transitions
On the digital SAT, transition questions test your ability to link ideas logically. Whether you need a single‑word connector (however, therefore, similarly) or an entire bridging sentence, the job is to capture the exact relationship between the clauses or paragraphs—no more, no less.
major types of transitions
- Addition: furthermore, moreover, also, in addition, similarly
- Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, in contrast
- Cause → Effect: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, because
- Clarification / Emphasis: in fact, indeed, that is, specifically, namely
- Chronology / Sequence: then, next, afterward, subsequently, finally, meanwhile
- Example / Illustration: for example, for instance, such as, namely
how to approach any transition question
- Read the chunks on both sides. Paraphrase each idea in your own words.
- Label their relationship. Is it contrast, cause‑effect, sequence, example, addition, or clarification?
- Make a quick prediction. Think of a transition that would fit (e.g., "however", "as a result").
- Test every answer choice. Eliminate any option whose meaning doesn’t match the relationship or that creates redundancy.
- Beware near‑synonyms. Words like however vs. nevertheless have almost identical meanings—if both appear, double‑check nuance and punctuation.
Tea contains less caffeine than coffee. ____ many tea varieties provide a comparable boost in alertness, thanks to the presence of L‑theanine, which moderates caffeine’s effects.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A) For instance,
- B) Nevertheless,
- C) In contrast,
- D) As a result,
Show Explanation
Correct Answer: B) Nevertheless,
The second clause presents an unexpected twist—tea can still boost alertness—so a contrast connector like "Nevertheless" fits. Choices A and D signal example or result, while C (In contrast) would wrongly compare tea to coffee again.
Easy
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was a prominent classical music composer from England who toured the US three times in the early 1900s. The child of a West African father and an English mother, Coleridge-Taylor emphasized his mixed-race ancestry. For example, he referred to himself as Anglo-African. ______ he incorporated the sounds of traditional African music into his classical music compositions.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Medium
Most of the planets that have been discovered outside our solar system orbit G-type stars, like our Sun. In 2014, ______ researchers identified a planet orbiting KELT-9, a B-type star more than twice as massive and nearly twice as hot as the Sun. Called KELT-9b, it is one of the hottest planets ever discovered.
Which transition best completes the sentence?
Hard
In a heated debate in biogeography, the field is divided between dispersalists and vicariancists. ______ there are those who argue that dispersal is the most crucial determining factor in a species’ distribution, and those who insist that vicariance (separation due to geographic barriers) is. Biogeographer Isabel SanmartĂn counts herself among neither.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Transitions Mastered
You can now guide readers smoothly from one idea to the next.
Next Up
19: boundaries
Know what looks right and what doesn't.