Question

Despite regulations and limits, these new industries have contributed to high smog levels. The amount of smog in Beijing is twenty times higher than worldwide safety levels.

While manufacturing has led to increased pollution levels, population growth has had an even stronger effect. By 2012, the population of Beijing rose to 20 million citizens.

Which phrase from the excerpt indicates a transition?

Responses

The amount of smog in Beijing . . .
The amount of smog in Beijing . . .

. . . the population of Beijing rose . . .
. . . the population of Beijing rose . . .

While manufacturing has led to . . .
While manufacturing has led to . . .

. . . population growth has had . . .
. . . population growth has had . . .

Answer 1

"While manufacturing has led to . . ." — the word "While" signals a transition/contrast.