What transitional phrase set would be most appropriate in a speech discussing the causes and effects of dropping out of school?

The choice that includes "thus," "consequently," and "therefore" is the most appropriate transitional phrase set for a speech discussing the causes and effects of dropping out of school because these phrases indicate relationships of causality and conclusion. When presenting the causes of dropping out, using these transitional phrases helps the audience understand that certain factors lead to specific outcomes. For instance, after outlining a cause for dropping out, one might say, “Consequently, students may struggle to find steady employment,” clearly linking the cause to its effect.

In this context, using phrases that highlight causation is critical for clarity and coherence in the argument being made. The other options provided do not effectively convey this relationship. The first set focuses more on contrast, the second on sequence of events without implying causation, and the last set does not relate directly to the causes and effects discussed in the speech. Hence, the selected transitional phrases strengthen the logical flow and impact of the speech regarding the consequences of school dropout.