- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the nutritional concern that the paragraph refutes?
Answer: One of the most frequent objections is the belief that it is difficult to get adequate protein, iron, and certain vitamins without consuming meat and dairy.
When you encounter questions about paragraph coherence and logical flow, look for how sentences connect to create a unified argument. This passage follows a classic structure: it presents benefits of plant-based diets, then addresses a common counterargument.
The key is understanding what sentence 4 does. It begins with "In fact," which is a phrase that typically refutes or counters a previously stated concern. Sentence 4 argues that plant-based diets can provide adequate nutrition, and sentence 5 gives specific examples of how to get protein and vitamins. This suggests the missing sentence must present the nutritional concern that sentences 4-5 work to disprove.
Choice B is correct because it introduces the exact concern that the following sentences address: the belief that plant-based diets lack adequate protein, iron, and vitamins. The word "objections" also sets up the rebuttal that follows with "In fact."
Choice A focuses on taste and cultural barriers, which has nothing to do with the nutritional arguments in sentences 4-5. Choice C discusses environmental impact, but again, the following sentences don't address environmental issues—they address nutrition. Choice D mentions cooking techniques and recipes, but sentences 4-5 don't provide cooking advice; they provide nutritional information.
On SHSAT reading questions about paragraph structure, always read the sentences that come after the blank carefully. They often contain clues (like "In fact," "However," or "Therefore") that signal what type of information should come before them.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce a critical refutation of the concept of grit?
Answer: While grit is a valuable personal trait, an overemphasis on it can be a harmful oversimplification of the complex factors that enable achievement.
When you encounter transition questions asking which sentence should be added to connect ideas, focus on the logical flow between paragraphs. The first paragraph presents a positive view of grit, while sentence 4 begins criticizing this concept with "however." You need a transitional sentence that acknowledges grit's value but introduces doubt—setting up the counterargument.
Choice B works perfectly because it starts with "While grit is a valuable personal trait" (acknowledging the previous paragraph's positive stance) but then pivots with "an overemphasis on it can be a harmful oversimplification." This creates the perfect bridge to sentence 4's criticism about ignoring systemic barriers. The phrase "harmful oversimplification" directly connects to how praising grit leads to victim-blaming, as explained in sentence 5.
Choice A simply provides background information about Angela Duckworth without transitioning between the contrasting viewpoints. Choice C continues celebrating grit by listing examples, which doesn't prepare readers for the criticism that follows. Choice D maintains the positive tone by discussing how to foster grit, completely missing the argumentative shift that sentence 4 introduces.
The key trap here is choices that seem relevant to the topic but don't serve the specific transitional function needed. Remember: when adding sentences between contrasting paragraphs, look for language that both acknowledges the previous point and signals the opposing view coming next. Words like "while," "however," and "but" often signal these crucial transitions in argumentative writing.
- Which sentence is best placed in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the counterarguments addressed in the paragraph?
Answer: Opponents worry that productivity will decline with fewer workdays and that customer needs will go unmet on the fifth day.
When you encounter a question asking for a sentence that "introduces counterarguments," you need to identify what opposing viewpoints are being addressed in the following sentences. Look for transition words like "in reality" that signal a shift from criticism to defense.
The key is in sentence 4, which begins "In reality, many companies have found..." This phrase indicates the author is responding to concerns or criticisms. Sentence 5 continues this pattern with "As for customer service," addressing another specific worry. These sentences defend the four-day workweek against two main concerns: productivity decline and customer service gaps.
Choice D perfectly sets up these rebuttals by stating the exact concerns: "Opponents worry that productivity will decline with fewer workdays and that customer needs will go unmet on the fifth day." This directly introduces the counterarguments that sentences 4 and 5 then address.
Choice A discusses implementation challenges, but the following sentences don't address planning or communication issues. Choice B focuses on employee benefits, which actually supports the four-day workweek rather than presenting opposition. Choice C mentions environmental benefits, another positive aspect that doesn't introduce counterarguments.
Remember that transition sentences must logically connect to what follows. When you see phrases like "in reality," "however," or "as for," look backward to find what criticism or concern is being addressed. The missing sentence should present the opposing viewpoint that the subsequent sentences will counter or clarify.
- Which sentence should be placed in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the author's refutation of light rail as the best solution?
Answer: Though light rail projects are ambitious, their high cost and lack of flexibility can make them an inefficient use of public transit funds.
This question tests your ability to identify transition sentences that signal a shift in argument. When you see a passage that presents one viewpoint and then challenges it, look for the sentence that bridges these contrasting perspectives.
The passage follows a clear structure: sentences 1-3 present the positive view of light rail systems, while sentences 4-5 criticize them. The missing sentence must introduce this refutation by acknowledging light rail's appeal while hinting at the problems that follow.
Choice D accomplishes this perfectly. It begins with "Though light rail projects are ambitious," which acknowledges their positive attributes mentioned earlier, then transitions with "their high cost and lack of flexibility can make them an inefficient use of public transit funds." This directly sets up the specific criticisms in sentences 4-5 about "immense cost," "disruption," and limited coverage.
Choice A focuses only on ridership projections, which doesn't connect to the cost and coverage arguments that follow. Choice B actually supports light rail by highlighting economic benefits, moving in the wrong direction entirely. Choice C discusses implementation requirements, which is neutral rather than critical and doesn't prepare readers for the author's refutation.
When tackling transition questions, pay attention to the logical flow of arguments. Look for words like "though," "however," "while," or "despite" that signal a shift in perspective. The correct transition sentence should acknowledge what came before while preparing readers for the contrasting viewpoint ahead. This creates smooth, logical progression in argumentative writing.
- Which sentence best introduces the counterarguments that are refuted in sentences 4 and 5?
Answer: However, significant hurdles remain, including public anxiety about safety and the potential economic displacement of professional drivers.
When you encounter a question asking which sentence "introduces counterarguments that are refuted," you need to identify what opposing viewpoints the passage addresses, then find the choice that sets up those specific concerns.
Looking at sentences 4 and 5, you can see they directly address two main counterarguments: sentence 4 tackles concerns about safety and trusting machines ("Although the idea of ceding control to a machine is unsettling"), while sentence 5 addresses economic worries about job displacement ("The concern about job loss is valid"). The missing sentence should introduce these exact concerns that the author then goes on to counter.
Choice B perfectly sets up both counterarguments by mentioning "public anxiety about safety" (which sentence 4 refutes) and "potential economic displacement of professional drivers" (which sentence 5 addresses). The word "However" also signals the transition from benefits to concerns, creating the proper argumentative flow.
Choice A focuses solely on legal liability issues, which aren't addressed in the refutation sentences. Choice C actually presents another benefit rather than a counterargument, making it flow incorrectly with the "However" structure that follows. Choice D simply describes the technology without presenting any concerns or counterarguments to be refuted.
When analyzing argument structure on the SHSAT, pay close attention to transition words like "however," "although," and "but" — they signal shifts between supporting and opposing viewpoints. Match the specific concerns mentioned in your chosen sentence with what gets refuted later in the passage.
- Which sentence is best placed in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the critique that the paragraph counters?
Answer: Critics argue that this model exploits workers by denying them the benefits and protections of traditional employment, such as health insurance and paid sick leave.
When you encounter a question about sentence placement, look for logical flow and transitions. The key here is understanding how arguments are structured—specifically, how writers introduce opposing viewpoints before countering them.
The passage flows from positive aspects of the gig economy (sentences 1-3) to a counterargument that begins with "However" in sentence 4. This transition word signals that the writer is about to refute a critique, which means the missing sentence must present that critique first.
Choice B correctly introduces the criticism that sentence 4 will counter. It presents the opposing view that gig work "exploits workers by denying them benefits and protections," which directly sets up sentence 4's response about workers valuing independence over security and sentence 5's point about emerging platforms providing benefits.
Choice A focuses on technology expansion, which doesn't connect to the "However" transition or the discussion of worker benefits that follows. Choice C discusses consumer benefits rather than worker concerns, making it irrelevant to the critique about worker exploitation. Choice D mentions government regulation debates, but this broad topic doesn't specifically address the benefits and protections issue that sentences 4-5 respond to.
The "However" in sentence 4 is your biggest clue—it tells you the previous sentence must contain an opposing viewpoint that needs refuting. Only choice B provides a critique that the following sentences directly address.
Strategy tip: When you see transition words like "However," "Nevertheless," or "On the contrary," look for the sentence that introduces the opposing view they're meant to counter.
- Which sentence should be placed in the blank before sentence 4 to best introduce the counterclaim that the paragraph addresses?
Answer: Some critics contend that coding is a specialized skill and that requiring it for all students is unnecessary for those pursuing non-technical careers.
When you encounter questions about paragraph structure and logical flow, look for how ideas connect and build on each other. This passage follows a classic argument pattern: it presents a position, acknowledges opposition, then refutes that opposition.
The key clue is in sentence 4, which begins with "However, this concern is misguided." The word "However" signals that the author is about to counter an opposing viewpoint, and "this concern" refers back to a specific worry or criticism that must be mentioned in the previous sentence. You need to find the sentence that introduces this opposing perspective.
Choice C correctly provides the counterclaim by presenting critics who argue that coding is too specialized and unnecessary for non-technical careers. This sets up the exact concern that sentence 4 then addresses and refutes with the biology analogy.
Choice A is wrong because it supports coding education rather than opposing it, so "However" in sentence 4 wouldn't make logical sense. Choice B mentions a real educational challenge (teacher shortages) but doesn't present the philosophical objection about coding being unnecessary that sentence 4 specifically counters. Choice D simply provides factual information about programming languages without presenting any criticism or concern for the author to address.
Strategy tip: When you see transition words like "However," "Nevertheless," or "But," always check what specific idea they're contrasting with. The preceding sentence should contain the opposing viewpoint that the transition word signals the author is about to challenge or refute.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the author's argument against the obsolescence of print newspapers?
Answer: While the advantages of digital news are clear, claims of the newspaper's demise are premature and ignore its unique and enduring value.
This question tests your ability to identify effective transitional sentences that signal a shift in argument and introduce counterpoints in persuasive writing.
The passage begins by presenting the case for digital media's advantages over print newspapers. The blank appears right before sentence 4, which starts with "This argument, however," clearly indicating the author is about to present a counterargument defending print newspapers. You need a sentence that acknowledges the digital advantages while pivoting to defend print media's value.
Choice A works perfectly because it concedes that digital news has clear advantages (connecting to the previous sentences) while introducing the author's thesis that print newspapers still have "unique and enduring value" (setting up the defense that follows). The phrase "claims of the newspaper's demise are premature" directly counters the opening statement about print's supposed "death."
Choice B focuses narrowly on hybrid business models rather than addressing the broader argument about print's value and relevance. Choice C shifts to advertising revenue concerns, which doesn't connect to the passage's focus on reader experience and community value. Choice D discusses misinformation in digital media, but this passage isn't about accuracy issues—it's about the unique benefits print newspapers provide.
When you encounter transition questions, look for sentences that create logical bridges between contrasting ideas. The correct choice should acknowledge what came before while clearly signaling the shift to the new perspective that follows.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to acknowledge and transition from a common criticism of zoos?
Answer: Some activists argue that keeping animals in captivity is inherently cruel and that they belong in their natural habitats.
This question tests your ability to identify logical transitions and acknowledge counterarguments in persuasive writing. When a passage presents a strong positive view and then uses "However" to introduce a contrasting point, you need to find the sentence that sets up that contrast by presenting the opposing viewpoint.
The passage strongly advocates for modern zoos, highlighting their conservation work and educational value. Sentence 4 begins with "However" and defends zoos against criticism about animal welfare, specifically addressing concerns about captivity. For this transition to work logically, the previous sentence must present the criticism that sentence 4 is responding to.
Choice D correctly introduces the opposing viewpoint by stating that "some activists argue that keeping animals in captivity is inherently cruel." This directly sets up the counterargument that sentence 4 addresses with its "However" transition, creating a smooth argumentative flow: criticism → rebuttal.
Choice A focuses on architectural design, which doesn't connect to the welfare concerns addressed in sentence 4. Choice B discusses financial challenges, but sentence 4 isn't responding to cost concerns—it's defending animal welfare practices. Choice C adds more positive information about zoos' research contributions, but this doesn't create the opposing viewpoint that "However" signals is coming.
Remember that transition words like "However," "Nevertheless," and "On the other hand" signal that the author is about to address or refute an opposing point. Always look for the sentence that introduces the contrasting viewpoint these transitions are designed to counter.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the counterclaim that the paragraph refutes?
Answer: Despite these perceived advantages, a growing body of evidence suggests that early specialization is actually detrimental to long-term athletic development.
When you encounter questions about paragraph structure and transitions, look for how sentences connect ideas and signal shifts in argument. This passage presents a classic argumentative structure where the author first acknowledges one viewpoint before pivoting to refute it.
The key is recognizing that sentence 4 begins with "In fact, many studies show the opposite," which clearly signals a counterargument. This means the missing sentence must introduce the claim that will be contradicted. The sentence needs to acknowledge the benefits of specialization mentioned in sentences 1-3, then signal that evidence challenges this view.
Choice C works perfectly because it acknowledges the "perceived advantages" mentioned earlier, then uses "despite" and "actually detrimental" to set up the contradiction that sentence 4 will support with specific evidence about burnout and injuries.
Choice A jumps straight into negative effects without transitioning from the positive aspects, making the "In fact" in sentence 4 awkward and redundant. Choice B discusses the industry's growth but doesn't set up any claim for sentence 4 to refute—it's just additional information. Choice D mentions financial sacrifices, which is another detail rather than a transitional statement that prepares readers for contradictory evidence.
Remember that transition sentences in argumentative writing often use phrases like "despite," "however," or "although" to signal when an author is about to present opposing evidence. Look for these structural clues to identify how ideas connect across paragraphs.
- Which sentence should be placed in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the objections that the paragraph seeks to counter?
Answer: The main arguments against mandatory volunteering are that it can feel like a punishment and may be difficult for students with jobs or family obligations.
When you encounter a question asking which sentence should introduce objections that a paragraph "seeks to counter," look for transition words like "yet" or "however" in the following sentences. These signal that the author is about to refute opposing viewpoints.
The key clue here is sentence 4, which begins with "Yet this view overlooks the fact that..." This tells you the missing sentence must present opposing arguments that the author will then counter. The missing sentence needs to establish what "this view" refers to.
Choice A is correct because it presents the main criticisms of mandatory community service: that it feels punitive and creates hardships for some students. This directly sets up the counterarguments in sentences 4 and 5, where the author argues that these programs actually broaden perspectives and that schools can provide support to make them accessible.
Choice B is wrong because it supports community service rather than opposing it, so there would be nothing for the "Yet" in sentence 4 to counter. Choice C is also supportive, focusing on how nonprofits benefit from student volunteers. Choice D suggests an improvement to service programs rather than presenting objections to them.
For SHSAT reading questions about paragraph organization, always pay attention to transition words that signal shifts in argument. Words like "yet," "however," and "although" indicate the author is addressing counterarguments. The sentence before such transitions typically introduces the opposing view that will be refuted.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to best introduce the counterclaim that the paragraph addresses?
Answer: A major criticism is that these tests are biased against students from lower-income backgrounds and create an unfair advantage for those who can afford expensive test prep.
When you encounter questions about paragraph structure and argument flow, focus on how sentences connect logically. This passage argues in favor of standardized tests, but sentence 4 begins with "While it is true that..." - a phrase that acknowledges an opposing viewpoint before refuting it.
The missing sentence must introduce a counterclaim (criticism of standardized tests) that sentence 4 can then address and counter. Looking at sentence 4, it specifically discusses "family income" correlating with test scores and mentions "fee waivers" and "free test preparation resources" as solutions.
Choice C is correct because it presents the exact criticism that sentence 4 responds to: that standardized tests create economic inequality by favoring wealthy students who can afford expensive test prep. This sets up the perfect transition to sentence 4's counterargument about fee waivers and free resources.
Choice A introduces stress and anxiety concerns, but sentence 4 doesn't address mental health issues at all. Choice B mentions test-optional policies, which is about college admission strategies rather than the fairness concerns that sentence 4 tackles. Choice D actually supports standardized testing rather than presenting a counterclaim - it would strengthen the argument instead of introducing opposition.
For SHSAT English questions about paragraph organization, always read the sentences that come after the blank. They often contain transition words like "while," "however," or "moreover" that signal what type of information should come before. Match the content that follows to find the sentence that creates the most logical flow.
- Which sentence best introduces the counterclaim that the author develops in sentences 4 and 5?
Answer: While a minimalist aesthetic is appealing, the strict rules of decluttering can be overly simplistic and fail to account for the complexity of people's lives.
This question tests your ability to identify how authors structure arguments, specifically how they introduce counterclaims before developing them. When you see a question asking which sentence "best introduces" an idea that follows, look for the sentence that logically sets up the opposing viewpoint.
The passage follows a classic argument structure: it presents the decluttering trend positively in sentences 1-3, then shifts to criticize it in sentences 4-5. The missing sentence needs to bridge this transition by introducing the counterargument that decluttering has problems.
Choice C works perfectly because it acknowledges the appeal of minimalism ("While a minimalist aesthetic is appealing") but then introduces the core criticism that sentences 4-5 will develop: that decluttering rules are "overly simplistic and fail to account for the complexity of people's lives." This directly sets up sentence 4's point about impracticality for people with hobbies and families, and sentence 5's argument about overlooking emotional connections to objects.
Choice A is wrong because it supports decluttering rather than introducing criticism of it. Choice B simply describes the decluttering industry without presenting any counterargument. Choice D mentions stress from clutter, which actually supports the decluttering movement rather than challenging it.
Remember that transition sentences in argumentative passages often use words like "while," "however," or "although" to signal a shift in perspective. Look for sentences that acknowledge the opposing view while introducing the criticism that follows.
- Which sentence should come before sentence 4 to best introduce the counterclaim that the paragraph is structured to refute?
Answer: A common objection is that the money spent on space programs should be redirected to solve more immediate problems on our own planet, like hunger and disease.
When you encounter a question about paragraph structure and counterclaims, look for the logical flow of argument. The passage presents a pro-space exploration argument in sentences 1-3, then sentence 4 begins with "This perspective, however" — a clear transition that introduces a rebuttal to an opposing viewpoint.
The missing sentence needs to present the counterclaim that sentence 4 will refute. Sentence 4 specifically addresses two points: that space and Earth problems use similar solutions, and that space budgets are small with high returns. This tells you the counterclaim must argue that space money should go to Earth problems instead.
Choice D perfectly fits this role by stating "A common objection is that the money spent on space programs should be redirected to solve more immediate problems on our own planet, like hunger and disease." This directly sets up the argument that sentence 4 refutes.
Choice A focuses on safety risks, which isn't addressed in the rebuttal. Choice B discusses international collaboration, which is irrelevant to the economic argument being made. Choice C mentions Mars colonization goals, but again doesn't connect to the budget/priority debate that follows.
Notice how choice D even uses the phrase "common objection," explicitly signaling that it's introducing a counterclaim.
Strategy tip: When a passage uses transition words like "however" or "this perspective," the preceding sentence should directly state the viewpoint being challenged. Look for answer choices that present opposing arguments rather than just related topics.
- Which sentence should be placed in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the counterarguments that the paragraph refutes?
Answer: Despite their intentions, critics say these layouts create constant distractions, reduce productivity, and may not actually improve meaningful collaboration.
When you encounter a question about placing a sentence to "introduce counterarguments," you need to identify what opposing viewpoints the paragraph will address and refute. Look at the structure: the passage starts by presenting the benefits of open-plan offices, then needs a transition that introduces criticisms before refuting them.
The correct answer is B because it presents the specific criticisms that sentences 4 and 5 directly address. Notice how B mentions "constant distractions" and reduced "productivity" - sentence 4 counters this by explaining how variety in spaces allows focused work. B also claims open offices "may not actually improve meaningful collaboration" - sentence 5 directly refutes this by arguing that well-designed open offices still enable productive conversations. This creates the perfect setup for the counterarguments that follow.
Choice A is wrong because it continues praising open offices rather than introducing criticisms. The paragraph needs opposing views, not more benefits. Choice C provides historical context about the trend's origins, but this doesn't set up any counterarguments to refute. Choice D mentions employee dissatisfaction with privacy, but the following sentences don't address privacy concerns - they focus on productivity and collaboration issues.
For transition questions like this, always read what comes after the blank first. The sentences following the transition will give you clues about what needs to be introduced. Look for words like "however" in sentence 4 - this signals that the missing sentence should present an opposing viewpoint that can then be contradicted.
- The author is cautioning against an idealized view of rural life. Which sentence should be placed in the blank before sentence 4 to transition from the perceived benefits to the author's refutation?
Answer: While this idyllic vision is appealing, it frequently overlooks the practical economic and logistical difficulties that accompany a rural lifestyle.
When you encounter questions about paragraph organization and transitions, focus on how each sentence connects to create a logical flow of ideas. The author here is building an argument that moves from discussing the appeal of rural life to revealing its drawbacks.
The passage establishes a clear structure: sentences 1-3 present the romanticized view of country living, while sentences 4-5 present the harsh realities. The missing sentence must bridge these contrasting perspectives, acknowledging the appeal while signaling that problems are coming.
Choice B perfectly serves this transitional function. The phrase "While this idyllic vision is appealing" directly references the positive aspects mentioned in the first three sentences, while "it frequently overlooks the practical economic and logistical difficulties" sets up the specific problems detailed in sentences 4-5. The word "while" creates the necessary contrast, and "practical economic and logistical difficulties" previews the job, commute, healthcare, and infrastructure issues that follow.
Choice A introduces new information about housing costs rather than transitioning between existing ideas. Choice C continues describing rural benefits instead of pivoting toward problems. Choice D makes a general statement about moving but doesn't create the specific contrast between idealized expectations and reality that the paragraph structure requires.
For transition questions, look for sentences that explicitly connect the ideas before and after the blank. Effective transitions often use contrast words like "however," "while," or "although" and reference both the preceding and following content.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to set up the rebuttal presented in the paragraph?
Answer: The primary objection from parents is that a year-round calendar disrupts traditional family vacations and eliminates opportunities for summer camps.
This question tests your ability to identify transition sentences that set up contrasts or rebuttals in argumentative writing. When you see a sentence beginning with "However" (like sentence 4), you need to find what specific objection or concern is being addressed.
Looking at the structure, sentences 1-3 present the benefits of year-round schooling, while sentences 4-5 counter some unstated concern with "However" and "Additionally." The missing sentence should introduce the main objection that sentences 4-5 then refute.
Choice B correctly identifies the primary parental concern about disrupted family vacations and eliminated summer camp opportunities. This directly sets up the rebuttal in sentence 4, which explains how year-round scheduling actually allows for family travel (during less crowded, cheaper off-season periods), and sentence 5, which addresses the camp concern by noting that programs have adapted to the new calendar.
Choice A focuses on teacher benefits rather than addressing concerns, so it doesn't logically connect to the "However" rebuttal that follows. Choice C introduces financial concerns, but sentences 4-5 don't address costs—they discuss family activities and community programs. Choice D provides historical context but doesn't present an objection that needs countering.
When tackling transition questions on the SHSAT, always read the sentences that follow the blank carefully. Words like "However," "Nevertheless," and "Additionally" are signals that tell you what type of information should come before—usually a contrasting viewpoint or concern that the following sentences will address.
- The author is arguing against the idea that hydroelectric dams are a perfect energy solution. Which sentence best introduces the author's refutation of this idea before sentence 4?
Answer: Despite these advantages, the significant and often irreversible environmental consequences of dam construction are frequently ignored.
This question tests your ability to identify effective transition sentences that signal a shift in argument. When an author presents one side of an issue and then pivots to critique it, they need a clear transitional bridge that acknowledges the previous points while signaling the upcoming counterargument.
The correct answer is D because it serves as the perfect transition between the benefits listed in sentences 1-3 and the criticisms that follow in sentences 4-5. The phrase "Despite these advantages" directly acknowledges the positive aspects already mentioned, while "significant and often irreversible environmental consequences are frequently ignored" sets up the specific environmental criticisms about methane release and ecosystem disruption that come next. This sentence creates logical flow by warning readers that there's another side to consider.
Answer A is wrong because it continues supporting hydroelectric dams by mentioning their "long lifespan" and "consistent energy" - this reinforces the positive argument rather than transitioning away from it. Answer B is incorrect because discussing construction timelines is irrelevant to the environmental argument the author wants to make; it neither supports nor refutes the "clean energy" claim. Answer C fails because it provides more support for hydroelectric power by noting how "many countries rely on" it, which strengthens rather than challenges the positive perception.
Look for transition words like "however," "despite," and "although" when authors shift from presenting one viewpoint to arguing against it. These signal words help you identify where the argument changes direction.
- Which sentence should be added in the blank before sentence 4 to introduce the counterclaim that the paragraph refutes?
Answer: Advocates for cursive argue that it is a necessary skill for reading historical documents and that it helps develop fine motor skills.
This question tests your understanding of argumentative structure, specifically how authors introduce counterclaims before refuting them. When you see a blank followed by "However," look for the opposing viewpoint that the author is about to counter.
The passage argues against cursive instruction, but sentence 4 begins with "However" and discusses historical documents and fine motor skills. This signals that the missing sentence must present the pro-cursive argument that sentence 4 will then refute. You need a sentence that introduces both main arguments cursive supporters make.
Choice D correctly introduces the counterclaim by stating that "Advocates for cursive argue that it is a necessary skill for reading historical documents and that it helps develop fine motor skills." This perfectly sets up sentence 4, which counters both points: historical documents are available in transcriptions (addressing the first argument) and fine motor skills can be developed other ways (addressing the second argument).
Choice A fails because it's too general and doesn't present specific pro-cursive arguments that sentence 4 can refute. Choice B only mentions one benefit (hand-eye coordination and memory) that isn't directly addressed in the refutation that follows. Choice C focuses on nostalgia and emotions rather than the practical arguments about historical documents and motor skills that sentence 4 actually counters.
Strategy tip: When you see transition words like "However" or "But," the preceding sentence should present the opposing view. Look for answer choices that introduce arguments the author will specifically address and refute in the following sentences.
- Which sentence should be placed in the blank before sentence 4 to set up the paragraph's refutation?
Answer: Despite the benefits, some homeowners resist due to concerns that native landscapes look messy and could lower property values.
When you encounter questions about paragraph structure and transitions, look for how sentences connect to create logical flow. This question asks you to identify what should come before the paragraph's "refutation" - meaning you need a sentence that presents opposing viewpoints before the author argues against them.
The key clue is in sentence 4, which begins with "While some may prefer..." This signals a contrast structure where the author acknowledges counterarguments before responding to them. Sentence 5 reinforces this pattern with "Moreover, the argument about property values is often unfounded," directly refuting a specific concern.
Choice A is correct because it presents the exact opposing viewpoints that sentences 4 and 5 then address: concerns about messy appearance and lowered property values. This creates the classic argumentative pattern of "some people think X, but actually Y."
Choice B focuses on practical implementation challenges rather than aesthetic or value concerns, which doesn't connect to the refutation about appearance and property values. Choice C continues listing benefits of native plants instead of presenting counterarguments - it flows in the same direction as the opening sentences rather than introducing opposition. Choice D mentions HOA restrictions, which is a different type of obstacle entirely and isn't addressed in the following sentences.
Strategy tip: In argumentative passages, look for transition words like "while," "however," "despite," and "moreover" to identify where the author shifts from presenting opposing views to refuting them. The sentence before such transitions should introduce the counterarguments being addressed.
