Transitions
Choose the transition that states the logical relationship between two ideas: contrast, concession, cause and effect, addition, example, or sequence.
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Transitions and Organization on the SAT
What Transition Questions Test
The SAT tests your ability to:
- Choose the correct transition word or phrase
- Place sentences in the most logical order
- Add or delete sentences for coherence
Transition Words by Category
Addition (adding similar ideas)
Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also, Similarly, Likewise, Additionally
Contrast (showing differences)
However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast, Conversely, Although, Despite, Yet, Still, Nonetheless
Cause/Effect (showing results)
Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus, Hence, Accordingly, Because of this, For this reason
Sequence/Time (showing order)
First, Second, Next, Then, Finally, Subsequently, Meanwhile, Previously, Afterward, Initially
Example (illustrating a point)
For example, For instance, Specifically, In particular, To illustrate, Namely
Conclusion/Summary
In conclusion, In summary, Overall, Ultimately, To sum up, In short
Emphasis
Indeed, In fact, Certainly, Importantly, Notably
How to Choose the Right Transition
Step 1: Identify the Relationship
Read the sentence BEFORE and the sentence AFTER the transition. What's the logical relationship?
| Relationship | Transition |
|---|---|
| Sentence 2 adds to Sentence 1 | Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally |
| Sentence 2 contrasts Sentence 1 | However, In contrast, Nevertheless |
| Sentence 2 is caused by Sentence 1 | Therefore, As a result, Consequently |
| Sentence 2 gives an example | For example, For instance |
| Sentence 2 is next in sequence | Next, Then, Subsequently |
Step 2: Test Your Choice
Read the sentences with the transition. Does the logical flow make sense?
Sentence Placement Questions
"To make this paragraph most logical, sentence 3 should be placed..."
Strategy:
- Read the sentence in question — what does it say?
- Look for pronoun references — "this," "these," "it" must refer to something in a previous sentence
- Look for logical flow — does each sentence build on the previous?
- Look for chronological order in narratives
- Try placing the sentence in each option and read the paragraph aloud
Add/Delete Questions
"Should the writer add/keep this sentence?"
YES, keep it if:
- It provides a relevant example or evidence
- It supports the paragraph's main idea
- It aids the logical flow
NO, delete it if:
- It's off-topic (introduces unrelated information)
- It's redundant (repeats what was already said)
- It disrupts the flow or logical progression
- It contradicts the passage's argument
Common SAT Mistakes
- Choosing a transition that SOUNDS good but creates the WRONG relationship
- Confusing "however" (contrast) with "furthermore" (addition)
- Not reading BOTH sentences around the transition
- Placing sentences without checking pronoun references
- Keeping irrelevant sentences because the information is "interesting"
📚 Practice Problems
1Problem 1easy
❓ Question:
Which transition fits best?
"Electric cars are expensive. _____, they are becoming more popular."
A) Therefore B) However C) For example D) Specifically
💡 Show Solution
Solution:
Sentence 1: Electric cars are expensive (potential negative) Sentence 2: They are becoming popular (positive/surprising)
Relationship: CONTRAST (despite being expensive, still popular)
Check transitions:
- A) Therefore = cause/effect ❌
- B) However = contrast ✓
- C) For example = illustration ❌
- D) Specifically = clarification ❌
Answer: B - However
SAT Tip: "However" shows contrast - when second idea goes against expectations from first!
2Problem 2medium
❓ Question:
Where should this sentence be placed?
"This discovery led to a breakthrough in treatment."
The paragraph discusses: [1] A disease affects millions. [2] Researchers studied it for years. [3] They identified a key protein. [4] New therapies are being developed.
💡 Show Solution
Solution:
Key word: "This discovery"
What discovery? Must refer to something previously mentioned
Check each position:
- After [1]? No discovery mentioned yet ❌
- After [2]? Just says "studied" - vague ❌
- After [3]? "Identified a key protein" = discovery! ✓
- After [4]? Already past the breakthrough ❌
Logical flow: Studied → Identified protein (discovery) → Led to breakthrough → New therapies
Answer: After sentence [3]
SAT Tip: "This" needs a clear antecedent - find what it refers to!
3Problem 3hard
❓ Question:
A passage about renewable energy includes this sentence: "My uncle installed solar panels last year."
Should this sentence be kept or deleted?
💡 Show Solution
Solution:
Consider:
- Is it relevant to main topic (renewable energy in general)?
- Personal anecdote, not about renewable energy broadly ❌
- Does it support the main idea?
- Too specific/personal ❌
- Is it necessary?
- No - passage works without it ❌
This is off-topic! Too personal for academic passage about renewable energy
Unless passage is specifically about personal experiences with solar, this should be:
Answer: DELETED - it's an irrelevant personal detail
SAT Tip: Delete sentences that are off-topic, even if they're interesting!
4Problem 4easy
❓ Question:
Choose the best transition: "The study found that exercise improves mood. __________, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression." (A) However (B) Furthermore (C) Instead (D) Nevertheless
💡 Show Solution
Step 1: What's the relationship?
- Sentence 1: exercise improves mood (positive finding)
- Sentence 2: exercise reduces depression risk (another positive finding)
These sentences are ADDING similar ideas — both are benefits of exercise.
Step 2: Match the transition: (A) "However" = contrast → these sentences don't contrast ❌ (B) "Furthermore" = addition → perfect! Adding another benefit ✅ (C) "Instead" = replacement → sentence 2 doesn't replace sentence 1 ❌ (D) "Nevertheless" = contrast → no contrast here ❌
Answer: (B) Furthermore
Tip: If both sentences point in the same direction (same argument, additional support), use an addition transition.
5Problem 5easy
❓ Question:
Choose the best transition: "The study found that exercise improves mood. __________, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression." (A) However (B) Furthermore (C) Instead (D) Nevertheless
💡 Show Solution
Step 1: What's the relationship?
- Sentence 1: exercise improves mood (positive finding)
- Sentence 2: exercise reduces depression risk (another positive finding)
These sentences are ADDING similar ideas — both are benefits of exercise.
Step 2: Match the transition: (A) "However" = contrast → these sentences don't contrast ❌ (B) "Furthermore" = addition → perfect! Adding another benefit ✅ (C) "Instead" = replacement → sentence 2 doesn't replace sentence 1 ❌ (D) "Nevertheless" = contrast → no contrast here ❌
Answer: (B) Furthermore
Tip: If both sentences point in the same direction (same argument, additional support), use an addition transition.
6Problem 6medium
❓ Question:
Choose the best transition: "The city invested millions in a new transit system. __________, ridership has remained below projections for three consecutive years." (A) Therefore (B) Similarly (C) Nevertheless (D) For example
💡 Show Solution
Step 1: What's the relationship?
- Sentence 1: The city invested millions (positive action, big effort)
- Sentence 2: Ridership is below projections (disappointing result)
This is a CONTRAST — the big investment hasn't led to expected results.
Step 2: Match the transition: (A) "Therefore" = cause/effect → This implies ridership SHOULD be low because they invested, which is wrong ❌ (B) "Similarly" = addition → These ideas aren't similar ❌ (C) "Nevertheless" = contrast → ✅ Despite the big investment, results are disappointing (D) "For example" = illustration → Sentence 2 isn't an example of sentence 1 ❌
Answer: (C) Nevertheless
"Nevertheless" vs. "However": Both show contrast. "Nevertheless" emphasizes that something is true DESPITE what was said before. "However" is a more general contrast.
7Problem 7medium
❓ Question:
Choose the best transition: "The city invested millions in a new transit system. __________, ridership has remained below projections for three consecutive years." (A) Therefore (B) Similarly (C) Nevertheless (D) For example
💡 Show Solution
Step 1: What's the relationship?
- Sentence 1: The city invested millions (positive action, big effort)
- Sentence 2: Ridership is below projections (disappointing result)
This is a CONTRAST — the big investment hasn't led to expected results.
Step 2: Match the transition: (A) "Therefore" = cause/effect → This implies ridership SHOULD be low because they invested, which is wrong ❌ (B) "Similarly" = addition → These ideas aren't similar ❌ (C) "Nevertheless" = contrast → ✅ Despite the big investment, results are disappointing (D) "For example" = illustration → Sentence 2 isn't an example of sentence 1 ❌
Answer: (C) Nevertheless
"Nevertheless" vs. "However": Both show contrast. "Nevertheless" emphasizes that something is true DESPITE what was said before. "However" is a more general contrast.
8Problem 8medium
❓ Question:
Should this sentence be added before sentence 4?
Sentence to add: "This technique was first developed in Japan in the 1950s."
Paragraph context: Discusses a modern manufacturing process, sentence 3 introduces the technique, sentence 4 describes how it works today.
(A) Yes, because it provides historical context. (B) Yes, because it explains how the technique works. (C) No, because it interrupts the flow from introduction to explanation. (D) No, because it contradicts the passage.
💡 Show Solution
Analyze the placement:
The paragraph flow is:
- Sentence 3: Introduces the technique
- [Proposed addition: History of the technique]
- Sentence 4: Describes how it works today
Does the sentence fit here?
(A) "provides historical context" — True, but is this the right PLACE for it? Between introduction and explanation, it could interrupt the flow.
(B) "explains how the technique works" — No, it gives history, not explanation. ❌
(C) "interrupts the flow from introduction to explanation" — ✅ The reader expects to learn HOW it works after the introduction, not a historical tangent.
(D) "contradicts the passage" — Nothing contradictory about stating when it was developed. ❌
Answer: (C) — While the information is relevant, placing it between the introduction and explanation disrupts the logical flow. It might fit better in a separate paragraph about the technique's history.
SAT Key: A sentence can be TRUE and RELEVANT but still be in the WRONG place. Always consider flow.
9Problem 9medium
❓ Question:
Should this sentence be added before sentence 4?
Sentence to add: "This technique was first developed in Japan in the 1950s."
Paragraph context: Discusses a modern manufacturing process, sentence 3 introduces the technique, sentence 4 describes how it works today.
(A) Yes, because it provides historical context. (B) Yes, because it explains how the technique works. (C) No, because it interrupts the flow from introduction to explanation. (D) No, because it contradicts the passage.
💡 Show Solution
Analyze the placement:
The paragraph flow is:
- Sentence 3: Introduces the technique
- [Proposed addition: History of the technique]
- Sentence 4: Describes how it works today
Does the sentence fit here?
(A) "provides historical context" — True, but is this the right PLACE for it? Between introduction and explanation, it could interrupt the flow.
(B) "explains how the technique works" — No, it gives history, not explanation. ❌
(C) "interrupts the flow from introduction to explanation" — ✅ The reader expects to learn HOW it works after the introduction, not a historical tangent.
(D) "contradicts the passage" — Nothing contradictory about stating when it was developed. ❌
Answer: (C) — While the information is relevant, placing it between the introduction and explanation disrupts the logical flow. It might fit better in a separate paragraph about the technique's history.
SAT Key: A sentence can be TRUE and RELEVANT but still be in the WRONG place. Always consider flow.
10Problem 10hard
❓ Question:
Reorder these sentences for the most logical paragraph: [1] "Today, solar panel efficiency has reached 22%." [2] "In 1954, Bell Labs created the first practical solar cell with 6% efficiency." [3] "Solar energy technology has advanced dramatically over the past seven decades." [4] "Researchers predict efficiency could exceed 30% within the next decade."
💡 Show Solution
Step 1: Identify the topic sentence: [3] "Solar energy technology has advanced dramatically..." — This is the broadest, most general statement. It introduces the paragraph's main idea.
Step 2: Find the chronological order for supporting details: [2] "In 1954..." — Starting point (earliest time) [1] "Today..." — Current status [4] "Researchers predict..." — Future projection
Logical order: [3], [2], [1], [4]
Reading it through: "Solar energy technology has advanced dramatically over the past seven decades. In 1954, Bell Labs created the first practical solar cell with 6% efficiency. Today, solar panel efficiency has reached 22%. Researchers predict efficiency could exceed 30% within the next decade."
✅ Topic sentence → historical start → present → future
Why this works:
- General statement first (topic sentence)
- Chronological progression (past → present → future)
- Each sentence builds on the previous
- The paragraph tells a coherent story of progress
Answer: [3], [2], [1], [4]
11Problem 11hard
❓ Question:
Reorder these sentences for the most logical paragraph: [1] "Today, solar panel efficiency has reached 22%." [2] "In 1954, Bell Labs created the first practical solar cell with 6% efficiency." [3] "Solar energy technology has advanced dramatically over the past seven decades." [4] "Researchers predict efficiency could exceed 30% within the next decade."
💡 Show Solution
Step 1: Identify the topic sentence: [3] "Solar energy technology has advanced dramatically..." — This is the broadest, most general statement. It introduces the paragraph's main idea.
Step 2: Find the chronological order for supporting details: [2] "In 1954..." — Starting point (earliest time) [1] "Today..." — Current status [4] "Researchers predict..." — Future projection
Logical order: [3], [2], [1], [4]
Reading it through: "Solar energy technology has advanced dramatically over the past seven decades. In 1954, Bell Labs created the first practical solar cell with 6% efficiency. Today, solar panel efficiency has reached 22%. Researchers predict efficiency could exceed 30% within the next decade."
✅ Topic sentence → historical start → present → future
Why this works:
- General statement first (topic sentence)
- Chronological progression (past → present → future)
- Each sentence builds on the previous
- The paragraph tells a coherent story of progress
Answer: [3], [2], [1], [4]
12Problem 12expert
❓ Question:
In a five-sentence paragraph, sentence 3 reads: "This phenomenon, which scientists call the 'observer effect,' has been demonstrated in numerous experiments." Where should this sentence be placed if sentence 1 introduces quantum mechanics, sentence 2 describes particles, sentence 4 describes a 1998 experiment, and sentence 5 concludes the paragraph?
💡 Show Solution
Analyze the clues in sentence 3:
- "This phenomenon" → must refer to something already described (needs to come AFTER the phenomenon is mentioned)
- "which scientists call the 'observer effect'" → this DEFINES the term (should come BEFORE the term is used without definition)
- "has been demonstrated in numerous experiments" → sets up sentence 4 (which gives a SPECIFIC experiment)
Check the current position (as sentence 3):
- Sentence 2 describes particles → does it describe the phenomenon? If sentence 2 talks about how observing particles changes their behavior, then YES, "this phenomenon" refers to it.
- Sentence 4 describes a 1998 experiment → this is a specific example of the "numerous experiments" mentioned in sentence 3.
Flow: Introduction (1) → Phenomenon description (2) → Name and general claim (3) → Specific example (4) → Conclusion (5)
Answer: Sentence 3 should STAY where it is (position 3). It correctly:
- Follows sentence 2 (which describes the phenomenon it references)
- Names the phenomenon (defining "observer effect")
- Makes a general claim ("numerous experiments")
- Sets up sentence 4 (a specific experiment example)
Strategy used:
- "This" pronouns must follow their referent
- Definitions should precede usage of the term
- General claims should precede specific examples
13Problem 13expert
❓ Question:
In a five-sentence paragraph, sentence 3 reads: "This phenomenon, which scientists call the 'observer effect,' has been demonstrated in numerous experiments." Where should this sentence be placed if sentence 1 introduces quantum mechanics, sentence 2 describes particles, sentence 4 describes a 1998 experiment, and sentence 5 concludes the paragraph?
💡 Show Solution
Analyze the clues in sentence 3:
- "This phenomenon" → must refer to something already described (needs to come AFTER the phenomenon is mentioned)
- "which scientists call the 'observer effect'" → this DEFINES the term (should come BEFORE the term is used without definition)
- "has been demonstrated in numerous experiments" → sets up sentence 4 (which gives a SPECIFIC experiment)
Check the current position (as sentence 3):
- Sentence 2 describes particles → does it describe the phenomenon? If sentence 2 talks about how observing particles changes their behavior, then YES, "this phenomenon" refers to it.
- Sentence 4 describes a 1998 experiment → this is a specific example of the "numerous experiments" mentioned in sentence 3.
Flow: Introduction (1) → Phenomenon description (2) → Name and general claim (3) → Specific example (4) → Conclusion (5)
Answer: Sentence 3 should STAY where it is (position 3). It correctly:
- Follows sentence 2 (which describes the phenomenon it references)
- Names the phenomenon (defining "observer effect")
- Makes a general claim ("numerous experiments")
- Sets up sentence 4 (a specific experiment example)
Strategy used:
- "This" pronouns must follow their referent
- Definitions should precede usage of the term
- General claims should precede specific examples
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