FREE SAT Logical Transitions Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

The study of extremophiles—organisms that thrive in conditions fatal to most life—has expanded our understanding of biological resilience. For example, the bacterium *Deinococcus radiodurans* can withstand radiation doses thousands of times greater than humans can. _______, tardigrades, also known as water bears, can survive the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures, and intense radiation. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Accepted Answer

Similarly

Answer

The first sentence introduces the topic of extremophiles. The second sentence provides a specific example (*Deinococcus radiodurans*). The third sentence provides another, parallel example of an extremophile (tardigrades) with different but comparable abilities. 'Similarly' is the best choice because it indicates a comparison between two distinct examples that support the same initial point. 'Specifically' is incorrect because the third sentence introduces a new example, not a more detailed explanation of the previous one. 'In contrast' is incorrect as the examples are alike in their extremophile nature, not opposite. 'Therefore' is incorrect as the existence of tardigrades is not a result of the bacterium's resilience.

Question 2

Many historians argue that the end of the Bronze Age was a gradual decline over several centuries, caused by a convergence of factors like climate change and trade disruptions. _______, some archaeological evidence from sites in the Eastern Mediterranean suggests a rapid, violent collapse, characterized by widespread destruction of major cities around 1200 BCE. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

'However' is the correct choice because it signals a direct contrast between two opposing viewpoints. The first sentence presents the theory of a 'gradual decline,' while the second sentence introduces evidence for a 'rapid, violent collapse.' 'That is' would imply a restatement or clarification, which isn't the case. 'For instance' would introduce an example supporting the gradual decline theory, but the second sentence contradicts it. 'Granted' is used to concede a point that weakens the main argument, but here the second sentence presents a completely different theory, not a minor concession.

Question 3

The choreographer's latest work was praised for its innovative use of lighting and minimalist stage design, creating a stark, powerful atmosphere. The dancers' technical skill was, _______, undeniably impressive, with each movement executed with precision and grace. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Accepted Answer

furthermore

Answer

The text is listing positive attributes of a choreographer's work. The first sentence praises the lighting and stage design. The second sentence adds another positive point: the dancers' skill. 'Furthermore' is the best choice as it is used to add another piece of information that reinforces the preceding point. 'Consequently' implies a cause-and-effect relationship that doesn't exist here. 'Nevertheless' and 'conversely' both indicate a contrast, which is incorrect as both sentences express praise.

Question 4

Geologists have long known that the Earth's mantle is not uniform. Some regions, known as large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs), are massive blobs of rock that are hotter and denser than the surrounding material. It is hypothesized that these structures are remnants of an ancient protoplanet. _______, they are so vast that they may influence everything from plate tectonics to volcanic activity on the surface. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Accepted Answer

In fact

Answer

The second-to-last sentence states a hypothesis about the origin of LLSVPs. The final sentence emphasizes their immense scale and significant influence. 'In fact' is the correct transition because it is used to introduce a statement that emphasizes, confirms, or adds detail to a previous point. The final sentence emphasizes the importance and scale of the LLSVPs mentioned before it. 'Meanwhile' suggests a simultaneous but separate event. 'Regardless' introduces a point that stands in spite of what was just said, which is not the logical connection here. 'Secondly' would imply a sequence, but the final sentence is an emphasis, not a second point in a list.

Question 5

The common narrative of technological progress suggests a linear path from one invention to the next. The history of the electric car complicates this view. Popular in the early 20th century, electric vehicles were largely abandoned for gasoline-powered cars due to the latter's greater range and the discovery of cheap crude oil. _______, the recent resurgence of electric cars is driven by new battery technology and environmental concerns. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Accepted Answer

Subsequently

Answer

This passage describes a historical sequence of events. First, electric cars were popular, then they were abandoned. The final sentence describes their recent return. 'Subsequently' means 'after a particular thing has happened; afterward' and correctly indicates the chronological order of events. The resurgence happened *after* the period of abandonment. 'Previously' would incorrectly place the resurgence before the abandonment. 'Likewise' would suggest a similarity, which doesn't fit the timeline. 'Nonetheless' would imply that the resurgence happened despite the reasons for abandonment, which isn't the primary logical link; the main connection is the passage of time.

Bluebook SAT Practice Test Practice Test

Bluebook SAT Practice Test Practice Test

FREE SAT Logical Transitions Questions and Answers 3