Understanding SAT Texts: Effective Approaches to Using Transition Words
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Transitions questions require you to understand how the idea before the transition is related to the idea after the transition.
Common Transition Words in SAT Questions
These are the most used transition words:
- however,
- therefore,
- nevertheless,
- furthermore,
- for example,
- likewise,
- moreover,
- similarly,
- in addition,
- consequently,
- thus
Types of Transition Words
We can put these primary terms into their meanings:
cause
- therefore, thus, consequently
contradiction:
- however, nevertheless
addition:
- furthermore, for example, likewise, moreover, similarly, in addition
Transitional Words and Phrases
Cause / Effect
- therefore
- thus
- consequently
- as a result
- hence
- accordingly
- because
- since
Addition
- moreover
- furthermore
- in addition
- also
- besides
- what’s more
Contrast / Opposition
- however
- although
- but
- yet
- instead
- nevertheless
- on the other hand
- conversely
- rather
- still
Support / Similarity
- similarly
- likewise
- in the same way
- by the same token
- just as
Examples / Illustration
- for example
- for instance
- such as
- namely
- specifically
- in particular
Concession / Qualification
- admittedly
- of course
- granted
- although
- even though
Conclusion / Summary
- in conclusion
- to sum up
- in short
- overall
- all in all
- on the whole
Emphasis
- indeed
- in fact
- above all
- most importantly
- without a doubt
Sequence / Order
- first
- second
- next
- then
- finally
- afterward
- subsequently
- previously
- at the same time
- meanwhile
Digital SAT Transition Words Questions
1 Honeybees play a crucial role in pollination, supporting both wild ecosystems and human agricultural systems. ______ their activities affect 70% of the top human food crops, which supply about 90% of the world’s nutrition. Hence, their decline could have catastrophic consequences on global food security.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A However,
- B Therefore,
- C In fact,
- D Meanwhile,
How to answer: The following sentence does not contradict the first, so not a, it is not dependent on it either , so not b. Option c is reasonable, option d suggests the second sentence is happening at the same time or in a different context, so not d. Therefore the answer is a type of addition, which is ‘in fact’, answer c.
2 The number of dark spots that appear on the Sun, known as sunspots, can vary greatly. For example, there were about 180 sunspots in November 2001. ______ there were only about 2 sunspots in December 2008.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A In other words,
- B Similarly,
- C Therefore,
- D By comparison,
How to answer. The first sentence makes a claim which is then supported by the next two clauses. The final clause is not dependent on the second so the answer is not a or c. As ‘there was only’ is used it can’t be ‘similarly’, so we are left with d, which is perfect as it is a comparison, so d is definitely the answer.
3 Riley Black—the author of critically acclaimed books such as My Beloved Brontosaurus (2013)—is best known for writing about dinosaurs, but she has also conducted hands-on fieldwork. ______ her fieldwork has included paleontological digs in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and her dinosaur fossil discoveries can be seen at places such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A Specifically,
- B Conversely,
- C Subsequently,
- D Regardless,
How to answer. A looks good, but let’s check the others. We are looking for addition to the fieldwork rather than contradiction of writing about dinosaurs, so not b or d. ‘Subsequently’ would relate the fieldwork to the writing which is not how the text is written. A is the answer.
Official explanation:
Summary:
- Black is best-known for writing about dinosaurs but has also conducted fieldwork. She has gone on paleontological digs in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming.
- This sentence provides more detailed information about the fieldwork mentioned in the first sentence. “Specifically” appropriately indicates that this sentence provides more details about the fieldwork mentioned in the first sentence. (A) is the answer.
4 In 1891, dancer and choreographer Loie Fuller first performed her celebrated Serpentine Dance, artfully twirling her long, flowing skirt to create striking visual effects. ______ in 1896, cinema pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière made a groundbreaking short film of Fuller’s dance.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A Later,
- B However,
- C In conclusion,
- D In other words,
How to answer: Option a suggests a link in time, which exists with the dates 1891 and 1896 so it is looking good. Option b is contradiction, c is suggesting a conclusion and d is suggesting a repeat, all of which are incorrect. So A is the answer.
5 Some members of the scientific community urge caution around the use of genetically modified (GM) crops, arguing that the long-term health effects of consuming such crops are unknown. ______ they are concerned about the environmental risks associated with GM crops, including their potential to disrupt natural ecosystems by displacing or cross-pollinating with wild plants.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A Nevertheless,
- B Additionally,
- C In comparison,
- D For instance,
How to answer. This is a transition of addition so b is the obvious candidate. The following clause agrees with the first so it is not a, it is not an example like d, and it is not a comparison so not c either. B is the answer.
Official explanation
Summary:
- Some scientists are concerned about genetically modified (GM) crops, because the long-term health effects of consuming them are unknown. Some scientists are concerned that GM crops may disrupt the environment.
- The second sentence provides another reason why some scientists are concerned about GM crops. Which transition among the choices could reflect that relationship?
- “Additionally” appropriately indicates the addition of a second reason why some scientists are concerned about the use of GM crops. (B) is the answer.
6 In the 1850s, William Still was instrumental in helping nearly 1,000 people escape from slavery, earning him the moniker “the Father of the Underground Railroad.” ______ despite the fame of his contributions during his lifetime, Still is discussed far less today than other prominent Black abolitionists from his era, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A Similarly,
- B Specifically,
- C For example.
- D However,
How to answer. This is a good example of a contrast between clauses (e.g. ‘despite’). All a, b and c use a form of addition, so we know d is the answer.
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Example Question Answer Explanations
1
- (Choice A, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates disagreement. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Instead, it introduces statistics that support and elaborate on the earlier claim that honeybees are crucial to human agricultural systems.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. But the second sentence does not describe a result of honeybee activity. Rather, it provides evidence of the importance of their actions.
- (Choice C, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. The previous sentence says that honeybees play a crucial role in supporting human agricultural systems. This sentence elaborates on that by providing statistics that show just how significantly their activities affect human food crops.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates sequence or order. But this sentence doesn’t represent something happening concurrently with honeybee activity. Instead, it introduces statistics that support and elaborate on the earlier claim that honeybees are crucial to human agricultural systems.
2
- (Choice A, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates a restatement of the same idea, which doesn’t make sense here. This sentence doesn’t restate the first example—it describes a totally different example.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a similar idea, which doesn’t make sense here. This sentence describes a second example that is very different from the first example.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. The first example didn’t result in the second example.
- (Choice D, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. The first sentence claims that the number of sunspots can vary greatly. To support this claim, the next two sentences compare two examples: one time when there were 180 sunspots and one time when there were only 2 sunspots. So the transition “by comparison” fits perfectly.
3
- (Choice A, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. The second sentence provides more specific information about the fieldwork mentioned in the first sentence—that the paleontological digs took place in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Therefore, “specifically” fits perfectly in this context.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Rather, this sentence agrees with and elaborates on the last sentence by providing more specifics about the fieldwork Black does.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates that an event took place after another event. But the two sentences are not describing different events—instead, this sentence gives more details about the fieldwork discussed in the first sentence.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Rather, this sentence agrees with and elaborates on the last sentence by providing more specifics about the fieldwork Black does.
4
- (Choice A, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. The first sentence describes how the Serpentine Dance was first performed in 1891, while this sentence describes how it was turned into a film in 1896. “Later” makes clear that the film came after the live performance, and fits perfectly in this context.
- (Choice B, Incorrect)This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence does not disagree with the first sentence—Fuller performing the dance live in 1891 isn’t a contradiction to the dance becoming a film in 1896.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice uses a concluding transition. But this sentence doesn’t sum up the previous sentence—instead it describes a later event in the history of the Serpentine Dance.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates a restatement of the same idea in different words. But this sentence doesn’t restate the same idea as the previous sentence—instead it describes a later event in the history of the Serpentine Dance.
5
Choose 1 answer:
- (Choice A, Incorrect) This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence actually agrees with the previous sentence. Both describe reasons why some scientists are concerned about GM crops.
- (Choice B, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. “Additionally” indicates the addition of an agreeing idea. Both this sentence and the previous one describe reasons why some scientists are concerned about GM crops.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that compares two ideas, which doesn’t make sense here. This sentence isn’t comparing concern about GM crops’ environmental risks with concern for health risks. Instead, it is just sharing another reason why some scientists are concerned about GM crops.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice uses an exemplification transition, which doesn’t make sense here. This sentence doesn’t provide a specific instance of the idea from the previous sentence. Instead, it introduces a whole new idea.
6
- (Choice A, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that indicates the agreement between two ideas. But this sentence shows a contrast with the first sentence—namely, that Stills used to be very famous but now isn’t very famous.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that introduces an example or continuation of a previous idea. But the second sentence doesn’t provide a specific example of Still’s famous contributions to the Underground Railroad. Instead, it changes the subject to how his fame has faded over time.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice uses a transition that introduces an example. But the second sentence doesn’t provide a specific example of Still’s famous contributions to the Underground Railroad. Instead, it changes the subject to how his fame has faded over time.
- (Choice D, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. “However” is used to indicate a contrast between two ideas. The first sentence describes how Still used to be famous. This sentence describes how Still is not very famous today, so the transition “however” fits perfectly.
Digital SAT Example
Original Question
Marie Curie, the famous scientist, made many important discoveries. She discovered radium and polonium, which are elements that helped in medical research. ______, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Choose 1 answer:
- A For example,
- B However,
- C Besides,
- D In addition,
Simplified Version
Marie Curie discovered elements that helped in medical research. ______, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
What is the missing word or words? Choose 1 answer:
- A For example,
- B However,
- C Besides,
- D In addition,
Explanation
The second text adds to the first text therefore we could use a transition word like ‘also’ to link the texts. Both B and C are transition words that link the second text that disagrees or disregards with the first text.
The second text after the blank is not an example of the first text, therefore, the answer is in addition which is similar to ‘also’.
Previous Official SAT Transition Words Examples
Example 1
- A. in fact
- B. though
- C. therefore
- D. moreover
though is the most logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used “traditional forms”. The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was “breaking new ground”. To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like “but”. “Though” is a contrast word similar to “but”.
Example 2
- A. however
- B. accordingly
- C. nevertheless
- D. furthermore
“Accordingly” is used to indicate a cause-effect relationship, which applies to this context. Because reforestation can lead to a lack of biodiversity, a variety of plants should be planted.
Example 3
- A. however
- B. therefore
- C. afterwards
- D. as a result
“However” appropriately reflects the fact that the feat is named after Howe even though he only accomplished it twice in his career (and fewer times than others
Previous Official SAT Transition Words Questions
1. With darkness falling, a mother elephant loses sight of her calf and wants to make sure it is safe. ______ she releases an infrasonic call for the calf to hear. Infrasonic sound is below the range of human hearing, but many animals can hear these sounds from several miles away.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Nowadays,
- B. For example,
- C. Similarly,
- D For this reason
2. Arkansas aviator Louise Thaden was already a record breaker when she won the inaugural National Women’s Air Derby, a race from California to Ohio, in August of 1929. ______ in December of 1928, Thaden had set an aviation record when she reached an altitude of 20,269 feet in a Travel Air biplane.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition
- A. Earlier
- B. As a result
- C. Next
- D. However
3. In 1891, dancer and choreographer Loie Fuller first performed her celebrated Serpentine Dance, artfully twirling her long, flowing skirt to create striking visual effects. ______ in 1896, cinema pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière made a groundbreaking short film of Fuller’s dance.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Later,
- B. However,
- C. In conclusion
- D. In other words
4. A potter choosing which type of clay to use for a piece considers two key factors: the desired look of the piece and its intended use. ______ earthenware clay is often used for decorative pieces because of its rustic look. This type of clay is not often used in industrial settings, though, because it is less durable than other clays.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. In conclusion
- B. For example
- C. Regardless
- D. In other words
5. Soursop is a popular fruit in Brazil, where it is eaten fresh or used in drinks and desserts. The fruit is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are known to have a variety of health benefits. ______ soursop is often recommended by doctors in Brazil to patients concerned about their health.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Thus,
- B. Instead,
- C. Furthermore,
- D. For instance
6. Riley Black—the author of critically acclaimed books such as My Beloved Brontosaurus (2013)—is best known for writing about dinosaurs, but she has also conducted hands-on fieldwork. ______ her fieldwork has included paleontological digs in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and her dinosaur fossil discoveries can be seen at places such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Specifically,
- B. Conversely
- C. Subsequently
- D. Regardless
7. “O2 Arena,” an award-winning science fiction story by Nigerian author Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, takes place in an alternate version of Nigeria where breathable air is a rare commodity that is owned and sold by companies. ______ people must purchase it with currency called O2 credits.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Nevertheless,
- B. In any case,
- C. As a result
- D. Earlier
8. Some members of the scientific community urge caution around the use of genetically modified (GM) crops, arguing that the long-term health effects of consuming such crops are unknown. ______ they are concerned about the environmental risks associated with GM crops, including their potential to disrupt natural ecosystems by displacing or cross-pollinating with wild plants.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Nevertheless,
- B. Additionally,
- C. In comparison
- D. For instance
SAT Questions Explained
- For this reason is the best choice. “For this reason” is a cause-and-effect transition. The cause in this case is that the mother elephant wants to know that her calf is safe, so the effect is that she lets out an infrasonic call for the calf to hear. Therefore, “for this reason” fits perfectly in this context.
- Earlier is the best choice. This choice uses a transition that indicates a shift back in time. Since the first sentence talks about Thaden’s race win in 1929 and the second shifts back to talking about her record in 1928, this makes the most sense here.
- Later is the best choice. The first sentence describes how the Serpentine Dance was first performed in 1891, while this sentence describes how it was turned into a film in 1896. “Later” makes clear that the film came after the live performance, and fits perfectly in this context.
- For example is the best choice. The previous sentence tells us that potters think about the look and use of a piece when selecting clay. This sentence provides a specific example of a type of clay selected for its appearance, so the transition “for example” fits perfectly.
- Thus is the best choice. “Thus” is a cause-and-effect transition. The cause in this case is that soursop has known health benefits, so the effect is that doctors recommend it to health-conscious patients. Therefore, “thus” fits perfectly in this context.
- Specifically is the best choice. The second sentence provides more specific information about the fieldwork mentioned in the first sentence—that the paleontological digs took place in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Therefore, “specifically” fits perfectly in this context.
- As a result is the best choice. The second sentence describes a consequence of the system laid out in the first sentence: because air is owned and sold by companies in this world, people have to buy it.
- Additionally is the best choice. “Additionally” indicates the addition of an agreeing idea. Both this sentence and the previous one describe reasons why some scientists are concerned about GM crops
Frequently Asked Questions on Transition Words for the Digital SAT
What are some good transitional phrases?
Good transitional phrases include “in addition,” “for example,” and “equally important.” These words connect sentences and paragraphs so writing is easier to follow.
What is the phase transition in the SAT?
On the SAT test, phase transition means a question that asks you to pick the best word or phrase to connect ideas. Transition words are used to show cause and effect, contrasting ideas, or to introduce new information.
Why is the new SAT so hard?
The new digital SAT is shorter but more focused. It feels hard because the answer choices are close. Transitions help readers understand the paragraph, so using the correct transition word makes the writing clear.
What are transitions with examples?
Transitions are words that link ideas. For example, “in addition” adds new information, “however” shows contrast, and “to summarize” restates ideas. Transition words help readers understand the relationships between sentences and paragraphs.
Use Transition Words and Phrases
Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs. They are writing tools that help the reader understand relationships between ideas. Transition words help create clear writing and make essays easier to follow. In academic writing, transition words are used to link one idea to the next idea.
Commonly used transition words and phrases include “in addition,” “for example,” and “however.” These words can help connect sentences and clarify meaning. Transition phrases are also used to introduce examples, illustrate cause and effect, or summarize information. For instance, “in addition” adds new information, “because” shows cause and effect, and “to summarize” restates ideas at the end of a paragraph.
Transitions help writers create coherent relationships between ideas. When a writer uses effective transition words, the reader can see how sentences and paragraphs fit together logically. This makes it easier to write a persuasive essay, a topic sentence, or a new paragraph that is clear and coherent.
Using transitional words and phrases correctly is important in grammar and in the SAT test. Many SAT reading and writing questions ask students to choose the correct transition. These questions test if you can connect ideas, introduce new information, or show contrasting ideas. Practicing with a short list of common transition words in a writing center or in sat reading and writing practice can help students master this skill.
Remember, transition words can also reinforce ideas and help readers move from one idea to the next. When you use transition words to summarize or restate ideas, you make your essay more effective and your writing easier to follow.