Tayarri SAT
Reading and Writing, Expression of Ideas, Stage 1

Transitions on the SAT: lesson and practice

To answer an SAT transition question, ignore the choices at first and decide how the two sentences relate. Does the second one contrast with the first, give an example, show a result, add a point, describe something similar, come next in time, or restate it? Then choose the only transition that signals that relationship.

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The relationships and their words

RelationshipTransition wordsQuick test
ContrastHowever, Nevertheless, In contrast, Still, Even so"but" fits between the sentences
ExampleFor example, For instance, To illustratethe second is one case of the first
ResultAs a result, Therefore, Consequently, Thus"so" fits between the sentences
AdditionMoreover, Furthermore, In addition"and also" fits
SimilaritySimilarly, Likewisetwo subjects doing the same thing
SequenceThen, Next, Later, Afterwardyou could number them 1, 2
RestatementIn other words, That isthe second adds nothing new
ReplacementInstead, Ratherthe first says what did not happen

A three-step method

  1. Cover the choices. Read the sentence before the blank and the one after it.
  2. Name the relationship in one word, using the quick tests above.
  3. Pick the only choice that matches. On the SAT, the wrong choices signal a different relationship, not a slightly weaker one.

Example

Venus is farther from the Sun than Mercury is. ______ Venus is the hotter of the two planets, because its thick atmosphere traps heat.

Being farther from the Sun should make Venus cooler, but it is hotter. That is a contrast, so the answer is However.

When a passage has three sentences, the transition links the sentence just before the blank to the one after it. Read at least those two carefully.

Common mistakes

Choosing a word that "sounds smart"Moreover and Therefore sound formal but mean different things. Match the relationship, not the style.
Missing a surpriseIf the second sentence goes against your expectation, it is a contrast even without the word "not".
Confusing example with additionAn example is one case of the first idea; an addition is a separate point.
Reading only one sentenceThe right transition depends on both sides of the blank.

Sample questions with answers

1. Many people think of cacti as desert plants. ______ several cactus species grow in tropical rainforests.
  1. For example,
  2. However, (correct)
  3. Therefore,
  4. Similarly,

Rainforest cacti go against the expectation that cacti live in deserts, so a contrast is needed.

2. The river flooded after days of heavy rain. ______ schools in nearby villages were closed for a week.
  1. As a result, (correct)
  2. For instance,
  3. In contrast,
  4. Likewise,

The schools closed because of the flood: cause and effect.

3. The architect did not tear down the old factory. ______ she turned it into a museum.
  1. Similarly,
  2. For example,
  3. Instead, (correct)
  4. Then,

The first sentence says what did not happen; the second gives what happened in its place.

Frequently asked questions

How many transition questions are on the SAT?

Transitions are part of Expression of Ideas, which makes up about 20% of the Reading and Writing section, roughly 8 to 12 questions. Several of those are usually transition questions.

What is the best strategy for SAT transition questions?

Decide how the two sentences relate before reading the choices, then pick the transition that signals that relationship.

What is the difference between "however" and "therefore"?

"However" signals a contrast, while "therefore" signals a result. They are never interchangeable.

Can two transitions both be correct on the SAT?

No. Wrong choices signal a different relationship, so only one choice fits the logic of the passage.

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