Question 210·Hard·Transitions
Researchers once believed that the Indus script was solely ceremonial, a static set of symbols used for ritual purposes. ______ recent excavations at Harappa reveal inscriptions on a variety of mundane objects, suggesting that the script served practical, everyday functions.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the choices and read the sentences around the blank to decide the logical relationship on your own: is it adding similar information, contrasting it, giving a cause or effect, or emphasizing? Summarize each side in simple words ("old belief" vs. "new evidence," for example), label the relationship (contrast, cause-effect, etc.), and only then look at the answer options and pick the one whose function matches that relationship. Eliminate any choices that would change the meaning (such as suggesting similarity when there is contradiction).
Hints
Look at the direction of the ideas
Ask yourself: does the second sentence agree with, explain, or contradict the belief in the first sentence?
Summarize each side in simple words
Restate the two parts as: "They used to think it was only for rituals" vs. "Now evidence shows it was used on everyday objects." What kind of relationship is that?
Match the relationship to the transition type
Decide whether you need a word that shows cause-and-effect, similarity, emphasis, or contrast before you look closely at the answer choices.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the relationship between the two sentences
Read the first part: researchers once believed the Indus script was solely ceremonial, used only for rituals. Then read the next part: recent excavations show the script on mundane, everyday objects, suggesting practical functions. The new evidence goes against the old belief.
So the logical relationship is contrast/contradiction: "They used to think X, but new evidence shows not-X (or more than X)."
Decide what kind of transition is needed
Because the second sentence disagrees with or challenges the first, you need a transition that signals contrast between an earlier idea and new, opposing information. This is similar to words like "however" or "in contrast."
Classify each answer choice by its function
Now think about what each option usually does:
- "Therefore," introduces a result or conclusion from what came before.
- "Similarly," introduces something that is alike or parallel to the previous idea.
- "Indeed," usually emphasizes or reinforces the previous statement.
- One choice is a contrast word that shows an exception or opposing idea.
Only a contrast transition will fit the relationship you identified in Step 1.
Match the contrast function to the correct choice
Since we need a word that shows contrast between the old belief (purely ceremonial) and new evidence (everyday, practical use), the only option that functions as a clear contrast transition is "Nevertheless," so the best completion is:
"Researchers once believed that the Indus script was solely ceremonial, a static set of symbols used for ritual purposes. Nevertheless, recent excavations at Harappa reveal inscriptions on a variety of mundane objects, suggesting that the script served practical, everyday functions."