On the test
Usually the last questions of each Reading and Writing module, about 22 to 27. Transitions come first and Rhetorical Synthesis is usually the very last question group.
8 to 12 questions in the whole test (about 5 in each module). Usually questions 22 to 27, the last ones. Rhetorical Synthesis is usually last.
How I approached it
A small story from Aime
When I explain why I was late, I do not just list facts. I say, 'I left home early, but the road was closed, so I took another way, and then I met a friend, so I stopped for a minute.' Look at the small words. 'But' tells you my plan changed. 'So' tells you one thing led to another. 'Then' tells you the order. If I used the wrong word, you would be confused. 'I left early, so the road was closed' makes no sense. I approach Transitions questions like this: I do not look for a fancy word, I look at how the two ideas are connected. On the SAT, you read the sentence before and the sentence after, decide the connection, and then choose the word that says it.
Transitions are one of the most learnable questions on the test, because there are only a few types of connection. Once you know them, many of these questions take less than thirty seconds.
What is inside this part
Words that show the second idea goes against, limits or corrects the first idea.
however, nevertheless, still · in contrast, by contrast, on the other hand · instead, rather, in reality
Words that show the second idea adds to the first in the same direction.
moreover, in addition, also · likewise, similarly
Words that show the second sentence is a sample or exact detail of the first.
for example, for instance · specifically, in particular
Words that show a result or a time order between two ideas.
therefore, as a result, consequently · previously, meanwhile, then, finally
How to know a question is from this part
A short text with one blank, and four choices that are all transition words or phrases.
- The question says: 'Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?'
- The four choices are short words or phrases such as However, For example, Therefore, Similarly
- The blank is at the start of a sentence or between commas inside a sentence
- The text is only two to four sentences long
The lesson
1. What a transition is
A transition is a small word or phrase that shows how one idea connects to the next. Examples: however, for example, therefore, in addition, meanwhile.
In the Digital SAT, the question shows a short text with one blank. The blank is usually at the start of a sentence, or in the middle after a comma. You choose the transition that fits best.
The question says: 'Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?'
2. What the question is really asking
It is not a vocabulary test. All four words are real words. What it tests is whether you understand the relationship between two ideas.
You must read the idea BEFORE the blank and the idea AFTER the blank, and ask: how do they relate? Do they agree, disagree, give an example, show a result, or show time order?
3. The six kinds of connection
1. Contrast (the second idea goes against the first). Words: however, but, yet, nevertheless, in contrast, by contrast, on the other hand, still, instead, rather, in reality, in fact (when it corrects), even so.
2. Addition (another idea in the same direction). Words: also, moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally, likewise, similarly, besides.
3. Example or more detail. Words: for example, for instance, specifically, in particular.
4. Cause and result (the second idea is the result of the first). Words: therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, accordingly, hence.
5. Time or order. Words: first, then, next, later, previously, meanwhile, finally, afterward.
6. Summary or restatement. Words: in other words, in short, overall, that is.
Your whole job is to decide which of the six kinds fits, and then find the word of that kind.
4. The method
Step 1. Read the sentence before the blank. Say its main idea in your own words.
Step 2. Read the sentence after the blank. Say its main idea in your own words.
Step 3. Ask: same direction, opposite direction, example, result, or time?
Step 4. Cover the choices and say your own transition word. Then pick the choice that matches it.
Step 5. Read the sentence again with your choice to check it sounds right.
5. Worked example 1: contrast
Let us practise the method.
Thabo trained every day for the race. ______, he finished last. Choices: A) For example B) As a result C) Nevertheless D) Similarly
Show the steps
- Before: Thabo trained every day (good effort).
- After: he finished last (bad result).
- The second idea goes against what we expect, so it is a contrast.
- Nevertheless is a contrast word. As a result would need a happy result, and the others do not fit.
C, Nevertheless
6. Worked example 2: example
Sometimes the second sentence is a sample of the first.
Many foods can be kept safe without a fridge. ______, dried fish can last for months in a dry place. Choices: A) However B) For instance C) Meanwhile D) Therefore
Show the steps
- Before: a general idea, many foods can be kept safe.
- After: one particular food, dried fish.
- One item from a larger group means example.
- For instance fits.
B, For instance
7. Worked example 3: cause and result
The second idea must be caused by the first.
The river was very low this year. ______, the farmers could not water their rice fields. Choices: A) Likewise B) Instead C) Consequently D) Previously
Show the steps
- Before: low river.
- After: no water for rice fields.
- Low water caused the problem, so it is a result.
- Consequently shows result.
C, Consequently
8. Common traps
Trap 1: Picking a word because it sounds smart. Choose by meaning only.
Trap 2: Missing a hidden contrast. If one idea sounds positive and the next negative, or the next sentence corrects the first, you need a contrast word.
Trap 3: Using 'therefore' when there is no real cause. Check that the first idea truly leads to the second.
Trap 4: Choosing 'for example' when the second sentence is a new idea, not a sample.
Trap 5: Not reading the sentence AFTER the blank. The answer often depends on it.
Trap 6: Two choices that mean nearly the same (for example, 'however' and 'nevertheless'). If two choices have the same meaning, neither can be the answer, so look for the one that is different.
See it
- 1Say the idea BEFORE the blank
- 2Say the idea AFTER the blank
- 3Decide: contrast, addition, example, result, or time
- 4Say your own word, then match it
- 5Read it again to check
| Connection | Question to ask | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | Does the second idea go against the first? | however, nevertheless, in contrast, instead, rather, in reality |
| Addition | Is it another idea in the same direction? | moreover, also, in addition, likewise, similarly |
| Example | Is it one sample of the first idea? | for example, for instance, specifically |
| Result | Does the first idea cause the second? | therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, accordingly |
| Time | Does it show order or timing? | previously, meanwhile, then, later, finally |
| Restate | Does it say the same thing again? | in other words, in short, overall |
- Addition: moreover, also, likewise
- Example: for instance, specifically
- Result: therefore, as a result
- however
- nevertheless
- in contrast, by contrast
- instead, rather, in reality
Videos that can help
Ask in the community. Tutors and other students answer.
Ask a question