RW9 Transitions
Transitions questions give you a blank between ideas and ask you to choose the word or phrase that connects them, like however, therefore, for example, or in addition. The secret is that the answer depends only on the logical relationship between the two sentences, not on which transition sounds fancy. One concrete tip: cover the choices, decide the relationship yourself, contrast, cause and effect, addition, or example, then pick the transition that matches. On this page you'll find a short lesson that sorts common transitions by the job they do, plus free interactive practice with instant feedback so you can learn to read the relationship first and choose the right connector every time.
Lesson
Transitions questions give you a blank between two sentences and ask for the word or phrase that shows the right logical relationship: contrast, cause/effect, addition, example, sequence, or emphasis.
Group the transitions by job
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, by contrast, still, yet.
- Cause/effect: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence.
- Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition, also.
- Example: for example, for instance.
- Sequence: first, then, meanwhile, finally, subsequently.
Worked examples
The city added bike lanes. ____ cycling rose 40%.
- Ignore the choices at first. Read both sentences and name the relationship yourself.
- The writer is presenting the rise in cycling as a result of adding the lanes — that's cause and effect.
- Now pick the transition that does that job: 'As a result,' 'Consequently,' or 'Therefore.'
- A contrast word like 'However' would be wrong because there's no opposition.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Reading the choices before deciding the relationship — several will sound acceptable.
- Using a contrast word when the two sentences actually agree.
- Confusing addition ('moreover') with example ('for instance'). Adding a new point is different from illustrating the previous one.
- Ignoring nuance between similar words — 'nevertheless' specifically means 'despite that.'
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Frequently asked questions
Why do I keep missing transition questions on the SAT?
Usually because you're choosing by sound instead of logic. The right transition depends entirely on how the two sentences relate. Read the idea before the blank and the idea after it, then name the relationship: contrast, cause and effect, addition, or example. Pick the transition that fits that relationship. If you don't first decide the logic, several choices will seem equally acceptable.
How do I choose the right transition word?
Ignore the choices at first and figure out the connection between the two ideas yourself. Is the second sentence a contrast, a result, an extra point, or an example of the first? Then match that relationship to a transition. However signals contrast, therefore signals a result, for example introduces an illustration, and in addition adds a point. Choose the connector whose job fits.
What is the difference between however and therefore?
However signals a contrast: the second idea pushes against or qualifies the first. Therefore signals a result: the second idea follows logically from the first as a consequence. If the sentences disagree or shift direction, use however. If the second is caused by or concluded from the first, use therefore. Always base the choice on how the ideas actually relate.
How can I get better at transitions quickly?
Group transitions by function so you can recognize the job each does: contrast, cause and effect, addition, sequence, and example. Practice reading only the two surrounding sentences and naming their relationship before you look at choices. This habit stops the fancier-sounding words from distracting you. With practice, you'll spot the logical link fast and match it to the correct connector.