Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Question

The paper mill on the river's east bank draws water from the river to rinse wood pulp during production. In the 1990s, the mill began returning that water to the river without first filtering out the fine pulp fibers. ______, the riverbed downstream became coated with a thick layer of sediment that smothered fish eggs.

Accepted Answer

A. As a result. The sediment coating is the effect of the mill's unfiltered discharge, so a cause-and-effect transition is needed: "As a result" is correct. (B) "Nevertheless" signals contrast, but the second sentence does not oppose the first; it follows from it. (C) "For instance" signals that an example of a general claim follows, but the sediment is a consequence, not an illustration, of the discharge practice. (D) "Similarly" signals that two comparable things are being likened, but discharging water and coating the riverbed are not parallel items being compared.

Answer

B. Nevertheless — "Nevertheless" sets up a contrast, but the sediment doesn't work against the unfiltered discharge — it's what the discharge produced.

Answer

C. For instance — "For instance" would introduce an example of a general claim, but the sediment coating is the consequence of the mill's practice, not an illustration of it.

Answer

D. Similarly — "Similarly" likens two comparable items, but discharging unfiltered water and the riverbed becoming coated aren't parallel things being compared — one causes the other.

Expression of Ideas practice question

Answer: A. As a result

Why the other answers are wrong

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