Nevertheless," = contrast or unexpected opposition (even though X, Y is still true).
Ask: Do we need a result, an example, a specific detail, or a contrast between ideas?
Match the needed relationship to the correct transition
The second sentence does not describe a result of analysts' argument, nor is it an example or a specific instance of the claim that rail is impractical. Instead, it pushes back against that claim by giving evidence that rail can be financially viable.
A transition that introduces a contrast or counterpoint fits best here. Therefore, the correct choice is "Nevertheless,".