Question 216·Hard·Transitions
The Arctic region has been warming at more than twice the global average over the past century, a phenomenon scientists refer to as Arctic amplification. ______ feedback mechanisms involving sea-ice albedo, cloud cover, and atmospheric circulation compound this regional warming.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first read the sentences around the blank and briefly summarize what each is doing (introducing an idea, giving an example, contrasting, showing cause/effect, or indicating time order). Decide the relationship between them before you look closely at the answer choices. Then group the choices by function—contrast, addition/detail, time, cause/effect—and eliminate any whose function does not match the relationship you identified. Finally, choose the remaining option that keeps the sentence clear and logical without adding new, unsupported meanings.
Hints
Compare the two sentences
Ask yourself: Is the second sentence supporting, opposing, explaining, or coming after the first in time? Summarize each sentence in your own words.
Identify the function of the second sentence
Notice that the second sentence talks about "feedback mechanisms" and how they "compound this regional warming." Is that a new, opposite idea, or is it expanding on the idea already introduced?
Match the function to a transition type
Think about what each type of transition does: some show contrast, some show time order, and some introduce more detail or examples. Which type is needed here?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first sentence is saying
The first sentence states a fact: the Arctic is warming more than twice as fast as the global average, and scientists call this Arctic amplification. It introduces a general phenomenon but does not yet explain how it is intensified.
Understand what the second sentence is doing
The second sentence mentions "feedback mechanisms involving sea-ice albedo, cloud cover, and atmospheric circulation" that "compound this regional warming." This sentence is explaining in more detail how or why Arctic amplification is so strong by giving examples of mechanisms that worsen it.
Decide what kind of transition is needed
Because the second sentence is adding more specific information that explains the first, we need a transition that signals detail or clarification of the previous idea. We do not need a word that shows contrast (opposite idea) or time order (something that happens later).
Evaluate the choices and select the one that matches
"Nevertheless," and "Conversely," both signal contrast or opposition, which does not fit because the second sentence supports and explains the first. "Subsequently," signals something that happens later in time, but the sentence is not about a later event; it is about mechanisms that are always part of the warming process. The only choice that correctly introduces a more precise explanation of the previous statement is "Specifically,".