Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

Which transition word suggests a conclusion is being drawn?

1. Additionally

2. Thus

3. Consequently

4. Furthermore

The correct answer is: Thus

The transition word that suggests a conclusion is being drawn is "thus." This term is often used to signal that the information presented in the preceding statements has led to a logical outcome or conclusion. It implies a result derived from prior reasoning or evidence, indicating to the reader that the writer is summarizing or drawing a final point from the arguments made earlier. In contrast, the other options introduce additional ideas or elaborations rather than drawing a conclusion. "Additionally" and "furthermore" both serve to add more information or further expand on a topic. "Consequently" can suggest a result, but it often implies a cause-and-effect relationship rather than purely drawing a conclusion based on reasoning or summary, making "thus" the most direct signal of conclusion in this context.