Set 14: Transitions (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The Marshall Plan provided over $13 billion in economic assistance to Western European countries after World War II. The program helped rebuild infrastructure and restore industrial production. _______ it served American strategic interests by preventing the spread of communism.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to choose the transition that best connects two ideas. The Plan served both humanitarian AND strategic purposes simultaneously. 'At the same time' shows these coexisting motivations. Transitions signal the relationship between sentences or paragraphs. Determine the logical relationship (addition, contrast, cause-effect, example) and select the transition that accurately expresses it. The right transition makes the relationship between ideas crystal clear. Consider what logical connection exists: Is the second idea adding to the first? Contrasting it? Showing a result? The transition should accurately reflect this relationship.
Key Evidence:
• "helped rebuild infrastructure"
• "served American strategic interests"
Why others are wrong: B (Example - strategic interests are a parallel purpose, not an example of rebuilding.), D (Contrast - both purposes coexisted; they're not opposed.), A (Sequence - strategic benefits were simultaneous, not subsequent.).
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