Transitions and Organization (SAT Writing)

Purpose of Transitions

Transitions show relationships between ideas:

• How sentences connect
• How paragraphs flow
• Logical progression

Types of Transitions

1. Addition/Continuation

Add similar information

Words: furthermore, moreover, additionally, also, in addition

Example: "Solar panels reduce costs. Moreover, they help the environment."

2. Contrast/Opposition

Show differences or opposing ideas

Words: however, nevertheless, conversely, on the other hand, in contrast, yet, although

Example: "I studied hard. However, the test was still difficult."

3. Cause and Effect

Show results or consequences

Words: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, accordingly, hence

Example: "The experiment failed. Therefore, we revised our hypothesis."

4. Example/Illustration

Provide specific instances

Words: for example, for instance, specifically, namely, in particular

Example: "Many fruits are healthy. For instance, apples contain important vitamins."

5. Emphasis

Stress importance

Words: indeed, in fact, certainly, undoubtedly

Example: "The results were significant. In fact, they changed the entire field."

6. Sequence/Time

Show order

Words: first, next, then, finally, meanwhile, subsequently, previously

Example: "First, heat the water. Then, add the ingredients."

7. Conclusion/Summary

Wrap up or summarize

Words: in conclusion, ultimately, in summary, overall, in short

Example: "Overall, the study supports the hypothesis."

SAT Transition Questions

Type 1: Choose Best Transition

"Which choice provides the most logical transition?"

Strategy:

1. Read sentence before transition
2. Read sentence after transition
3. Determine relationship between ideas
4. Choose matching transition

Example: "Renewable energy is expensive. _____, many cities are investing in it."

• Need contrast word (despite cost, still investing)
• Answer: "Nevertheless" or "However"

Type 2: NO CHANGE vs. Transition

Sometimes NO transition is best!

If ideas flow naturally without transition, choose option with no transition word

Sentence Placement

SAT Questions:

"Where should sentence X be placed?" "The writer wants to add the following sentence..."

Clues to look for:

1. Transition words in the sentence "However" → needs something to contrast "For example" → needs general statement before

2. Pronouns "This discovery" → what discovery? Must follow mention "They" → needs clear antecedent

3. Chronological order "Later that day" → comes after earlier event "Before the experiment" → comes before procedure

4. Logical flow General → Specific Problem → Solution Claim → Evidence

Strategy:

1. Read sentence to be placed
2. Note key words (transitions, pronouns, specific references)
3. Find where those references appear
4. Check if flow makes sense

Paragraph Organization

Common Structures:

1. Topic Sentence → Supporting Details

• Start with main idea
• Follow with evidence/examples

2. Chronological

• Events in time order
• Common in narratives, procedures

3. Problem → Solution

• Present issue
• Propose fix

4. Compare and Contrast

• Similarities first, then differences
• Or alternate between subjects

5. Cause and Effect

• What happened and why
• Effect can come first (more dramatic)

Deleting Sentences

SAT Questions:

"Should the writer delete this sentence?"

Delete if:

• ❌ Off-topic/irrelevant
• ❌ Redundant (already said)
• ❌ Contradicts passage

Keep if:

• ✓ Supports main idea
• ✓ Provides necessary example
• ✓ Creates smooth transition
• ✓ Adds important detail

Adding Sentences

SAT Questions:

"The writer wants to emphasize X. Which sentence should be added?"

Choose sentence that:

• Matches the stated goal
• Fits the tone/style
• Connects logically
• Stays on topic

Introductions and Conclusions

Effective Introductions:

• State main topic
• Provide context
• Engage reader
• Preview what's coming

Effective Conclusions:

• Summarize main points
• Reinforce thesis
• Provide closure
• Don't introduce new info!

SAT Strategies

Read Before and After

Context is key for transition questions

Match the Relationship

What's the connection between ideas?

• Same direction → addition
• Opposite → contrast
• Result → cause/effect

Check for Logic

Does the order make sense?

Eliminate Extremes

"Always," "never" usually wrong

Consider "NO CHANGE"

Sometimes passage is already correct

Common SAT Traps

Trap 1: Sounds Good But Wrong Relationship

"I love swimming. Therefore, I joined the team."

Should be: "I love swimming. So, I joined the team." (Cause-effect, not conclusion)

Trap 2: Transition Doesn't Match Logic

"Exercise is healthy. However, it improves mood."

Should be: "Exercise is healthy. Moreover, it improves mood." ("However" signals contrast, but this continues same idea)

Trap 3: Placing Sentence Based on Topic Alone

Must consider FLOW, not just topic match

Trap 4: Keeping Interesting But Irrelevant Info

Cool fact but off-topic → DELETE

SAT Tips

• Read surrounding sentences to understand context
• Identify the relationship (addition, contrast, cause/effect)
• Match transition to relationship
• "However" is NOT the same as "therefore"!
• For sentence placement, look for pronouns and transition words
• Chronological clues (before, after, later) show order
• Delete if off-topic or redundant
• NO CHANGE is often correct - don't overthink!