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Expression of IdeasMediumTransitions

Expression of Ideas practice question

Solar panels have become dramatically cheaper over the past decade. ____, installation costs — permits, labor, and hardware — still make up a large share of a homeowner's total bill.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. A. For example,
  2. B. As a result,
  3. C. However,Correct
  4. D. Similarly,

Answer: C. However,

The second sentence contrasts falling panel prices with still-high installation costs. 'However' signals contrast. 'As a result' would imply the drop caused high install costs, which is illogical.

Why the other answers are wrong

A. For example,
"For example" would require the second sentence to be an instance of cheaper panels, but high installation costs are the opposite of a cost drop — this is a contrast, not an illustration.
B. As a result,
"As a result" says the falling panel prices caused installation costs to stay high, which reverses the logic; the sentences set high install costs against cheap panels.
D. Similarly,
"Similarly" signals two like ideas, but falling panel prices and stubbornly high installation costs point in opposite directions.

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