Transitions

Digital SAT · Reading and Writing · Expression of Ideas. The idea in plain words, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid and a worked example, written and checked by Mega Lecture.

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The idea

A transition is a word or phrase such as "however," "therefore" or "for example." It tells the reader how a sentence is linked to the one before it. The question gives a blank and four transitions.

Cover the options. Read the sentence before the blank and the sentence with the blank, and name the relationship yourself. Does the second sentence add to the idea, oppose it, result from it, give an example of it, or come next in time?

Then pick the transition from the family that matches. A transition can sound fine in its own sentence and still be wrong, because the link depends on both sentences.

Rules to remember

Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore, also.
Contrast: however, in contrast, instead, on the other hand. Contrast after admitting a point: nevertheless, even so, still.
Cause and result: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, accordingly.
Example or closer detail: for example, for instance, specifically.
Saying it again or more strongly: that is, in other words, in fact, indeed. Summing up: in short.
Time order: first, next, later, previously, finally.
Similarity: similarly, likewise. "Granted" admits a point against the writer's own argument.

Common mistake

Choosing a transition because it sounds formal or fits its own sentence. Always read the sentence before the blank and decide the relationship first.

Worked example

"The first bicycles had no pedals. Riders pushed themselves along with their feet on the ground. ______ going uphill on these machines was slow and tiring." Options: (A) For example, (B) As a result, (C) However, (D) Similarly,

Before the blank: riders had to push with their feet.
After the blank: going uphill was slow and tiring.
The second fact is caused by the first, so a result transition is needed. It is not an example, a contrast or a comparison.

Answer: (B) As a result,

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