16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasHardChoosing a logical transition

Expression of Ideas practice question

Coral reefs occupy less than one percent of the ocean floor. ____ they provide habitat for roughly a quarter of all known marine species.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. A. Even so,Correct
  2. B. As a result,
  3. C. In other words,
  4. D. For example,

Answer: A. Even so,

The first sentence says reefs are tiny in area; the second says they support a huge share of species. The second point is striking BECAUSE of the first, not caused by it — a concession transition fits: 'Even so'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. As a result,
'As a result' would mean the reefs' small area causes them to hold many species. The passage doesn't claim that; it contrasts small size with outsized importance.
C. In other words,
'In other words' restates the previous sentence. Supporting a quarter of marine species is not a restatement of covering one percent of the sea floor.
D. For example,
'For example' would make the second sentence an instance of the first. It isn't an example of small area; it's a contrast with it.

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