Question 60·Easy·Transitions
Scientists have long known that bees play a crucial role in pollination, helping to sustain both natural ecosystems and agriculture. ______ recent studies show that their populations are declining at an alarming rate.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first read the sentence (or sentences) around the blank and decide what the relationship between the ideas is: addition (similar idea), contrast (opposite or unexpected turn), cause-and-effect (reason/result), or example/clarification. Then quickly label each answer choice by its function and eliminate any that do not match the relationship you identified. Make your decision based on logic and meaning in context, not on what "sounds good" alone.
Hints
Compare the two parts of the sentence
Read what comes before and after the blank: is the second statement continuing the same kind of idea, giving a result, giving an example, or presenting something that goes against the first idea?
Classify the transition types
Think about what each option usually shows: one shows similarity, one shows cause-and-effect, one introduces an example, and one shows a difference or opposition. Decide which type of connection fits here.
Focus on the emotional shift
Notice the tone change: the first part focuses on the importance of bees, while the second part mentions an alarming problem. Which kind of transition word best fits that shift?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the two ideas being connected
Read the full sentence without the blank:
"Scientists have long known that bees play a crucial role in pollination, helping to sustain both natural ecosystems and agriculture. ______ recent studies show that their populations are declining at an alarming rate."
The first part is positive/important: bees are crucial for ecosystems and agriculture. The second part is negative/problematic: bee populations are declining at an alarming rate.
Identify the logical relationship
Ask: Is the second idea similar to the first, a result of the first, an example of the first, or in contrast to the first?
Here, the key contrast is:
- Idea 1: Bees are very important and helpful.
- Idea 2: Bees are in serious trouble (populations are declining).
These are opposing ideas: importance vs. decline/threat. That means we are looking for a transition that shows contrast between two statements.
Match each option to the relationship and choose the contrast word
Now check what each choice usually signals:
- "Similarly," suggests a similar or parallel idea.
- "Consequently," suggests a result or effect.
- "For example," introduces a specific example of the previous idea.
- One option signals contrast between the first statement and the second.
Because the sentence is moving from an important positive fact about bees to a worrying negative fact about bees, the only logical choice is the contrast transition: "However," (Choice D).