At this point, the writer wants to add a sentence that will provide a… | Verbal SAT Question

The origin of chopsticks reaches back to the Shang
Dynasty of ancient China. At that time, chopsticks—which
were then called “Zhu”—were used for cooking rather
than 1 to eat. Because the people of ancient China liked
to steam or boil their food, chopsticks were originally used
to reach deep into boiling pots of water or oil. However,
according to Chinese lore, chopsticks later evolved into an
eating utensil during the Han Dynasty due to the influence
of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius. Both a pacifist and
vegetarian, Confucius believed that knives and other sharp
utensils were inappropriate for mealtime because they
reminded people of violence and warfare. Chopsticks, on
the other hand, allowed people to savor their meals in a
more relaxed and enjoyable setting. 2

Since then, the diversity of chopstick styles and uses
3 has quickly expanded. In China, for example,
chopsticks are often longer and taper to a blunt end, while
in Japan, chopsticks are shorter and taper to a sharp end.
In addition to the length of chopsticks, the materials used
to make them also vary considerably between cultures.
4 In Korea, it is also customary to use spoons for rice and
chopsticks for larger, more manageable pieces of food.

As different chopstick styles have evolved over
centuries, so have a number of cultural traditions and
taboos. In China, for example, it is customary to transfer
food between relatives as a sign of caring and respect. In
Japan, on the other hand, using chopsticks to transfer food
and other materials is considered taboo and is reserved
solely for funeral rites. Given 5 their importance and
prominence in Asian history, chopsticks have become as
unique and nuanced as the cultures from which they arose.

At this point, the writer wants to add a sentence that will provide an effective transition from the first paragraph to the second. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Regardless of whether or not the nod to Confucius is accurate, chopsticks became ubiquitous throughout China and much of Asia after his death.

Confucius is also famous for championing the doctrine, based on his philosophical teachings, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.”

Ironically, though, Confucius did support a number of rebellions.

It was during this period that people began holding chopsticks in their dominant hand and handling them using their thumb, middle, and ring fingers.