Question 42·Hard·Transitions
Many technologies once considered strictly science fiction have gradually become part of daily life: smartphones replace handheld "communicators," and voice-activated assistants echo the talking computers of classic films. ______ genuinely three-dimensional holographic displays remain largely confined to research laboratories and limited-run publicity events.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, always read the full sentence before and after the blank and summarize each in simple words (e.g., “common now” vs. “still rare”). Decide whether the relationship is similarity, contrast, or cause-and-effect. Then eliminate any options whose meanings do not match that relationship, and finally plug the remaining choice into the sentence to confirm it keeps the logic and tone consistent.
Hints
Compare the ideas before and after the blank
Ask yourself: Does the second sentence describe the same trend as the first sentence, the opposite of it, or a result of it?
Decide on the relationship type
Is the author emphasizing similarity, contrast, or cause-and-effect between the fact that some sci-fi technologies are common and the status of 3D holographic displays?
Match transition meanings to the relationship
Review what each transition generally signals: “Likewise” (similarity), “Consequently” and “For this reason” (cause-effect), and one that signals contrast. Which best fits the relationship you found?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first sentence is saying
Read the first sentence: technologies that used to be only in science fiction, like communicators and talking computers, have now become part of daily life. The key idea is progress and widespread adoption of some advanced technologies.
Understand what the second sentence is saying
Now read the second sentence (without a transition): “genuinely three-dimensional holographic displays remain largely confined to research laboratories and limited-run publicity events.” This means that these displays are still rare and not part of everyday life.
So the second sentence is not saying the same thing as the first; it is showing an exception or contrast to the pattern described before.
Decide what kind of transition is needed
Put the two ideas together:
- First: many sci-fi technologies have become common.
- Second: but one kind of sci-fi technology (true 3D holograms) has not become common.
We need a transition that signals a contrast or unexpected exception between these two ideas, not similarity or cause-and-effect.
Test each option against that relationship
Check each choice:
- “Likewise,” means in the same way, showing similarity. That would wrongly suggest holograms are also common.
- “Consequently,” and “For this reason,” both signal cause-and-effect. The sentence is not saying holograms are rare because other sci-fi tech became common.
- Only a contrast word like “Nevertheless,” fits, because it shows that despite many sci-fi technologies becoming everyday, truly 3D holograms still are not.
So the correct answer is B) Nevertheless,.