Question

A large number of teachers wanted school to begin a little earlier this year so that the school calendar could incorporate a three-day fall break. ______________, an even larger number of parents and students opposed this proposal and even recommended that school start even later next year.

Which word or phrase would most logically connect go into the blank in this sentence?
A) Similarly
B) In addition,
C) Coincidentally,
D) In direct contrast,

Answer 1

 The answer is C, coincidentally. A wouldn't be correct because similarly is when the other group agrees. Here, two groups are disagreeing. B would fit but it would not be the most logically connected word. C means when one group agrees on something but the other group disagrees more with the decision. D would fit but it would not because there is no direct contrast. Some teachers believe that school should start later in the year and parents believe that school starts earlier in the year. Therefore it can be concluded that C is the best-fit word to be placed in the blank.

Answer 2

Answer: D) In direct contrast,

Explanation: The best word to go in the blank in this sentence would be In direct contrast,. This phrase makes it clear that the second sentence will contain information that opposes the information in the first sentence.