Set 6: Transitions (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The prevailing model of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, was initially rejected because Wegener could not explain the mechanism driving plate movement. It was not until the 1960s that seafloor spreading provided the missing piece. _______ Wegener's fundamental insight—that continents had once been joined—proved remarkably prescient.
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. Despite initial rejection, Wegener was eventually vindicated. 'Ultimately' emphasizes this final outcome after the long process of scientific acceptance. 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:
• "initially rejected"
• "proved remarkably prescient"
Why others are wrong: D (Irony - while somewhat ironic, 'Ultimately' better captures the eventual vindication.), C (Cause/effect - his insight isn't caused by the 1960s discovery; it preceded it.), A (Concurrent events - this is a concluding statement, not a parallel event.).
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