Question 57·Hard·Transitions
Some climate models predict that rising temperatures will increase global agricultural yields by lengthening growing seasons at high latitudes. ______ these projections do not account for the spread of heat-tolerant pests, which researchers project will negate much of the anticipated productivity gains.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide how the second part of the sentence relates to the first: does it show a result, contrast, example, addition, or timing? Look closely at clue words (like “however,” “because,” “for example,” or phrases such as “do not account for,” “as a result,” “in contrast”). Once you’ve labeled the relationship (here, a contrast that undercuts the prediction), choose the option whose meaning matches that relationship exactly, and eliminate choices that indicate a different connection even if they seem to flow smoothly.
Hints
Check the direction of the ideas
Read the sentence with a pause at the blank: is the second part generally supporting or challenging the optimistic prediction in the first part?
Focus on key words after the blank
Pay attention to phrases like “do not account for” and “will negate much of the anticipated productivity gains.” Do these words suggest agreement, result, or a problem/limitation?
Match the relationship, not the sound
Decide first whether the connection between the two parts is result, example, time, or contrast. Then choose the transition that matches that relationship, rather than the one that just "sounds" smooth.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first clause is saying
Read the first sentence up to the blank: it says that some climate models predict rising temperatures will increase global agricultural yields by lengthening growing seasons. This is a positive, optimistic prediction about future productivity.
Understand what the second clause is saying
Now read the part after the blank: these projections do not account for the spread of heat-tolerant pests, which will negate much of the anticipated productivity gains. This part introduces a problem that undercuts or contradicts the optimistic prediction.
Identify the logical relationship
Put the ideas together: the first idea is, "yields will increase." The second idea is, "a factor has been ignored that will cancel out much of that increase." These two ideas are in conflict: the second part is a warning or limitation that works against the expectation set up in the first part. That means we need a transition that shows contrast or "even so" rather than result, example, or timing.
Match the meaning to the best transition
Check each option’s meaning: “Consequently,” shows a result, “For instance,” introduces an example, and “Meanwhile,” indicates something happening at the same time. None of those show contrast. Only “Nevertheless,” signals “despite what was just said” or “even so,” which fits the way the second clause pushes back against the optimistic projections, so “Nevertheless,” is the correct answer.