For transition questions, compare the logical roles of the surrounding claims rather than relying on conspicuous opposite words. Restate each claim simply, determine whether the claims contrast, support, illustrate, or parallel one another, and then select the transition that expresses that exact relationship.
Hints
- Hint 1
Separate the action from its interpretation
Consider what the text says an embassy's reopening or closure can and cannot prove about relations between states.
- Hint 2
Compare the claims, not just the events
Reopening and closure are opposites, but determine whether the conclusions drawn about those events play opposing or parallel roles in the argument.
- Hint 3
Name the relationship
Look for a transition indicating that the final sentence applies the preceding caution to another situation.
Step-by-step
- Step 1
Identify the first claim
Sen's finding shows that reopening an embassy does not necessarily mean that relations have improved; rivals may reopen one merely to manage crises.
- Step 2
Identify the final sentence's role
The final sentence makes a parallel point about embassy closures: closing an embassy does not necessarily mean that relations have worsened if unofficial cooperation continues.
- Step 3
Choose the matching relationship
Although reopening and closure are opposite actions, the two sentences offer similar warnings against drawing conclusions from those actions alone. Therefore, “Similarly,” is the most precise transition.