Transition questions ask you to choose the word or phrase that best connects two ideas in a passage. You'll see a blank (or underlined word) at the start of a sentence, and you need to decide what type of logical relationship exists between the sentences.
These are some of the most common question types on the SAT's writing section — and they're very learnable once you know the categories.
> "The new policy reduced costs. Furthermore, it improved customer satisfaction."
Use when the second sentence continues or adds to the same idea as the first.
> "The plan seemed promising. However, it failed to account for budget constraints."
Use when the second sentence contradicts, limits, or shifts from the first.
> "The temperature dropped sharply overnight. As a result, schools were delayed the next morning."
Use when the second sentence is the result or consequence of the first.
> "Many animals hibernate during winter. For example, bears can sleep for up to 7 months."
Use when the second sentence gives a specific case that illustrates the general point.
> "Admittedly, electric vehicles have a higher upfront cost. However, their long-term savings are significant."
Often paired with a contrast word in the sentence that follows.
Before picking a transition, ask: 1. What does the first sentence say? 2. What does the second sentence say? 3. What's the relationship? (same direction / opposite direction / cause-effect / example)
Then match the relationship to the correct category and pick the word.
Real-world example: Two sentences:
Relationship: The second sentence ADDS a new finding that extends the first. Best transition: "Moreover" or "Furthermore" (addition).
If the second sentence said "exercise alone cannot prevent all forms of cardiovascular disease," that would call for "However" (contrast).
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Quiz Questions:
Q1. Choose the best transition: "The new software drastically reduced processing time. ___, employee productivity increased significantly."
A) However B) For example C) As a result D) Admittedly
Answer: C — The second sentence describes the effect of the reduced processing time. "As a result" signals a cause-and-effect relationship — productivity increased BECAUSE processing time was reduced.
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Q2. Choose the best transition: "Researchers have long believed that coffee increases anxiety. ___, a new meta-analysis of 500 studies found no significant connection between moderate coffee consumption and anxiety disorders."
A) Furthermore B) For instance C) Therefore D) However
Answer: D — The second sentence contradicts the long-held belief described in the first. "However" signals a contrast — the new research goes against the previous understanding.
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Q3. Choose the best transition: "Many species of birds migrate thousands of miles each year. ___, the Arctic tern travels from the Arctic to Antarctica and back — a round trip of nearly 50,000 miles."
A) Nevertheless B) Consequently C) For instance D) Moreover
Answer: C — The second sentence gives a specific example of a bird that migrates long distances. "For instance" introduces an illustrative example.
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Q4. Choose the best transition: "The new bridge design uses 30% less steel than conventional designs. ___, it provides the same load-bearing capacity."
A) Therefore B) Furthermore C) For example D) Nevertheless
Answer: D — The second sentence seems to go against what you might expect (less steel = less strength?) by saying capacity is maintained. "Nevertheless" signals that despite what the first sentence might imply, the second is true anyway. This is a concession/contrast pattern.
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Q5. A student writes: "Deforestation reduces biodiversity. Similarly, it contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions." Is the transition word correct?
A) Yes, "Similarly" correctly shows that both effects of deforestation point in the same general direction B) No, "Similarly" is used for comparing two separate things that are alike; it doesn't work for listing two effects of the same cause C) Yes, any addition word works when listing causes D) No, "Similarly" should be replaced with "However" because the two effects are different
Answer: B — "Similarly" is used to compare two SEPARATE situations that are alike. Here, we have two effects of the SAME cause (deforestation). Better transitions would be "Additionally," "Furthermore," or "Moreover." "Similarly" would be appropriate if the second sentence described a DIFFERENT activity that also reduces biodiversity.