Study Guide

Transitions

Transition words and phrases connect ideas across sentences and paragraphs. The SAT tests whether you can identify the logical relationship between ideas and select the appropriate transition.

Key Rules

Additive transitions (furthermore, additionally, moreover) add information that supports the previous point.
Contrast transitions (however, nevertheless, on the other hand) signal a shift or counterpoint.
Causal transitions (therefore, thus, consequently) show that one thing results from another.
Concession transitions (although, while, even though) acknowledge a point while introducing a contrasting idea.
Always read both the sentence before AND after the blank before choosing a transition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing "however" (contrast) with "therefore" (cause-effect).
Using "for example" when the sentence is not giving a specific example.
Choosing "additionally" when the ideas actually contrast.
Ignoring punctuation — some transitions need semicolons, others commas.

SAT Strategy Tips

→Identify the relationship: Is the next sentence agreeing, disagreeing, or explaining the previous one?
→If both sentences say similar things → additive (also, furthermore).
→If the sentences contradict → contrast (however, yet, but).
→If the second sentence is a result → causal (therefore, thus, as a result).
→Eliminate transitions that don't match the direction of the argument.

Example Question

The researchers expected the new drug to reduce inflammation. _______, the placebo group showed a similar reduction in symptoms.

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Transitions

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