Transitions

Why don’t transitions get lost in the SAT writing section? They always know where they’re going!

Definition:
Transition questions test your ability to connect ideas smoothly and logically. These questions ask you to choose words or phrases that clarify relationships between sentences or ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, addition, or conclusion.

  • Example: “I planned to go hiking. However, it started raining.”
    The transition “however” signals a contrast between the two ideas.

Key Concepts:

1. Common Types of Transitions:
Understanding the purpose of different transition words is crucial.

  • Addition: Signals extra information or continuation.
    • Examples: Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover, Also
    • Ex. The study was groundbreaking. Furthermore, it paved the way for new discoveries.
  • Contrast: Highlights differences or opposing ideas.
    • Examples: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Although
    • Ex. He trained for months. However, he didn’t finish the race.
  • Cause and Effect: Shows a logical connection where one idea leads to another.
    • Examples: Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus
    • Ex. She studied diligently. As a result, she aced the exam.
  • Concession: Acknowledges an opposing point before returning to the main argument.
    • Examples: Although, Even though, While it’s true that
    • Ex. Although he made mistakes, his overall performance was impressive.
  • Emphasis: Highlights or explains an idea further.
    • Examples: In fact, Indeed, That is, Specifically
    • Ex. Her paintings are extraordinary. Indeed, critics have called her a genius.

Make sure that you identify the relationship between the ideas before selecting a transition. And this isn’t Facebook… the relationships aren’t complicated!

2. Logical Consistency is Key:
Transitions must match the logic of the sentence pair or passage.

  • Example:
    • Incorrect: “The rain was heavy. Additionally, we canceled the game.”
      • “Additionally” implies adding information, not explaining a consequence.
    • Correct: “The rain was heavy. As a result, we canceled the game.”

Plenty of things sound good that aren’t – like doing a TikTok challenge. Don’t get distracted by transitions that sound good but don’t fit the logic of the sentence!

3. Contextual Clues:
The sentences before and after the blank will usually indicate the relationship needed.

  • Example:
    • Sentence 1: “Hitoshi Fugo’s photo series evokes otherworldly landscapes.”
    • Sentence 2: “The title, Flying Frying Pan, grounds the series in a familiar household setting.”
    • Logical Connection: Contrast between the initial impression and the reality.
    • Correct Transition: However or a similar contrast word.

Before looking at the choices, ask yourself: “What’s the connection here? Addition? Contrast? Cause? Destiny?”

Common Problems:

  1. Incorrect Category:
    Ex. The experiment failed. Similarly, the team found new insights.
    • “Similarly” implies comparison, but the second idea doesn’t compare to the first.
    • Correct: However, the team found new insights.
  2. Redundancy or Misuse:
    Ex. The results were clear. As a result, therefore, we revised our hypothesis.
    • Avoid stacking transitions with the same meaning!
  3. Out-of-Place Transitions:
    Ex. The researcher collected data for months. Nevertheless, the findings were groundbreaking.
    • “Nevertheless” implies a contrast, but the second idea builds on the first.
    • Correct: As a result, the findings were groundbreaking.

Practice Problems:
The student worked hard for months to prepare for the competition. ________, she achieved first place in her division.

  • Ⓐ However
  • Ⓑ Consequently
  • Ⓒ Alternatively
  • Ⓓ For example

The correct answer is Ⓑ Consequently. The second sentence shows the result of the effort described in the first.

Choose the most logical transition:
The museum exhibit was a huge success. ________, it drew record-breaking crowds and generated substantial revenue.

  • Ⓐ In contrast
  • Ⓑ Moreover
  • Ⓒ Nevertheless
  • Ⓓ Thus

The correct answer is Ⓑ Moreover. The second sentence adds further positive details about the exhibit’s success.

Video Lesson