answer:1. Identify the sequence: The integers from -6 through 7 inclusive form a sequence where each number has a corresponding negative counterpart, except for the zero. This sequence is symmetric around zero. 2. Calculate the sum: The sum of integers from -6 to 7 can be calculated by noting that pairs (-6, 6), (-5, 5), (-4, 4), (-3, 3), (-2, 2), (-1, 1) each sum to zero. The only unpaired number is 7. Thus, the sum of these integers is -6 + -5 + -4 + -3 + -2 + -1 + 0 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 0 + 7 = 7. 3. Calculate the mean: There are 14 integers in this sequence. The arithmetic mean is therefore frac{7}{14} = 0.5. boxed{0.5}

answer:Your introduction effectively sets the stage for your essay by highlighting the flooding issue in Venice and its causes. However, there are some areas where you can improve clarity and smoothness in transitions. The first two sentences work well together, introducing Venice and its current problem. However, the third sentence feels a bit wordy and could be rephrased for better clarity. Consider: The floods inflict significant damage on buildings and infrastructure, resulting in substantial annual repair costs. The transition to the causes of the flooding issue could be smoother. Instead of stating Rising sea levels are the main cause for this issue abruptly, consider adding a connecting phrase: A key contributor to this problem is the rising sea levels. This helps to link the cause to the effect described in the previous sentence. The mention of the soft soil as another reason feels a bit disconnected from the previous sentence. You could combine these two causes in a single sentence to improve the flow: The combination of rising sea levels and the city's foundation on soft soil exacerbates the flooding issue. Lastly, the final sentence is a good call to action, but it could be rephrased for more impact. Consider: As the city of water faces the threat of sinking, it is crucial that we take action to preserve this iconic city. Here's a revised version of your introduction incorporating these suggestions: The city of Venice is a place known for its majestic canals. However, its inhabitants are now facing a major issue related to the water that has made Venice so famous - the flooding. The floods inflict significant damage on buildings and infrastructure, resulting in substantial annual repair costs. A key contributor to this problem is the rising sea levels, which, combined with the city's foundation on soft soil, exacerbates the flooding issue. As the city of water faces the threat of sinking, it is crucial that we take action to preserve this iconic city.

answer:The revised sentences aim to improve transitions in several ways: 1. **Linking ideas**: In the original text, the sentence Rising sea levels are the main cause for this issue feels disconnected from the previous sentence. The revised sentence A key contributor to this problem is the rising sea levels creates a clearer connection between the cause (rising sea levels) and the effect (floods inflicting damage). The phrase A key contributor to this problem serves as a bridge, explicitly linking the cause to the issue described earlier. 2. **Combining related ideas**: The original text mentions two separate causes (rising sea levels and soft soil) in distinct sentences. The revised sentence combines these causes: The combination of rising sea levels and the city's foundation on soft soil exacerbates the flooding issue. This integration creates a smoother flow, as the reader can see the connection between the two causes and how they collectively contribute to the problem. 3. **Using transitional phrases**: Phrases like A key contributor to this problem and As the city of water faces the threat of sinking help to guide the reader through the text. These transitional phrases signal the relationship between ideas and create a more cohesive narrative. 4. **Improving sentence order**: The revised paragraph maintains a logical order, starting with the introduction of the issue, followed by the description of the problem, then the causes, and finally, the call to action. This order helps to build a clear narrative arc and improves the overall flow of the text. By addressing these areas, the revised sentences aim to create a more cohesive and connected text, where ideas flow smoothly from one sentence to the next.

answer:The phrase A key contributor primarily aids in the transition by connecting the sentence with the preceding sentence. By using this phrase, you're explicitly linking the cause (rising sea levels) to the problem described earlier (the floods inflicting damage). It signals to the reader that what follows is a explanation or an elaboration of the previous idea, rather than a new, unrelated concept. The phrase A key contributor doesn't directly aid in the connection with the sentence that follows, which describes the combination of rising sea levels and soft soil. However, by establishing a clear connection with the preceding sentence, it helps to create a smooth flow of ideas, making it easier for the reader to follow the subsequent sentence. In other words, A key contributor serves as a backward-looking transition, connecting the sentence to what has come before, rather than a forward-looking transition, which would connect the sentence to what follows. To illustrate this, consider an alternative phrase, such as Furthermore or In addition, which would signal a connection to what follows, rather than what precedes. In this case, A key contributor is more effective because it helps to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the flooding issue and the rising sea levels.