Question 131·Easy·Transitions
Scientists initially expected the comet to pass harmlessly by Earth. ______ new observations revealed that its trajectory had shifted slightly closer, prompting further study.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and read the sentence (or sentences) around the blank to decide the logical relationship: addition, contrast, cause-and-effect, or example. Put this relationship into simple words for yourself (e.g., “this is the opposite of the first idea” or “this is the result of that”). Then classify each answer choice by what type of connection it signals and pick the one that matches your description. Finally, read the sentence with your chosen transition to confirm it sounds logical and consistent with the ideas before and after.
Hints
Identify the two ideas being connected
Read the clause before the blank and the clause after the blank. What does the first say about the comet, and what new information does the second add?
Ask how the ideas relate
Does the second idea repeat the same type of information, add a similar point, show a result, or show an unexpected change compared to the first idea?
Classify the transition types in the choices
Look at each answer choice and think: Which ones suggest similarity, which suggest cause-and-effect, which suggest simple addition, and which signal a contrast or change?
Check for contrast with expectations
The first part talks about what scientists expected; the second part talks about what new data actually showed. What kind of transition best connects an expectation with a different outcome?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first part is saying
Read the first clause: "Scientists initially expected the comet to pass harmlessly by Earth." This tells us the original expectation was that the comet would not be dangerous.
Understand what the second part is saying
Now read the second clause: "new observations revealed that its trajectory had shifted slightly closer, prompting further study." This means something changed—the comet is now closer than expected and may need more attention.
Decide the relationship between the two parts
Compare the two ideas:
- First: harmless, expected to pass by.
- Second: trajectory shifted closer, prompting further study. The second part does not repeat or add to the original expectation; instead, it contradicts or contrasts with it by introducing a concern where there was none before.
Match the relationship to the correct transition
Now check which option introduces a contrast between an earlier expectation and a new, conflicting result:
- "Similarly," shows similarity.
- "Therefore," shows cause-and-effect.
- "In addition," simply adds another similar point.
- "However," shows contrast or an unexpected twist. Because the second clause contrasts with the first, the best transition is "However,".