Set 9: Transitions
Explanation
PASSAGE
The 'tragedy of the commons' describes how individuals acting in rational self-interest can deplete shared resources—classic examples include overfishing and overgrazing. Elinor Ostrom's Nobel Prize-winning research, _______ demonstrated that communities often develop successful self-governance mechanisms when given the opportunity, challenging the assumption that privatization or government regulation are the only solutions.
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 tragedy of commons suggests inevitable depletion; Ostrom's research shows communities can self-govern. 'However' marks this challenge to the pessimistic view. 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:
• "deplete shared resources"
• "successful self-governance mechanisms"
Why others are wrong: B (Comparison - her research contrasts with the tragedy thesis.), A (Example - Ostrom's work contradicts, not exemplifies, the tragedy narrative.), C (Cause/effect - her findings aren't caused by the tragedy concept.).
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