Digital SATReading and Writing: Expression of IdeasHard
A scientist is drafting a research paper on the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies. She has just discussed how deforestation in Mexico negatively impacts their overwintering sites. She now wants to pivot to discussing the effects of climate change on their breeding grounds in North America. Which transition best introduces this shift in focus?
- AAdditionally, climate change affects breeding grounds.
- BTurning to North America, climate change affects their breeding grounds.
- CDespite deforestation, climate change affects breeding grounds.
- DIn contrast, climate change impacts breeding grounds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Turning to North America, climate change affects their breeding grounds.
The scientist is shifting the geographical focus from Mexico to North America and the specific environmental threat from deforestation to climate change. 'Turning to North America' effectively signals this geographical and topical pivot, creating a smooth and logical flow for the reader.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This suggests an additive relationship, implying climate change is another factor affecting overwintering sites, rather than a shift to a new location and a new stage of the monarch's life cycle.
- C. This implies a concession, suggesting that climate change affects breeding grounds *despite* deforestation, which doesn't capture the intended shift in geographical and topical focus.
- D. This implies a direct opposition or difference between deforestation and climate change, which isn't the primary intent; the intent is to shift focus to a new aspect/location.
Transitional Phrases for Shifting Focus
Words or phrases that signal a change in topic, perspective, location, or time within a text, guiding the reader to a new but related idea.
- Used to introduce a new aspect or angle of a discussion.
- Helps maintain coherence and clarity.
- Examples: 'turning to,' 'regarding,' 'as for,' 'in terms of,' 'meanwhile,' 'elsewhere.'
Memory trick: When you change your mind, you 'shift focus' to a new thought, use words to show it!