- TRANSITION WORDS -

Understanding SAT Texts: Effective Approaches to Using Transition Words

sat students reading and studying with exam preparation

1 Learning & Improving English

2 Digital SAT Introduction Questions

3 Digital SAT Practice Questions

What is the Goal?

Transition words are words that connect text like sentences, paragraphs or clauses.

Strategy

  • Look at the options
  • Read the text
  • Decide what type of transition is required 
  • (Identify the relationship)
  • Choose the best option
  • If unsure, remove incorrect options,
  • then choose the best from the remaining options

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’.

Example of Transition Words

  • additionally
  • after all
  • again
  • also
  • and
  • as a result
  • as well as
  • at the same time
  • but
  • by the same token
  • consequently
  • equally
  • even more
  • finally
  • first
  • for example
  • furthermore
  • hence
  • however
  • importantly
  • in addition
  • in comparison
  • in conclusion
  • in contrast
  • in other words
  • in particular
  • in summary
  • In the same way
  • initially
  • just as
  • just like
  • last
  • lastly
  • likewise
  • moreover
  • nevertheless,
  • next
  • notably
  • on the other hand
  • otherwise
  • overall
  • secondly
  • similarly
  • specifically
  • subsequently
  • though
  • to clarify
  • to illustrate
  • too
  • yet

Types of Transition Words

  • Addition                (e.g. additionally, furthermore, moreover)
  • Compare               (e.g. similarly)
  • Contrast                 (e.g. in contrast, in comparison, however, otherwise, yet)
  • Cause & Effect      (e.g. as a result, hence, consequently, after all)
  • Example                 (e.g. for example, to illustrate, in particular)
  • Order                      (e.g. first, firstly, second, secondly, subsequently, next, finally)
  • Clarify                     (e.g. in other words, to clarify, specifically)
  • Emphasis               (e.g. in particular, importantly, notably)
  • Summary               (e.g. in summary, in conclusion, overall)

Addition = additionally, furthermore, moreover, in addition

  • add information or ideas to support and strengthen the main point
  • Others: and, even more, further, too, also, again

Comparison = similarly

  • Highlight similar information, ideas or findings
  • Others: In the same way, likewise, just like, just as, as well as, equally, by the same token

Contrast = in contrast, in comparison, however, on the other hand, otherwise, yet

  • Highlight different information, ideas or findings
  • Others: Though, but, after all, nevertheless, at the same time

Cause & effect = as a result, hence, consequently, after all

  • the second text is the effect of the cause in the first text

Example = for example, to illustrate, in particular

  • Give evidence to support your main point

Order = initially, first, firstly, second, secondly, subsequently, next, last, lastly, finally

  • Indicate a sequence of events, ideas or details, to help organize information logically

Clarify = in other words, to clarify, specifically

  • Provide further explanation, to restate or clarify a point

Emphasis = in particular, importantly, notably

  • To give more importance to the main point or to key information

Summary = in summary, in conclusion, overall

  • Provide a summary of the main point or to draw a conclusion

1 Learning & Improving English

Level 1 Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with the most logical transition word from the choices given.

  1. I like to read books. _______, I enjoy watching movies. A. First B. However C. Additionally D. Hence
  2. Tom wanted to play soccer. _______, it started raining. A. Similarly B. For example C. Finally D. However
  3. She studied very hard for the test. _______, she passed with high marks. A. In comparison B. As a result C. In other words D. For instance
  4. I like fruits. _______, I love apples and bananas. A. Specifically B. Hence C. Likewise D. Therefore
  5. The cat is very old. _______, it still likes to play. A. For instance B. Finally C. Nevertheless D. Importantly
  6. John went to the store. _______, he bought some milk and bread. A. First B. Hence C. Therefore D. Importantly
  7. She loves to travel. _______, she has visited many countries. A. In particular B. Otherwise C. In contrast D. Consequently
  8. It was a long day. _______, everyone was tired. A. Consequently B. For example C. However D. Firstly
  9. The movie was boring. _______, we left early. A. As a result B. In addition C. Similarly D. Importantly
  10. Dogs are great pets. _______, they are loyal and friendly. A. In conclusion B. Specifically C. For example D. Next

Level 1 Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the most logical transition word from the choices given.

  1. The weather was perfect for a picnic. _______, we decided to go to the park. A. Consequently B. Nevertheless C. For example D. Yet
  2. Sara loves to bake. _______, she often makes cookies and cakes for her friends. A. In contrast B. Specifically C. Likewise D. Importantly
  3. The train was delayed. _______, we missed our connecting bus. A. In conclusion B. As a result C. For instance D. Moreover
  4. I enjoy playing sports. _______, basketball is my favorite. A. Importantly B. For example C. In other words D. Specifically
  5. The book was long and detailed. _______, it was very interesting. A. Hence B. Otherwise C. Nevertheless D. Similarly
  6. Mark was tired. _______, he kept working until late at night. A. In comparison B. Consequently C. Nevertheless D. Furthermore
  7. We went to the museum. _______, we had lunch at a nearby café. A. First B. Next C. Specifically D. Importantly
  8. I missed the bus. _______, I had to walk to school. A. In contrast B. As a result C. Likewise D. Otherwise
  9. Tom likes playing video games. _______, he enjoys reading comic books. A. Furthermore B. In comparison C. In other words D. Hence
  10. The movie was exciting. _______, the special effects were amazing. A. Importantly B. In particular C. Similarly D. Moreover

Level 1 Exercise 3

Fill in the blanks with the most logical transition word from the choices given.

  1. Jane is very talented in music. _______, she can play the piano, guitar, and violin. A. Similarly B. For instance C. Consequently D. However
  2. The team worked hard all season. _______, they won the championship. A. In particular B. As a result C. Nevertheless D. Conversely
  3. The restaurant is popular. _______, it is often crowded on weekends. A. Consequently B. Conversely C. For example D. Importantly
  4. Mike enjoys outdoor activities. _______, he likes hiking and camping. A. For instance B. Otherwise C. Therefore D. In comparison
  5. She studied for the test. _______, she still found it difficult. A. Hence B. Furthermore C. In contrast D. Nevertheless
  6. First, mix the flour and sugar. _______, add the eggs and milk. A. Consequently B. Similarly C. Next D. Finally
  7. It was a tough game. _______, our team never gave up. A. As a result B. Importantly C. In contrast D. Moreover
  8. He forgot his wallet. _______, he couldn’t buy lunch. A. Similarly B. Consequently C. For instance D. Otherwise
  9. The house is very old. _______, it needs a lot of repairs. A. In other words B. For example C. As a result D. In conclusion
  10. We visited many cities during our trip. _______, we went to Paris, Rome, and Berlin. A. For instance B. In comparison C. Importantly D. Nevertheless

2 Digital SAT Introduction Questions

Level 2 Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with the most logical transition word from the choices given.

  1. The weather forecast predicted rain all day. _______, we decided to postpone our picnic. A. Nevertheless B. Therefore C. However D. Similarly
  2. Maria studied very hard for her exams. _______, she passed all of her subjects with excellent grades. A. As a result B. On the other hand C. For example D. Instead
  3. I enjoy reading mystery novels. _______, my brother prefers science fiction. A. For instance B. In conclusion C. On the contrary D. Meanwhile
  4. The recipe calls for a lot of sugar. _______, it’s not very healthy. A. Otherwise B. Moreover C. Therefore D. Despite
  5. John forgot his keys at home. _______, he couldn’t enter his house until his roommate arrived. A. As a result B. Meanwhile C. For example D. Nevertheless
  6. I wanted to go for a walk. _______, it started to rain, so I stayed indoors. A. Instead B. However C. Likewise D. Furthermore
  7. The team practiced very hard for the tournament. _______, they won the championship. A. Consequently B. Nevertheless C. Similarly D. Despite
  8. Tim loves playing basketball. _______, his sister prefers swimming. A. For example B. In addition C. Conversely D. Instead
  9. The conference was canceled due to the pandemic. _______, all attendees were notified via email. A. Likewise B. In contrast C. As a result D. Despite
  10. The children played outside all afternoon. _______, they were very tired by evening. A. Moreover B. Consequently C. Instead D On the contrary

Level 2 Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the most logical transition word from the choices given.

  1. The presentation was comprehensive and detailed. _______, the audience was impressed by the speaker’s depth of knowledge. A. Conversely B. Therefore C. For example D. Similarly
  2. The museum has a vast collection of ancient artifacts. _______, it includes a rare Egyptian mummy. A. In other words B. For instance C. Consequently D. However
  3. Lisa missed the bus. _______, she was late for her meeting. A. Similarly B. As a result C. Nevertheless D. In particular
  4. The weather forecast predicts rain all weekend. _______, we should reschedule our outdoor event. A. Moreover B. Therefore C. Conversely D. Specifically
  5. The scientist’s new theory was controversial. _______, it sparked a lot of debate within the academic community. A. For instance B. In other words C. As a result D. Importantly
  6. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. _______, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. A. Finally B. Subsequently C. Conversely D. Importantly
  7. The test was challenging. _______, most students managed to pass. A. In comparison B. Consequently C. Nevertheless D. Specifically
  8. The company’s profits have increased steadily over the past year. _______, they plan to expand their operations. A. Conversely B. In addition C. Nevertheless D. Hence
  9. John is very disciplined in his studies. _______, he spends at least three hours every evening reviewing his notes. A. In conclusion B. For example C. Nevertheless D. On the other hand
  10. Emma enjoys various genres of music. _______, she has a special love for classical music. A. Notably B. However C. For instance D. Importantly

Level 2 Exercise 3

Fill in the blanks with the most logical transition word from the choices given.

  1. The new policy was implemented last month. _______, the company has seen a significant improvement in productivity. A. Consequently B. Furthermore C. For instance D. In contrast
  2. The project was completed on time. _______, it was within budget. A. Similarly B. However C. Moreover D. Therefore
  3. The weather was unpredictable. _______, we packed both warm and cool clothing for the trip. A. In other words B. Hence C. On the contrary D. For example
  4. The athlete trained rigorously every day. _______, he won the gold medal at the competition. A. Therefore B. Conversely C. In particular D. Similarly
  5. The conference offered various workshops. _______, attendees could choose sessions that suited their interests. A. Specifically B. Consequently C. Moreover D. In conclusion
  6. The initial reports were promising. _______, further research is needed to confirm the results. A. Nonetheless B. For example C. Similarly D. Hence
  7. The restaurant’s new menu is diverse. _______, it includes several vegetarian options. A. Additionally B. Conversely C. Importantly D. Finally
  8. The teacher explained the complex topic clearly. _______, all the students understood the lesson. A. In contrast B. As a result C. Accordingly D. On the other hand
  9. She was very nervous before the presentation. _______, she delivered it confidently and effectively. A. Similarly B. Nevertheless C. On the contrary D. For instance
  10. The new software is user-friendly. _______, it has many advanced features. A. Specifically B. Hence C. Moreover D. In conclusion

3 Digital SAT Practice Questions

Official Examples of Transition Words

Example 1

Iraqi artist Nazik Al-Malaika, celebrated as the first Arabic poet to write in free verse, didn’t reject traditional forms entirely; her poem “Elegy for a Woman of No Importance” consists of two ten-line stanzas and a standard number of syllables. Even in this superficially traditional work, ______ Al-Malaika was breaking new ground by memorializing an anonymous woman rather than a famous man.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
  • 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

Reforestation efforts, while undeniably valuable, often result in forests with limited biodiversity. ______ care should be taken to plant a wide variety of native flora in depleted woodlands.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
  • 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

The “Gordie Howe hat trick”, an unofficial statistic in which a hockey player scores a goal, records an assist, and gets in a fight all in the same game, is named after hockey great Gordie Howe. ______ Howe only achieved this feat twice in his professional career, far fewer times than many other players.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
  • 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

Official Exercises of Transition Words

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

Explanations

Level 1 Exercise 1

  1. C. Additionally – This adds another activity the person enjoys.
  2. D. However – This contrasts the desire to play with the unexpected rain.
  3. B. As a result – This shows that passing with high marks is a consequence of studying hard.
  4. A. Specifically – This provides specific examples of fruits the person loves.
  5. C. Nevertheless – This shows contrast between the cat’s age and its playful nature.
  6. A. First – This indicates the first action John took.
  7. A. In particular – This highlights that she has visited many countries as a specific detail.
  8. A. Consequently – This shows that everyone being tired is a result of the long day.
  9. A. As a result – This indicates that leaving early was due to the movie being boring.
  10. C. For example – This gives specific reasons why dogs are great pets.

Level 1 Exercise 2

  1. A. Consequently – This shows that deciding to go to the park was a consequence of the perfect weather.
  2. B. Specifically – This gives specific examples of what Sara bakes.
  3. B. As a result – This indicates that missing the bus was a consequence of the train delay.
  4. D. Specifically – This specifies which sport is the favorite.
  5. C. Nevertheless – This contrasts the book being long and detailed with it being interesting.
  6. C. Nevertheless – This shows that despite being tired, Mark kept working.
  7. B. Next – This indicates the sequence of events.
  8. B. As a result – This indicates that walking to school was a consequence of missing the bus.
  9. A. Furthermore – This adds another activity Tom enjoys.
  10. D. Moreover – This adds additional information about the movie’s special effects.

Level 1 Exercise 3

  1. B. For instance – This gives specific examples of Jane’s musical talents.
  2. B. As a result – Winning the championship was a result of the team’s hard work.
  3. A. Consequently – The restaurant being crowded is a result of its popularity.
  4. A. For instance – This provides examples of Mike’s favorite outdoor activities.
  5. D. Nevertheless – This contrasts her studying with finding the test difficult.
  6. C. Next – This indicates the sequence of steps in the process.
  7. B. Importantly – This emphasizes the team’s perseverance despite the tough game.
  8. B. Consequently – Not being able to buy lunch is a consequence of forgetting his wallet.
  9. C. As a result – The need for repairs is a consequence of the house being old.
  10. A. For instance – This provides specific examples of cities visited during the trip.

Level 2 Exercise 1

  1. Therefore – The decision to postpone the picnic is a direct consequence of the rainy weather forecast.
  2. As a result – The excellent grades are the outcome of Maria’s hard work.
  3. Meanwhile – This shows a contrast between the reading preferences of the two siblings.
  4. Moreover – This adds additional information about the recipe’s healthiness.
  5. As a result – John’s inability to enter the house is the result of forgetting his keys.
  6. B. However – The rain was an unexpected change that led to staying indoors.
  7. A. Consequently – Winning the championship was a direct result of the team’s hard practice.
  8. C. Conversely – This indicates a contrast between Tim’s and his sister’s sports preferences.
  9. C. As a result – The notification was a direct consequence of the conference being canceled.
  10. B. Consequently – The tiredness in the evening was a result of playing outside all afternoon.

Level 2 Exercise 2

  1. B. Therefore – This shows that the audience’s impression is a consequence of the presentation’s quality.
  2. B. For instance – This provides a specific example of the museum’s collection.
  3. B. As a result – Lisa being late is a consequence of missing the bus.
  4. B. Therefore – Rescheduling the event is a consequence of the forecasted rain.
  5. C. As a result – The controversy sparked debate as a consequence.
  6. B. Subsequently – This indicates the sequence of steps in the process.
  7. C. Nevertheless – This contrasts the test’s difficulty with the students’ success.
  8. D. Hence – The expansion plans are a consequence of the increased profits.
  9. B. For example – This provides a specific example of John’s discipline.
  10. A. Notably – This emphasizes Emma’s special love for classical music among various genres.

Level 2 Exercise 3

  1. B. Furthermore – This adds information about the improvement in productivity.
  2. C. Moreover – This adds another positive outcome (being within budget).
  3. B. Hence – This shows the reason for packing different types of clothing.
  4. A. Therefore – This shows that winning the medal was a result of rigorous training.
  5. A. Specifically – This specifies the options available to attendees.
  6. A. Nonetheless – This indicates that despite promising reports, further research is needed.
  7. A. Additionally – This adds information about vegetarian options.
  8. C. Accordingly – This indicates that the students’ understanding was a result of the clear explanation.
  9. C. On the contrary – This contrasts her nervousness with her confident delivery.
  10. C. Moreover – This adds additional information about the software’s features.

Official Exercises

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Leave a Reply

English

Digital

Courses