Question

Firefighters and police officers risk their lives often by stepping into the way of danger physically; \underline{________}, professionals such as doctors and lawyers have an equally significant impact on individuals' lives medically and legally.

• A. therefore
• B. but
• C. nevertheless
• D. as a result
• E. and

Hint:

When choosing the correct connector, focus on whether the relationship is one of contrast, addition, or causality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the context.
The sentence is comparing two groups of professionals: firefighters/police officers and doctors/lawyers. The use of "therefore" in the original sentence suggests a cause-and-effect relationship, but the contrast between the two groups requires a different word.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) therefore: Incorrect. "Therefore" suggests causality, but the sentence is contrasting two different types of professionals, not explaining a cause.
- (B) but: Correct. "But" correctly introduces a contrast between the two professions.
- (C) nevertheless: Incorrect. "Nevertheless" suggests a contradiction but doesn't fit the context of comparison.
- (D) as a result: Incorrect. "As a result" suggests causality, which doesn't fit the comparison structure.
- (E) and: Incorrect. "And" doesn't show the necessary contrast between the two groups of professionals.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) but, as it introduces a contrasting idea between the two professions.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B) \, \text{but}} \]