Question

1. the number of dark spots that appear on the sun, known as sunspots, can vary greatly. for example, there were about 180 sunspots in november 2001. ______ there were only about 2 sunspots in december 2008.

which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
a. in other words,
b. similarly,
c. therefore,
d. by comparison,

1. before the 1847 introduction of the us postage stamp, the cost of postage was usually paid by the recipient of a letter rather than the sender, and recipients were not always able or willing to pay promptly. ______ collecting this fee could be slow and arduous, and heaps of unpaid-for, undeliverable mail piled up in post offices.

which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
a. regardless,
b. on the contrary,
c. consequently,
d. for example,

1. o2 arena, an award-winning science fiction story by nigerian author oghenechovwe donald ekpeki, takes place in an alternate version of nigeria where breathable air is a rare commodity that is owned and sold by companies. ______ people must purchase it with currency called o2 credits.

which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
a. nevertheless,
b. in any case,
c. as a result,
d. earlier,

1. it has long been thought that humans first crossed a land bridge into the americas approximately 13,000 years ago. ______ based on radiocarbon dating of samples uncovered in mexico, a research team recently suggested that humans may have arrived more than 30,000 years ago—much earlier than previously thought.

which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
a. as a result,
b. similarly,
c. however,
d. in conclusion,

Explanation:

1. The text contrasts two sunspot counts, so "By comparison" logically signals this direct contrast of two related data points.
2. The backlog of unpaid mail is a direct result of recipients not paying postage, so "Consequently" links the cause to its effect.
3. The need to buy air with special credits is a direct outcome of air being a rare, company-owned commodity, so "As a result" connects the scenario to its consequence.
4. The new research contradicts the long-held timeline of human arrival in the Americas, so "However" signals this opposing claim.

Answer:

1. D. By comparison,
2. C. Consequently,
3. C. As a result,
4. C. However,