Question 69·Hard·Transitions
Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancient city of Cahokia experienced rapid population growth during the twelfth century, likely exceeding any contemporaneous European urban center. ______ pollen analysis reveals that intensive maize cultivation in the surrounding floodplains coincided with this demographic surge, suggesting an agricultural basis for Cahokia's expansion.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, ignore the answer choices at first and focus on the relationship between the sentences or clauses: ask whether the second idea supports, contrasts with, explains, or gives an example of the first. Once you’ve labeled the relationship (e.g., addition/support vs. contrast vs. comparison vs. cause-effect), eliminate any choices that signal the wrong type. Always plug your final choice back into the sentence and read it smoothly to confirm that the logical connection it introduces matches the actual content.
Hints
Check how the ideas relate
First, describe in your own words what the first sentence is saying and then what the second sentence is saying. Are they on the same side, or is one pushing back against the other?
Decide the type of connection
Ask yourself: Does the second sentence oppose, compare, or support/add to the point in the first sentence? This will narrow down the type of transition you need.
Test each transition logically
Quietly insert each option into the blank and read the two sentences together. Does the transition make the relationship clearer, or does it suggest a relationship (like contrast or similarity) that isn’t really there?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the first sentence
Read the first sentence: it tells us that Cahokia experienced rapid population growth in the twelfth century and that this growth likely exceeded that of any European city at the time. The main idea is a strong claim about Cahokia’s large and rapid population growth.
Understand the second sentence and its role
The second sentence says that pollen analysis shows intensive maize (corn) farming in nearby floodplains at the same time as the population surge. This supports and helps explain the growth, by suggesting an agricultural basis for the city’s expansion.
So, the second sentence is not disagreeing with the first; it is giving additional evidence or explanation for the claim in the first sentence.
Identify the logical relationship needed
Ask: What is the relationship between the two sentences?
- Is the second sentence contradicting or qualifying the first? No.
- Is it comparing Cahokia to something else in a similar way? Not really; it just adds more detail about Cahokia.
- It is adding more supporting information (another kind of evidence) that fits with and strengthens the original claim.
Therefore, we need a transition that signals additional, reinforcing information between the two sentences.
Match each choice to the relationship and choose the best one
Now match each option to that relationship:
- "Nevertheless," signals contrast or an unexpected difference.
- "Similarly," signals a comparison between two similar things.
- "Moreover," signals that we are adding another supporting point or piece of information.
- "In contrast," signals a clear difference or opposition.
Only the choice that clearly introduces additional supporting evidence between two aligned statements fits the context. Therefore, the correct answer is "Moreover,".