Select the best transitional word(s) for the following sentence: ...

[joe]

Select the best transitional word(s) for the following sentence:
  The Southeast has been experiencing a drought for five years; _______ , many large oak trees are dying.
 
  a. as a result
  b. instead

Question 2

The topic sentence:
 
  a. establishes whether you are focusing on the causes of something.
  b. establishes whether you are focusing on the effects of something.
  c. establishes the purpose for the cause and effect analysis.
  d. all of the above

[dajones82]

Answer to Question 1

a

Answer to Question 2

d

[joe]

Great answer, keep it coming

[sarah_brady415]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it