Question 253·Hard·Transitions
A 2020 analysis of ocean cleanup initiatives found that autonomous surface skimmers can remove plastic debris faster than manual crews in calm conditions. Field reports from several ports also noted lower labor costs when skimmers were deployed. ______ the devices capture only floating fragments and miss the submerged microplastics that constitute most of the plastic mass.
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 relationship (addition, contrast, cause-effect, example, etc.). Summarize that relationship in simple words (like “this is a drawback to what was just praised”) and then classify each answer choice by its usual function. Eliminate any choices whose meaning does not match that relationship, and only then pick from the remaining options—do not be distracted by how smoothly a word sounds if its logical function is wrong. Content bу Anikо.ai
Hints
Check the tone before and after the blank
Look at whether the first two sentences and the clause after the blank are positive, negative, or mixed in tone. Are they all pointing in the same direction, or does the direction change?
Identify the function of the last idea
Ask yourself: Is the final clause giving another benefit, explaining a result, providing an example, or pointing out a problem with the skimmers?
Group the answer choices by type of transition
Think about what each option usually does in a sentence: which one shows result, which shows example, which shows similarity, and which shows a shift or contrast? Then match the needed relationship to the correct group.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the relationship in the passage
Read all three sentences together and think about how the ideas connect:
- Sentence 1: Skimmers can remove plastic debris faster than manual crews.
- Sentence 2: They also reduce labor costs.
- Final clause after the blank: They only capture floating fragments and miss submerged microplastics, which are most of the plastic mass.
The first two sentences are positive (advantages). The last part introduces a problem or limitation.
Decide what kind of connection is needed
Ask: Does the last idea support, explain, give an example of, or contrast with the first two ideas?
Here, the limitation (missing most of the plastic mass) goes against the positive points about speed and cost. That means we need a transition that signals a contrast between advantages and drawbacks.
Classify the meanings of each option
Now, think about what each choice usually signals:
- "Consequently," usually means as a result (cause → effect).
- "For example," introduces a specific example of a general statement.
- "Similarly," shows that what follows is like what came before.
- One option in the list is used to show contrast (something is true despite what was just said).
Only the contrast meaning will fit the relationship you identified in Step 2.
Match the contrast meaning to the correct transition
Because the passage shifts from benefits (faster, cheaper) to a drawback (missing most of the plastic mass), the transition must show that contrast.
The choice that signals “even so” or “in contrast to the previous positive points” is A) Nevertheless, so that is the correct answer.