Transitions — Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice
Pick the word that matches the logical relationship.
Key ideas to know
Step One for Transition Questions
When facing a transition question on the Digital SAT, what must you determine before looking at the answer choices?
You must identify the logical relationship between the two sentences or clauses. Only after matching the relationship to the correct transition word should you select your answer.
Watch out: Students often pick a familiar transition without checking if it matches the actual logical connection between the sentences.
Contrast Transitions
Choose the best transition for the blank: The team practiced daily for months. ___, they lost the championship game by two points. Options: A) Furthermore B) However C) Therefore D) Specifically
B) However. The second sentence contradicts the expectation set by the first, so a contrast transition is required.
Watch out: Using addition words like furthermore when the context actually shows an unexpected result or contradiction.
Adding or Comparing Ideas
How do you signal that a second sentence adds information or shows similarity to the first? Use this pair: The algorithm reduces processing time. ___, it lowers energy consumption significantly.
Use addition or similarity transitions like furthermore, moreover, likewise, or similarly. They show the second point builds on or parallels the first.
Watch out: Confusing addition words with cause-and-effect words when the sentences simply list related benefits rather than showing one causing the other.
Cause and Effect Transitions
Which transition correctly links these sentences? The heavy rain flooded the roads. ___, the marathon was postponed until Saturday. Options: A) In contrast B) As a result C) Similarly D) For instance
B) As a result. The flooding directly caused the postponement, so a cause-and-effect transition is needed.
Watch out: Confusing cause-and-effect transitions with contrast words when one event directly triggers the next.
Wrong transition
What is wrong with the transition? “The recipe calls for flour and sugar. Therefore, it also needs two eggs.”
Therefore signals a result, but needing eggs is just another item on the list. Use an addition transition such as Additionally or Moreover.
Watch out: Choosing Therefore whenever two sentences feel connected. Check whether the second sentence is really caused by the first.
Sample questions
Question 1
Solar panels have become dramatically cheaper over the past decade. ______ many homeowners still hesitate to install them because of high upfront costs.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- Nevertheless,
- Therefore,
- Similarly,
- For example,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Nevertheless,
Cheaper panels would suggest more adoption, yet homeowners hesitate — a contrast. 'Nevertheless' signals that contrast.
Question 2
The museum's conservation team rarely restores ancient bronzes to their original shine. ______ they preserve the green patina, which protects the metal underneath and documents the object's age.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- Instead,
- As a result,
- Likewise,
- In addition,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Instead,
The second sentence describes what the team does in place of restoring shine — 'Instead' marks the substitution.
Question 3
Antarctic ice cores provide a continuous climate record stretching back 800,000 years. ______ ocean sediment cores, though harder to date precisely, extend the record back tens of millions of years.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- Meanwhile,
- Consequently,
- In other words,
- Specifically,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Meanwhile,
The text shifts from one record (ice cores) to a parallel, complementary one (sediment cores). 'Meanwhile' appropriately coordinates the two; the others imply causation or restatement.