Question 62·Easy·Transitions
Some scientists attribute the remarkable longevity of giant redwood trees to their unusually thick bark, which helps protect them from forest fires. _____ their leaves contain compounds that repel many insect pests.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and read the surrounding sentences to decide how the ideas relate: are they adding information, contrasting, showing cause-and-effect, giving an example, or indicating time/sequence? Once you label the relationship, quickly scan the options and eliminate any transitions that signal the wrong type of connection (for example, remove contrast words if there is no disagreement). Choose the option whose usual function—addition, contrast, result, time—matches the relationship you identified, and always double-check that the sentence still reads smoothly and logically when you insert it.
Hints
Paraphrase the two sentences
Restate each sentence in your own words. What explanation does the first sentence give for the trees’ long lives, and what explanation does the second sentence give?
Decide how the ideas are connected
Ask yourself: Is the second sentence disagreeing with the first, describing something at the same time, showing a result, or simply giving another similar reason?
Match the relationship to the transition type
Think about what each option usually signals: contrast, time/sequence, result, or adding another point. Eliminate choices that do not match the relationship you found between the two sentences.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what each sentence is saying
Paraphrase the two sentences:
- First sentence: Some scientists think giant redwoods live a long time partly because their thick bark protects them from forest fires.
- Second sentence (after the blank): Their leaves have chemicals that keep away many insect pests.
Both sentences describe reasons giant redwoods might live a long time: protection from fire and protection from insects.
Identify the relationship between the ideas
Ask: How does the second idea relate to the first?
- It does not disagree with or oppose the first idea.
- It does not describe something happening at the same time.
- It does not describe a result that comes after the first idea.
Instead, the second sentence gives another, similar supporting reason for the trees’ longevity. So the relationship is that the second sentence adds a new, related point.
Match the transition type to the answer choices
Now think about what each transition usually signals:
- A word that shows contrast would be wrong, because there is no disagreement.
- A word that shows time or things happening at the same time would be wrong, because we’re listing reasons, not describing timing.
- A word that shows cause-and-effect would be wrong, because the second sentence is not a result of the first.
- A word that shows addition is right, because the second sentence adds another reason.
Among the options, only "Furthermore," clearly signals that the second sentence is adding another similar reason, so "Furthermore," is the correct answer.