1

Organisms have evolved a number of surprising adaptations to ensure their survival in adverse conditions. Tadpole shrimp (Triops longicaudatus) embryos, ____can pause development for over ten years during extended periods of drought.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) in contrast,

B) for example,

C) meanwhile,

D) consequently,

2

Most conifers (trees belonging to the phylum Coniferophyta) are evergreen. That is, they keep their green leaves or needles year-round. However, not all conifer species are evergreen. Larch trees, ____lose their needles every fall.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) meanwhile,

B) nevertheless,

C) for instance,

D) in addition,

3

In 2019, researcher Patricia Jurado Gonzalez and food historian Nawal Nasrallah prepared a stew from a 4,000-year-old recipe found on a Mesopotamian clay tablet. When they tasted the dish, known as pašrūtum (“unwinding”), they found that it had a mild taste and inspired a sense of calm. ____the researchers, knowing that dishes were sometimes named after their intended effects, theorized that the dish’s name, “unwinding,” referred to its function: to help ancient diners relax.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) Therefore,

B) Alternately,

C) Nevertheless,

D) Likewise,

4

In the 1850s, William Still was instrumental in helping nearly 1,000 people escape from slavery, earning him the moniker “the Father of the Underground Railroad.” ____despite the fame of his contributions during his lifetime, Still is discussed far less today than other prominent Black abolitionists from his era, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) For example,

B) Similarly,

C) Specifically,

D) However,

5

During a 2021 launch, Rocket Labs’ Electron rocket experienced an unexpected failure: its second-stage booster shut down suddenly after ignition. ____instead of downplaying the incident, Rocket Labs’ CEO publicly acknowledged what happened and apologized for the loss of the rocket’s payload, which had consisted of two satellites.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) Indeed,

B) Additionally,

C) Afterward,

D) Similarly,

6

Neuroscientist Karen Konkoly wanted to determine whether individuals can understand and respond to questions during REM sleep. She first taught volunteers eye movements they would use to respond to basic math problems while asleep (a single left-right eye movement indicated the number one). ____she attached electrodes to the volunteers’ faces to record their eye movements during sleep.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) Specifically,

B) In sum,

C) For instance,

D) Next,

7

When Chinese director Chloé Zhao accepted the Oscar in 2021 for her film Nomadland, she made Academy Award history. ____only one other woman, Kathryn Bigelow of the United States, had been named best director at the Oscars, making Zhao the second woman and the first Asian woman to win the award.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) As a result,

B) Previously,

C) However,

D) Likewise,

8

Many people believe that the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is the only sustainable way forward. ___, the high initial cost of installing these systems remains a major deterrent for homeowners and small businesses.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) Nevertheless,

B) For example,

C) Additionally,

D) Therefore,

9

The Roman Empire’s vast network of roads was a masterpiece of ancient engineering, facilitating swift movement of troops and trade. ___, this infrastructure allowed for the efficient dissemination of culture and governance across the entire region.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) In contrast,

B) Consequently,

C) Specifically,

D) Moreover,

10

The planet Mars is known for its distinctive red color, which is primarily due to the presence of iron oxide (rust) on its surface. ___, it is often referred to as "the Red Planet" in popular culture.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) Likewise,

B) On the contrary,

C) Thus,

D) By comparison,