- Which connecting word signals that the author is about to present information that limits or qualifies the positive developments described earlier?
Answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals the transition from positive developments (cost-effectiveness, competitiveness, incentives) to presenting the limiting factor of storage technology challenges. 'For example' provides supporting evidence. 'Furthermore' adds more positive information. 'Until' indicates a time condition but doesn't signal the initial shift to limitations.
- How do the connecting phrases 'In fact' and 'As a matter of fact' function differently within the context of this passage?
Answer: 'In fact' reinforces positive news while 'As a matter of fact' introduces evidence of concerning investor behavior
'In fact' reinforces the positive news by emphasizing the historical significance of the profits. 'As a matter of fact' introduces evidence of investor caution and risk-reduction behavior, which supports the analysts' concerns rather than the positive financial results. The phrases serve different argumentative purposes in the passage.
- Which transition word indicates that positive information continues despite the challenges that have been presented?
Answer: Even so
'Even so' indicates that despite the challenges mentioned (long wait times and competitor pressure), positive information about loyal customers continues. 'Additionally' adds positive information before challenges are introduced. 'However' introduces the first challenge. 'Meanwhile' introduces a simultaneous additional challenge.
- In the context of this passage, which transition word introduces information that could potentially weaken the main argument while still maintaining the overall conclusion?
Answer: Although
'Although' introduces the concession that some regions may experience temporary cooling, which could potentially weaken the warming argument, but the sentence structure maintains that the overall warming trend continues. 'Moreover' and 'Consequently' strengthen the argument by adding supporting evidence and effects. 'Therefore' draws the logical conclusion from the evidence.
- Which transition word in the passage signals a shift from acknowledging benefits to presenting contrasting challenges?
Answer: However
The word 'However' appears after the opening statement about technology's transformative benefits and signals the shift to discussing challenges and problems. 'Furthermore' adds additional information in the same direction rather than contrasting. 'Despite' acknowledges the challenges but shifts back toward continued evolution, not from benefits to challenges.
- Which sequence of connecting words creates a pattern of supporting evidence followed by contrasting consequences?
Answer: To illustrate, Likewise, Conversely
Questions about connecting words test your ability to identify how authors structure their arguments and evidence. When analyzing discourse patterns, you need to trace how each transitional phrase functions within the overall logical flow.
Let's examine how the passage builds its argument. The author first states a recommendation about green spaces, then provides two supporting examples introduced by connecting words, and finally presents a contrasting scenario. The question asks specifically for the sequence that shows "supporting evidence followed by contrasting consequences."
"To illustrate" introduces the Copenhagen example as evidence supporting the recommendation. "Likewise" signals that Singapore provides additional similar evidence in the same direction. Finally, "Conversely" shifts to present the opposite scenario—what happens when cities don't follow this approach. This creates the exact pattern described: two pieces of supporting evidence, then contrasting consequences.
Choice A) "To illustrate, Likewise" only captures the supporting evidence portion but misses the contrasting element entirely. Choice C) "Likewise, Conversely" skips the initial illustration and starts mid-argument. Choice D) "To illustrate, Conversely" jumps directly from one example to the contrast, omitting the second supporting example that strengthens the argument.
Choice B) correctly identifies all three connecting words that create the complete pattern: supporting evidence (To illustrate), additional supporting evidence (Likewise), followed by contrasting consequences (Conversely).
Study tip: When analyzing discourse structure, map out the logical flow first—identify where the author provides evidence versus where they shift to contrasts or exceptions. This helps you see the complete argumentative pattern.
- Which pair of connecting words in the passage work together to present balanced examples before introducing an opposing perspective?
Answer: For instance and Similarly
'For instance' introduces the first example of online learning benefits, and 'Similarly' adds a second supporting example, creating balanced evidence before 'In contrast' introduces the opposing perspective about traditional classrooms. The other pairs don't work together to present balanced examples before opposition.
- Which connecting phrase in the passage introduces a temporal relationship indicating actions taken as a consequence of the problems identified?
Answer: Subsequently
This question tests your ability to identify temporal connective phrases that show cause-and-effect relationships over time. When analyzing connecting words, you need to determine what type of logical relationship they establish between ideas.
Looking at the passage structure, the first two sentences present contrasting aspects of social media (benefits vs. problems). The third sentence then describes actions taken in response to those problems. The word "Subsequently" introduces this sentence, indicating that the regulatory actions happened as a direct consequence of the concerns mentioned earlier. "Subsequently" specifically means "as a result" or "following as a consequence," making it a temporal connector that shows both time sequence and causation.
Option A ("On one hand") is incorrect because it introduces the first part of a contrast, presenting one side of an argument rather than showing temporal consequence. Option B ("On the other hand") is wrong because it signals the opposing side of the contrast, not a time-based result. Option C ("In the meantime") is incorrect because while it does show temporal relationship, it indicates simultaneous action rather than consequential action—it describes what users are doing while regulations are being developed, not what happened as a result of the problems.
When you encounter questions about connecting phrases, pay attention to whether they show contrast (on one hand/on the other hand), simultaneous time (meanwhile, in the meantime), or consequential time (subsequently, therefore, as a result). Understanding these distinctions will help you identify the precise logical relationship being established.
- Which connecting word indicates that the information following it contradicts or opposes the previously mentioned positive developments?
Answer: On the other hand
'On the other hand' signals a contrast by introducing residents' concerns about taxes, which opposes the positive developments mentioned earlier. 'As a result' shows cause and effect. 'In addition' adds supporting information. 'Nevertheless' acknowledges the concerns but shifts back to supporting the positive view.
