Transitions

SAT Writing — Transitions ## What Transition Questions Test Transition questions ask you to choose the word or phrase that best connects two ideas in a passage. You'll see a blank (or underlined word) at the start of a sentence, and you need to decide what type of logical relationship exists between the sentences. These are some of the most common question types on the SAT's writing section — and they're very learnable once you know the categories. ## The Five Transition Categories ### 1. Addition (Same direction — more of the same idea) - Words: Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally, Also, In addition, Similarly > "The new policy reduced costs. Furthermore, it improved customer satisfaction." Use when the second sentence continues or adds to the same idea as the first. ### 2. Contrast (Opposite direction — the second sentence goes against the first) - Words: However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Yet, In contrast, On the other hand, Although, Despite, While > "The plan seemed promising. However, it failed to account for budget constraints." Use when the second sentence contradicts, limits, or shifts from the first. ### 3. Cause and Effect (One thing causes another) - Words: Therefore, Thus, As a result, Consequently, Hence, For this reason > "The temperature dropped sharply overnight. As a result, schools were delayed the next morning." Use when the second sentence is the result or consequence of the first. ### 4. Example (Illustrating a point) - Words: For example, For instance, Specifically, Namely, To illustrate > "Many animals hibernate during winter. For example, bears can sleep for up to 7 months." Use when the second sentence gives a specific case that illustrates the general point. ### 5.…