Straightforward Logical Transitions: First, Afterward, In Response (ORG 401)

Think of each sentence pair as two boxes of information with a blank arrow between them. The transition word you choose is a label for that arrow, nothing more. 'As a result' labels an arrow running from cause to effect. 'In response' labels an arrow where the second box reacts to the first. 'First' and 'afterward' label an arrow running through time. The word doesn't create the relationship — it just names whatever relationship is already sitting there in the two sentences.

Because the arrow is already fixed by the content, you have to read both sentences fully before touching the answer choices. A sentence that starts with a flood of rain and ends with a reservoir still below target isn't building toward a cause-effect arrow — it's building toward a contrast, because the second half pushes against what the first half set up. If you stop reading after the first sentence, or skim the second, you'll guess at the arrow instead of seeing it, and guessing is how smooth-sounding wrong answers get picked.

This is the baseline case for the whole transitions unit: every harder version — contrast words, emphasis words, concession words — is still just a different arrow direction between the same two boxes. Once you're fast at naming cause, response, and sequence correctly here, the next step is sorting out trickier arrows like contrast-despite-similarity or addition-that-isn't-just-extra. The skill doesn't change. Only the arrow shapes get subtler.