Question 28·Easy·Transitions
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity without producing greenhouse gases. ______ they do not generate power at night, so homeowners often rely on stored energy or backup sources after sunset.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide how the second idea relates to the first: is it a cause, result, contrast, example, or something similar? Look for clues like whether the second sentence supports, explains, or opposes the first. Then classify each answer choice by the type of relationship it signals (contrast, cause/effect, example, similarity) and eliminate any whose function doesn’t match the relationship you identified. This approach is much faster and more accurate than picking what “sounds right.”
Hints
Compare the ideas before and after the blank
Ask yourself: Is the second sentence adding another benefit, giving a reason, giving an example, or pointing out a problem/limitation related to the first sentence?
Decide the direction of the second sentence
Does the mention that solar panels do not generate power at night support the positive idea in the first sentence, or does it introduce a complication or opposing point?
Match the relationship to a transition type
Once you know whether the relationship is result, contrast, similarity, or example, choose the option whose usual role (result, contrast, similarity, example) fits that relationship.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the relationship between the two sentences
First, read the two sentences together without any transition:
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity without producing greenhouse gases. ______ they do not generate power at night, so homeowners often rely on stored energy or backup sources after sunset.
The first sentence gives a positive benefit of solar panels (no greenhouse gases). The second sentence introduces a problem or limitation (no power at night, need backups). That means the second sentence is contrasting with the first, not supporting it.
Identify what each transition word usually signals
Now think about what kind of relationship each option usually expresses:
- Consequently, — shows a result or effect (something happens because of what came before).
- Nevertheless, — shows a contrast or an unexpected difference ("even so," "however").
- Likewise, — shows similarity or addition ("in the same way").
- For instance, — introduces an example.
We just saw that the sentences have a contrast relationship: benefit vs. limitation.
Match the transition type to the sentence relationship and choose
Because the sentences contrast (good feature vs. drawback), a contrast transition is needed.
- "Consequently," would incorrectly say the nighttime problem is a result of having no greenhouse gases.
- "Likewise," would wrongly suggest the second sentence is another similar benefit.
- "For instance," would wrongly treat the nighttime problem as an example of converting sunlight without greenhouse gases.
Only a contrast transition correctly signals that the second idea goes in the opposite direction of the first. Therefore, the best choice is “Nevertheless,”.