Although his younger students greeted the new practice with enthusiasm, the “old guard” had staked their reputations on the belief in miasmas.
Which type of connection does the author make between the ideas in this sentence?
problem and solution
comparison
contrast
cause and effect
contrast
The type of connection the author makes between the ideas in this sentence is contrast. The author contrasts the enthusiasm of the younger students with the resistance of the "old guard" who have staked their reputations on the belief in miasmas.
The type of connection the author makes between the ideas in this sentence is contrast.
To determine this, you can examine the contrasting statements made in the sentence. The author mentions that the younger students welcomed the new practice with enthusiasm, whereas the "old guard" continued to hold onto their belief in miasmas. The contrast between the newer generation's acceptance and the older generation's resistance highlights a difference in attitudes and beliefs. Therefore, the correct answer is contrast.