Expression of IdeasHardTransitions: emphasis vs. contrast
Expression of Ideas practice question
Early critics dismissed the composer's symphony as chaotic and unlistenable. Today, ____, it is regarded as one of the most influential works of its era.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. in addition,
- B. for example,
- C. by contrast,Correct
- D. as a result,
Answer: C. by contrast,
The sentence flips from early dismissal to present-day acclaim — a reversal. 'By contrast' captures that shift. 'As a result' would wrongly imply the criticism caused the acclaim.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. in addition,
- 'In addition' signals another similar point, but the second sentence reverses the first — dismissal becomes acclaim.
- B. for example,
- 'For example' would make today's reputation an instance of the early criticism, when it's actually the opposite of it.
- D. as a result,
- 'As a result' would mean the early dismissal caused the later acclaim; the sentence just contrasts the two eras.
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