Set 9: Transitions
Explanation
PASSAGE
Dunbar's number—approximately 150—represents the suggested cognitive limit to the number of stable social relationships a person can maintain. This constraint, rooted in brain size and social grooming requirements of our primate ancestors, appears in human social groupings from hunter-gatherer bands to military companies. _______ social media allows us to maintain many more weak connections, it may not expand our capacity for meaningful relationships.
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. Social media expands connections (apparent contradiction) but not meaningful ones (limitation persists). 'While' sets up this contrast. 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:
• "cognitive limit to the number of stable social relationships"
• "may not expand our capacity for meaningful relationships"
Why others are wrong: C (Comparison - weak vs. meaningful connections are contrasted.), A (Effect - the limitation isn't a result of weak connections.), B (Cause - the limitation isn't caused by social media expanding weak connections.).
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