Set 7: Transitions
Explanation
PASSAGE
The Rwandan genocide of 1994 claimed an estimated 800,000 lives in just 100 days. International intervention, which might have saved countless lives, was stymied by the recent Somalia debacle and a reluctance to use the word 'genocide,' which would have obligated action under international law. _______ Romeo Dallaire, the UN force commander on the ground, later testified that 5,000 additional troops could have prevented most of the killing.
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 knowledge that intervention was possible makes the inaction more devastating. 'Tragically' captures the weight of this missed opportunity. 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:
• "International intervention... was stymied"
• "5,000 additional troops could have prevented"
Why others are wrong: A (Comparison - Dallaire's testimony is evidence, not a similar point.), B (Cause/effect - his testimony isn't caused by the stymied intervention.), D (Concurrent events - this is judgment, not parallel timing.).
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