Question 145·Easy·Transitions
Many cities have begun converting old railway lines into urban greenways. ______ these projects improve access to parks; they also boost local economies by attracting tourists and new businesses.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide the logical relationship between the ideas: addition (same direction), contrast, cause/effect, time, or example. Then, quickly label each option by its function (e.g., contrast, time, addition) and choose the one whose function matches the relationship you identified. If a choice does not clearly match the logic between the sentences, eliminate it, even if it “sounds” okay.
Hints
Check how the second sentence relates to the first
Read both sentences together and ask yourself: Does the second sentence argue against the first, explain when something happens, describe something happening at the same time, or give more support for the same idea?
Look for the direction of the ideas
Notice that both sentences are positive about converting railway lines into greenways. That means a contrast word would not fit well; think about what kind of word connects two positive, supportive statements.
Test each transition’s usual job
Think: One option shows time order, one shows contrast, one shows two things happening at once, and one shows that you’re adding another similar point. Which job matches what the sentence is doing?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what each sentence is saying
First, read the two sentences together without worrying about the blank:
- Sentence 1: Many cities are converting old railway lines into urban greenways.
- Sentence 2 (after the blank): These projects improve access to parks; they also boost local economies by attracting tourists and new businesses.
Both parts are talking about the positive effects of the same projects (urban greenways). The second sentence gives two benefits: better park access and stronger local economies.
Decide what kind of relationship the transition must show
Ask: How does the second sentence relate to the first?
- It does not show a contrast; it supports the idea that greenways are good.
- It does not describe something that happens earlier or later in time; both are just facts about the same projects.
- It does not describe a separate, simultaneous event; it keeps talking about the same topic.
Instead, the second sentence is adding more positive information about the same projects. So you need a transition that shows you are adding another similar point.
Match the choices to the needed relationship
Now check each option against the relationship you identified:
- “Before,” shows time order (something happens earlier).
- “Nevertheless,” shows contrast (something is true even though something else is true).
- “Meanwhile,” shows two different things happening at the same time.
- “In addition,” shows that you are adding another similar point.
Because the sentence is listing additional benefits of urban greenways, the transition that clearly adds another similar idea is “In addition,” so the correct answer is C) In addition,.