Question 165·Easy·Transitions
Smartphone batteries have improved dramatically in the last decade, lasting hours longer than earlier models. _____ many users still find themselves searching for a charger by midafternoon.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide how the ideas in the sentences relate: are they contrasting, showing cause and effect, adding a similar point, or restating? Look for clue words like "however," "still," "as a result," or "for example" in the surrounding text. Then quickly match each answer choice to its function (contrast, result, similarity, restatement, etc.) and eliminate any that do not fit that relationship, rather than choosing what "sounds" best.
Hints
Focus on the word "still"
Look closely at the second sentence: the word "still" suggests something surprising or not quite matching what you might expect from the first sentence.
Decide how the ideas are related
Ask yourself: Does the second sentence give a result of the first, repeat the first in another way, show something similar, or show something that goes against expectations?
Connect meanings of transitions to the relationship
Think about what each type of transition usually does: one shows a result, one shows similarity, one restates, and one introduces an unexpected contrast. Match these functions to how the two sentences relate.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first sentence is saying
Read the first sentence carefully: "Smartphone batteries have improved dramatically in the last decade, lasting hours longer than earlier models." This sets up a positive idea: batteries are much better now and last longer than before.
Understand what the second sentence adds
Now read the second sentence: "_____ many users still find themselves searching for a charger by midafternoon." The key word is "still", which suggests something unexpected is happening despite the improvement: even with better batteries, people are nevertheless looking for chargers.
Identify the relationship between the two sentences
Ask: Is the second sentence
- giving a result of the first?
- showing something similar to the first?
- restating the first in a different way?
- or contrasting with the first?
Here, the second sentence contrasts with the first: it shows a surprising situation that goes against what you might expect from the improvement described.
Match each choice to its typical use
Now connect each option to its typical meaning:
- "Consequently," = as a result (cause and effect)
- "Similarly," = in the same way (similar idea)
- "In other words," = saying the same thing differently (restatement)
- One option is used to introduce a contrasting or unexpected idea compared to what came before.
Because the sentences show a contrast—improved batteries but people still need chargers—the correct transition is C) Yet.