Transition questions test whether you can identify how ideas connect within and between sentences. These questions appear frequently on the SAT Writing section and are highly predictable once you understand the patterns. Master transitions, and you’ll earn easy points consistently.
What Are Transition Questions?
The SAT presents sentences or paragraphs and asks you to choose the word or phrase that best connects ideas. The correct transition must logically reflect the relationship between the ideas it connects.
Example structure: “The experiment showed promising results. [Transition word], the researchers decided to expand the study.”
Your job is determining whether the second sentence continues the same line of thought, contrasts with the first, shows a result, provides an example, or establishes another logical relationship.
Categories of Transitions
Understanding transition categories helps you identify the correct logical relationship:
Addition/Continuation – The second idea builds on or adds to the first:
- Moreover, furthermore, additionally, in addition
- Also, besides, likewise, similarly
Contrast/Opposition – The second idea contradicts or differs from the first:
- However, nevertheless, nonetheless, conversely
- On the other hand, in contrast, yet, although
- Despite, rather, instead
Cause and Effect – The second idea results from the first:
- Therefore, thus, consequently, accordingly
- As a result, hence, for this reason
Example/Illustration – The second idea exemplifies the first:
- For example, for instance, specifically
- In particular, namely, such as
Emphasis – The second idea emphasizes or clarifies the first:
- Indeed, in fact, certainly, clearly
- Obviously, undoubtedly
Time/Sequence – Ideas are arranged chronologically:
- Then, next, subsequently, afterward
- Meanwhile, previously, finally, eventually
How to Approach Transition Questions
Follow this systematic process:
Step 1 – Read both sentences carefully: Understand what each sentence is saying independently.
Step 2 – Identify the relationship: How do these ideas connect? Does the second sentence agree with, contradict, result from, or exemplify the first?
Step 3 – Predict the transition type: Before looking at answer choices, determine what type of transition word would work: “I need a contrast word here” or “I need something showing cause and effect.”
Step 4 – Eliminate wrong answers: Cross out transitions that express the wrong relationship.
Step 5 – Choose the best remaining option: If multiple transitions seem correct, choose the most precise one that matches the specific relationship between the ideas.
Common Transition Mistakes
Ignoring logic: Don’t just choose a transition because it “sounds good.” The transition must accurately reflect the relationship between ideas.
Confusing similar transitions: “However” and “therefore” are not interchangeable. One shows contrast; the other shows cause and effect.
Overlooking subtle differences: “Moreover” (adding more of the same) differs from “however” (introducing contrast). Small words create big meaning differences.
Missing implicit relationships: Sometimes the connection isn’t obvious. You need to understand the underlying logic, not just surface-level content.
Paragraph Transitions
Some questions ask you to transition between entire paragraphs or place sentences in logical order.
For paragraph transitions:
- Read the final sentence of the previous paragraph and the first sentence of the next paragraph
- Determine how the paragraphs relate: Does the second continue the discussion, shift to a new aspect, or contradict the previous point?
- Choose a transition that bridges these paragraphs smoothly
For sentence placement:
- Read all sentences to understand the logical flow of ideas
- Look for clues like pronouns (referring to previously mentioned nouns), time markers (first, then, finally), or logical connections (cause before effect, general before specific)
- Place the sentence where it fits most naturally into the progression of ideas
Practice Examples
Addition example: “The study revealed significant health benefits. [___], participants reported improved sleep quality.”
Analysis: The second sentence adds another benefit. Use “Moreover” or “Additionally.”
Contrast example: “The medication showed promise in trials. [___], it produced unexpected side effects in some patients.”
Analysis: The second sentence introduces a negative that contrasts with the positive first sentence. Use “However” or “Nevertheless.”
Cause and effect example: “The roads were covered in ice overnight. [___], schools announced a delayed opening.”
Analysis: The second sentence is a result of the first. Use “Therefore” or “Consequently.”
Advanced Transition Strategies
Consider tone: Some transitions are more formal (nonetheless, consequently) while others are more casual (also, so). The SAT typically prefers more formal academic language.
Notice punctuation: Transitions beginning sentences are usually followed by commas. Transitions in the middle of sentences are set off by commas on both sides.
Read aloud mentally: If a transition sounds awkward or disrupts the flow, it’s probably incorrect.
Verify in context: After selecting a transition, reread the sentences with your chosen transition to confirm it creates a smooth, logical connection.
Building Transition Awareness
To improve your transition skills:
Notice transitions while reading: As you read articles or books, pay attention to how professional writers connect ideas. What transitions do they use and why?
Create transition flashcards: Write sentences with blank transitions and practice identifying the correct type needed.
Practice deliberately: Complete practice questions focusing only on transitions. Build pattern recognition so these questions become automatic.
Analyze mistakes: When you miss transition questions in practice, understand why the correct answer works and why yours didn’t. This builds intuition for future questions.
Transition questions are among the most learnable on the SAT. With focused practice identifying logical relationships and matching them to appropriate transition words, you can master this question type and consistently earn these points on test day.
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