Set 11: Transitions
Explanation
PASSAGE
The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) was the only slave revolt that successfully established an independent nation. Enslaved Africans overthrew their French colonial masters despite facing the most powerful European armies of the era. _______ the new nation faced crippling isolation and was forced to pay France reparations for the 'loss' of enslaved people—a debt not fully repaid until 1947.
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 freed nation had to pay reparations for its own liberation—a bitter irony. 'Ironically' captures this unjust reversal. 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:
• "successfully established an independent nation"
• "forced to pay France reparations"
Why others are wrong: A (Example - reparations are a consequence of independence, not an example of success.), C (Cause/effect - while true, 'Ironically' better captures the injustice.), D (Comparison - the reparations are a cruel contrast, not a similar point.).
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