Key transitions and rhetorical synthesis

Transitions

Answer Key (Q1–Q27):

1. D
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. D
6. C
7. C
8. D
9. B
10. B
11. C
12. B
13. D
14. B
15. C
16. C
17. C
18. C
19. B
20. C
21. B
22. C
23. B
24. B
25. B
26. D
27. D
Exp

1. B – "In contrast"
The sentence discusses the difference between the percentage of women and men
working part-time. "In contrast" effectively shows the opposition or contrast in the
statistics.
2. A – "Hence"
This shows a logical conclusion from the previous idea: because civilization is varied, it's
a relative term—“hence” is the correct logical connector.

3. C – "Additionally"
It introduces extra information related to malaria statistics, making it the best transition
for adding detail.

4. A – "Although"
Sets up a contrast between how aristocracy is viewed and how democracy was practiced.

5. D – "Such as"
The sentence is providing examples of poetic devices. “Such as” introduces examples
correctly.

6. D – "The fact that"

The sentence structure requires a noun clause. "The fact that" introduces a complex idea
as the subject.

7. C – "Regardless of"
Highlights that the solar wind affects comets regardless of their composition or orbit—
i.e., it’s unaffected by those factors.

8. B – "Indeed"
Used to emphasize or reinforce the previous sentence’s idea. Fits well as a strengthening
transition.

9. B – "At least"
Used to express a minimum quantity or condition, which matches the idea of the
number of attempts.

10. A – "Therefore"
It shows cause and effect—the moon's pull causes the tide, which in turn affects sand
distribution. "Therefore" connects the logic.

11. D – "So long as"

Indicates a conditional relationship: the Hopi will survive if certain traditions are
maintained.

12. A – "Unless"
Sets up an exception/condition: the disorder is fatal if untreated. “Unless” fits perfectly.
13. D – "Indolent"
The context is about laziness/inactivity, and “indolent” is the most accurate word for that
mood.

14. C – "Interrupts a tranquil mood"

Both passages build a peaceful tone that’s disrupted—this option reflects the main idea
best.

15. D – "Both use personification"

The question likely presents text comparing how nature is described. Personification
(giving human traits to sun/wind/etc.) is used in both.

16. B – "Both animals adapt communication in pollution"

They change their behavior due to environmental changes, especially sound pollution.

17. C – "Support handwriting for cognition"

Both texts support that handwriting (vs. typing) helps in learning and memory, making this
the best synthesis.

18. B – "Stress libraries as communal learning tools"

The texts highlight the social, collective role of libraries, not just book storage.

19. C – "Only Text 1 mentions humans"

This is a distinction question: only one passage focuses on human influence or presence.

20. A – "Emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration"

Both texts stress how different fields or experts must work together to solve big
problems.

21. A – "Highlight pollution and water depletion"

A synthesis of both texts showing their shared concern over water issues.

22. D – "Policy support vs. opposition"

Text 1 favors policy intervention; Text 2 warns against it—key difference in viewpoint.

23. D – "Theory in one, evidence in the other"

One text proposes an idea; the other provides supporting facts—this distinction defines
their relationship.

24. C – "Text 1 mentions humans; Text 2 doesn’t"

A specific difference based on who or what is included in the passage content.
25. A – "Therefore"
A classic cause-effect connector. Fits when explaining the outcome of a situation
logically.

26. B – "At least"

Used to suggest trying a minimum number of therapies; again, this is numeric reasoning.

27. C – "Regardless of"

It shows a relationship happens no matter the body's position or size, meaning
independent of those factors.

Rhetorical

Question 1 Key: B Explanation: This option directly links cryptobiosis as the how to the
survival in extreme conditions. It clearly answers the goal of explaining the mechanism.

Question 2 Key: C Explanation: This choice specifically gives a transportation example

(high-speed trains) and details how biomimicry was applied. It directly fulfills the prompt's
request.

Question 3 Key: B Explanation: This option highlights graphene's strength (200x stronger
than steel) and its potential advancements (flexible electronics, filtration systems). It
addresses both parts of the prompt.

Question 4 Key: B Explanation: This answer clearly identifies milkweed leaves as the
food source vital to the larval stage (caterpillars). It directly answers the specific plant vital
to the monarch's larval stage.

Question 5 Key: C Explanation: This option uses examples (birds, fish) to show how
collective intelligence leads to effective responses like avoiding predators and finding
food. It illustrates the prompt's goal effectively.
Question 6 Key: B Explanation: This choice directly shows the transformation by
comparing the pre-printing press scarcity to the post-press widespread availability of
knowledge and increased literacy.

Question 7 Key: B Explanation: This option correctly isolates and lists the environmental
factors (droughts, deforestation, soil erosion) that contributed to the Mayan decline, as
requested by the prompt.

Question 8 Key: C Explanation: This option provides concrete examples of the Tragedy of
the Commons (overfishing, overgrazing). These are classic illustrations of the concept.

Question 9 Key: B Explanation: This choice identifies specific technological innovations

(steam engine, power loom) that fueled the Industrial Revolution. It directly answers the
request for key technologies.

Question 10 Key: B Explanation: This option defines primary sources as firsthand

accounts and gives clear examples like diaries and photographs. This helps an unfamiliar
person understand the concept.

Question 11 Key: B Explanation: This choice captures both the distinctive style (loose,
visible brushstrokes) and the focus (fleeting impression of light and atmosphere) of
Impressionist painters.

Question 12 Key: C Explanation: This option explains hip-hop's evolution from its origins
to a global phenomenon and lists its broader cultural influences. It directly addresses
how it transcended its beginnings.
Question 13 Key: B Explanation: This option highlights Shakespeare's contributions to the
English language (new words) and dramatic form (blank verse, combining tragedy and
comedy). It covers both aspects of the prompt.

Question 14 Key: B Explanation: This choice explains the "rebirth" by pointing to the
resurgence of interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy, which defined the
Renaissance.

Question 15 Key: B Explanation: This option connects specific design elements (rocks,
gravel) to their symbolic meaning (representing mountains, water). It explains the
symbolic and spiritual aspect of the gardens.

Question 16 Key: B Explanation: This choice directly links blockchain's mechanisms

(immutable blocks, no central authority) to its resulting security and decentralization. It
clearly emphasizes these two aspects.

Question 17 Key: C Explanation: This option pinpoints specific breakthroughs (machine

learning, deep learning) and explains how they allowed AI to advance, demonstrating its
evolution.

Question 18 Key: B Explanation: This option directly contrasts classical bits (0 or 1) with
quantum qubits (0, 1, or both simultaneously), highlighting the fundamental difference in
information processing.

Question 19 Key: B Explanation: This choice defines the Internet of Things as a network
of objects and explains how it functions by connecting and exchanging data for
monitoring and control.
Question 20 Key: B Explanation: This option emphasizes the environmental advantage by
stating that renewables produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, directly
contrasting them with fossil fuels.

Question 21 Key: B Explanation: This option clearly differentiates innate (immediate,

non-specific) and adaptive (delayed, specific) immunity based on their characteristics and
components.

Question 22 Key: B Explanation: This option states that influenza viruses mutate rapidly,
specifically their surface proteins, as the direct reason for annual vaccine reformulation.

Question 23 Key: C Explanation: This option comprehensively lists benefits for both the
body (cardiovascular strength) and the mind (mood, cognitive function, sleep quality),
fulfilling the prompt's goal.

Question 24 Key: B Explanation: This option addresses the historical significance

(revolutionized medicine) and the major current challenge (antibiotic resistance due to
overuse).

Question 25 Key: C Explanation: This option provides concrete, practical actions

individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint, such as reducing meat consumption
and improving energy efficiency.

Question 26 Key: C Explanation: This option explains that biodiversity leads to resilient
ecosystems that provide essential services benefiting human well-being, clarifying its
crucial importance.
Question 27 Key: B Explanation: This option directly links atmospheric CO2 absorption
to ocean acidification and then to the negative impact on marine life's shell formation.