Expression of IdeasHardTransitions: contrast
Expression of Ideas practice question
Conventional wisdom holds that adding more lanes to a highway reduces traffic congestion. Studies of expanded highways, ____, often show that the new lanes fill with additional drivers and congestion returns within a few years.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. however,Correct
- B. therefore,
- C. for example,
- D. in addition,
Answer: A. however,
The findings contradict the conventional wisdom stated first, so the contrastive 'however' fits. 'Therefore' would signal that the studies follow logically from the belief, but they in fact undercut it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. therefore,
- "Therefore" would mean the study findings follow from the conventional wisdom, but the studies show congestion returning — they undercut that belief rather than flowing from it.
- C. for example,
- "For example" would make the studies an illustration of the claim that new lanes reduce congestion, yet they demonstrate the opposite result.
- D. in addition,
- "In addition" signals another supporting point, but the studies contradict the conventional wisdom instead of adding to it.
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