Question 86·Medium·Transitions
Some historians argue that the printing press spread literacy primarily by lowering the cost of books. _______ recent studies of manuscript circulation show that reading societies were already thriving before printed volumes became widely available.
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 the exact relationship: addition, contrast, cause/effect, sequence, or example. Then quickly label each option by its function (e.g., time, contrast, result, example) and eliminate any that don’t match the relationship you identified. Finally, plug the remaining option back into the sentence to confirm it creates a clear, logical connection.
Hints
Connect the two sentences
Read both sentences together and ask: what is the second sentence doing in relation to the first—supporting it, explaining it, or challenging it?
Classify the type of relationship
Decide whether the second sentence shows a result, gives an example, describes something happening at the same time, or presents an opposing idea.
Match meaning, not sound
Ignore which option “sounds nice” and instead match the exact logical relationship you identified with the function of each transition word.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what each sentence is saying
Paraphrase the ideas:
- First sentence: Some historians think the printing press increased literacy mainly by making books cheaper.
- Second sentence: Recent research shows that reading societies already existed before printed books were common.
These two ideas are not simply adding on to each other; the second one potentially undercuts the first.
Decide the logical relationship between the ideas
Ask: Does the second sentence show a result of the first, a time shift, an example, or a contrast?
- It is not a result of historians’ argument.
- It is not an example supporting their view.
- It’s also not mainly about things happening at the same time.
- Instead, it gives evidence that complicates or challenges the historians’ claim by showing literacy activities existed before cheap printed books.
Match the relationship to the transition choice
Now classify the options:
- “Meanwhile,” suggests events happening at the same time.
- “As a result,” shows cause-and-effect.
- “For example,” introduces a supporting example.
- “However,” introduces a contrast or opposing point.
Because the second sentence challenges the claim in the first, the contrast transition fits best, so the correct answer is “However,”.