Question 20·Medium·Transitions
Initial studies suggested that nanoparticles would enhance the strength of concrete only marginally. _____ more recent research has revealed that certain nanoparticle blends can double the material’s compressive strength.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide how the two parts of the sentence relate: are they in agreement, in contrast, cause-and-effect, sequence, or example/detail? Summarize the relationship in your own words (e.g., "this second part contradicts the first"), then choose the option whose meaning matches that relationship and eliminate choices that signal the wrong kind of connection (like example or time when the sentence needs contrast). Always check that the punctuation and flow of the sentence still sound natural after inserting your chosen transition.
Hints
Read both sides of the blank
Carefully read the clause before the blank and the clause after the blank. Ask yourself: does the second part agree with, explain, or go against the first part?
Decide the logical relationship
Think: Is the second statement giving an example, showing a contrast, showing something happening at the same time, or showing a result of the first statement?
Match meanings of answer choices to the relationship
Remind yourself what each option usually does in a sentence: which one introduces an example, which one shows time, which one shows cause-and-effect, and which one shows a change or contrast?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the first idea
Read the first sentence part: "Initial studies suggested that nanoparticles would enhance the strength of concrete only marginally." This means earlier research found only a small improvement in strength.
Understand the second idea
Now read the part after the blank: "more recent research has revealed that certain nanoparticle blends can double the material’s compressive strength." This means newer research found a very large improvement (doubling the strength).
Identify the relationship between the two ideas
Compare the two ideas:
- First part: only a small improvement.
- Second part: a much larger improvement than expected.
The second idea does not give an example of the first, does not describe something happening at the same time, and is not a result of the first idea. Instead, it contrasts with or reverses the earlier expectation.
Match the relationship to the best transition
Now check which transition word signals contrast between earlier expectations and newer findings:
- "For instance," introduces an example.
- "Meanwhile," shows things happening at the same time.
- "Consequently," shows a result.
- Only "However," clearly shows a contrast between the old, modest result and the new, much stronger result.
Therefore, the correct answer is "However,".