Question 22·Easy·Transitions
The solar-powered lamp’s design was praised for its simplicity and durability. ______ some critics noted that the device was too expensive for communities with limited resources.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and read the sentence around the blank to understand the relationship between the two ideas (same direction, contrast, cause/effect, example, etc.). Then quickly label that relationship in your own words (e.g., “this is a contrast”) and go to the choices, eliminating any transitions whose usual function (addition, result, example, emphasis) does not match. Pick the one whose meaning clearly fits the logic of the sentence, not just what “sounds good.”
Hints
Look at the tones of the two parts
Is the first part of the sentence positive, negative, or neutral? How about the second part? Decide whether the two parts agree with each other or oppose each other.
Identify the relationship type
Ask yourself: Is the second part explaining a result, adding another similar idea, giving an example, or pushing back against the first idea?
Match relationship to transition meanings
Think about what each option usually does in a sentence: Does it show cause/effect, addition, example, or a change from the previous idea? Pick the one whose function best fits the relationship you identified.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the meaning of each clause
Read the sentence in two parts:
- Part 1: “The solar-powered lamp’s design was praised for its simplicity and durability.” This is positive.
- Part 2: “some critics noted that the device was too expensive for communities with limited resources.” This is negative/critical.
So the sentence moves from praise to criticism.
Decide how the ideas are related
Ask: Does the second part cause the first, add another similar point, give an example of the first, or contrast with it?
Here, the second clause does not explain why the lamp was praised, and it is not another positive point. Instead, it brings up a problem that goes against the praise in the first clause. That means the relationship is one of opposition between the two ideas.
Match each transition type to the sentence logic
Now connect each choice to its typical use:
- “As a result,” suggests cause and effect.
- “In addition,” suggests adding similar information.
- “For instance,” introduces an example.
- One choice (the correct one) signals contrast/opposition between ideas.
Since the sentence goes from a positive statement to a criticism, you need the transition that clearly shows this contrast.
Select the transition that shows contrast
Only “However,” is used to introduce information that goes against or qualifies what came before. It correctly shows that the critics’ complaint about the lamp being too expensive contrasts with the earlier praise, so “However,” is the best transition.