Question 97·Easy·Transitions
Electric bicycles are powered by a rechargeable battery. When the rider begins to pedal, a sensor detects the motion and signals the motor. _____ the motor provides additional torque, making it easier to climb hills.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and read the sentences around the blank to decide what the logical relationship is: addition, example, cause-and-effect, contrast, or time. Then, quickly label each choice by its function (example like “for instance,” contrast like “however,” cause/effect like “therefore,” time like “later/earlier”) and eliminate any whose function does not match the relationship you identified. Finally, plug the remaining option into the sentence to confirm it keeps the meaning clear and logical.
Hints
Think about how the ideas are connected
Ask yourself: Is the third sentence giving an example, showing a contrast, telling when something happened, or showing what happens because of something?
Focus on the cause-and-effect in the description
Notice that the sensor detects motion and signals the motor, and then the motor provides additional torque. What kind of relationship is that between the actions?
Match each answer choice to a relationship type
Label each option in your mind as example, contrast, time, or consequence, and then see which type fits the relationship you identified between the sentences.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the relationship between the two sentences
Read the sentences together without any transition:
Electric bicycles are powered by a rechargeable battery. When the rider begins to pedal, a sensor detects the motion and signals the motor. ___ the motor provides additional torque, making it easier to climb hills.
The third sentence describes what happens because the sensor signals the motor. That means the relationship is cause-and-effect: the sensor’s signal leads to the motor providing extra torque.
Classify what each transition word does
Identify the general function of each option:
- “For instance,” introduces an example.
- “As a result,” introduces an effect or consequence of something just mentioned.
- “Nevertheless,” shows contrast or an unexpected opposite.
- “Earlier,” indicates time, referring to something that happened before.
Keep these functions in mind and compare them to the cause-and-effect relationship you found.
Match the needed relationship to the correct type
We need a transition that shows that the motor providing additional torque is caused by the sensor detecting motion and signaling the motor. This rules out:
- An example (not just illustrating something)
- A contrast (nothing is being opposed)
- A time marker (we are not shifting to an earlier moment)
Only a transition that clearly signals an effect or consequence will logically connect the ideas.
Select the transition that shows consequence
The only choice that signals that the motor’s extra torque is the effect of the sensor signaling the motor is B) As a result, so that is the correct answer.