Question 87·Hard·Transitions
After decades of concentrating on the sheer volume of food produced, agricultural researchers now emphasize nutrient density, observing that greater yields do not necessarily yield more nutritious harvests. ______ several current initiatives seek to develop crop varieties that deliver higher levels of vitamins and minerals per kernel or leaf.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first read the sentences on both sides of the blank and ignore the answer choices. In your own words, label the relationship between the ideas (contrast, cause/effect, example, addition, comparison, etc.). Then look at the choices and match their meanings to that relationship, eliminating any that don’t fit. Be careful not to pick a transition just because it “sounds good”—it must accurately describe how the two specific sentences connect.
Hints
Identify the connection between the two sentences
Ask yourself: Does the second sentence oppose the first idea, support it, give a similar idea, give a result, or provide an example?
Focus on the phrase about “several current initiatives”
Think about why these initiatives exist. Are they surprising compared with the previous sentence, or do they follow naturally from the new emphasis on nutrient density?
Match meanings of transition words to the relationship
Recall: some transitions show contrast, some show similarity, some show examples, and some show cause and effect. Decide which type of relationship fits here, then pick the option that matches that type.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first sentence is saying
The first sentence explains a change in focus: instead of just trying to grow more food, agricultural researchers now focus on nutrient density. They have noticed that higher yield (more food) does not always mean more nutritious food.
Understand what the second sentence is saying
The second sentence talks about “several current initiatives” that “seek to develop crop varieties that deliver higher levels of vitamins and minerals.” These initiatives are described right after the change in research focus, so they are connected to that new emphasis.
Decide how the two sentences are logically related
Ask: Is the second sentence contrasting with the first, giving a similar point, giving an example, or giving a result of the first? Here, the initiatives follow naturally from the new emphasis on nutrient density, so the second sentence is best understood as a result or outcome of the first.
Match the relationship to the correct transition word
Now match each option to a relationship:
- “Nevertheless,” = contrast (unexpected or opposing point)
- “Similarly,” = comparison (a point that is alike or parallel)
- “For instance,” = example (introduces a specific example)
- “Consequently,” = result or effect (what happens because of the previous idea)
Because the second sentence describes what happens as a result of the new research focus, the transition that best fits is “Consequently,”.