Question 203·Medium·Transitions
Researchers have long thought that the planet Mars was entirely inhospitable to life. Recent satellite data, however, reveal intermittent streaks that suggest the presence of liquid water just below the surface. ____ scientists are eager to send new probes to investigate whether microbial life might exist in these damp regions.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide on the relationship between the ideas: is the second part contrasting, giving a result, adding a similar point, or giving an example? Then check each option’s typical function (contrast, cause-and-effect, similarity, example, etc.) and choose the one that matches that relationship; eliminate any word that would flip the meaning (like a contrast word where there’s no contrast) or create a different relationship than the passage shows.
Hints
Look at the sentences around the blank
Read the sentence before and the part after the blank together: how does scientists’ eagerness to send probes relate to the discovery of possible liquid water?
Name the type of relationship
Decide whether the last part of the sentence is contrasting with the new data, giving a result of the new data, giving another similar situation, or giving an example of something just mentioned.
Match each choice to its usual function
Think about what each transition usually does: one shows contrast, one shows a result, one shows similarity, and one introduces an example. Which function fits the relationship you identified?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first part is saying
The first two sentences contrast old beliefs with new evidence:
- First: Scientists used to think Mars was completely inhospitable to life.
- Then: New satellite data show streaks that may indicate liquid water beneath the surface. So the new information suggests Mars might not be so inhospitable after all.
Understand what the final clause is saying
The blank comes just before: "scientists are eager to send new probes to investigate whether microbial life might exist in these damp regions." This means scientists now want to take action (send probes) to check for life in the regions where water might be present.
Decide the logical relationship between the ideas
Ask: How is scientists’ eagerness to send new probes related to the discovery of possible liquid water?
- It is not an opposing idea; they are motivated by this discovery.
- It is not just another similar example; it’s a reaction or follow-up. The scientists’ eagerness is a direct response to the new data.
Match the relationship to the best transition
Now match the relationship (the action is a result of the discovery) to the choices:
- A) "Nevertheless," shows contrast or opposition.
- B) "Consequently," shows a result or outcome.
- C) "Similarly," shows similarity.
- D) "For example," introduces an example. Because scientists’ eagerness to send probes is a result of finding possible liquid water, the best choice is B) Consequently,.