The rules that solve most questions
- Contrast: however, yet, nevertheless, by contrast, even so.
- Cause and effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, for this reason.
- Addition: moreover, in addition, furthermore, likewise (for similarity).
- Example: for example, for instance. Sequence: first, next, finally. Restatement: in other words.
- Cover the choices, read the two sentences, and say the relationship in your own words before looking.
Traps the wrong answers are built on
- Picking a transition that sounds formal but signals the wrong relationship.
- Choosing two transitions of the same type, which can't both be right.
Worked example
Saturn is the second-largest planet in the solar system. ______ its average density is lower than that of water.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A. Therefore,
- B. Surprisingly,
- C. Similarly,
- D. For example,
Answer: B. A huge planet with a density lower than water's is unexpected, so "Surprisingly" fits the contrast in expectations.
Practice set
Answer each question to see whether you're right and why.
0 of 8 answered · 0 correct
- Question 1Medium
Saturn is the second-largest planet in the solar system. ______ its average density is lower than that of water.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
A huge planet with a density lower than water's is unexpected, so "Surprisingly" fits the contrast in expectations.
- A: "Therefore" claims the low density follows from the size, which it doesn't.
- C: "Similarly" needs two comparable facts.
- D: "For example" would need the second sentence to illustrate the first.
- Question 2Medium
Plants need sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. ______ many plants that grow on a shaded forest floor have broad, thin leaves that capture as much light as possible.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The broad leaves are a consequence of plants needing light in the shade, so a cause-and-effect transition fits.
- A: "In contrast" needs two things being contrasted.
- B: "Meanwhile" signals something happening at the same time, not a result.
- D: "However" signals a contradiction that isn't there.
- Question 3Medium
The first successful powered airplane flight, by the Wright brothers in 1903, lasted only 12 seconds. ______ it showed that controlled, powered flight was possible.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
The flight was very short, yet it proved something important, so a concession like "Nevertheless" fits.
- A: "Likewise" needs a similar second example.
- B: "In other words" would need a restatement.
- C: "As a result" would say the 12-second length caused the proof, which misses the contrast.
- Question 4Medium
Some animals hibernate through the winter to save energy. Black bears, ______ can go months without eating, drinking or leaving their dens.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
Black bears are an example of animals that save energy through the winter, so "for instance" fits.
- B: "however" signals a contrast.
- C: "in conclusion" signals a summary, not an example.
- D: "nonetheless" signals a concession.
- Question 5Medium
Light travels about 300,000 kilometers per second. Sound, ______ travels through air at only about 343 meters per second.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
The text compares two very different speeds, so "by contrast" fits.
- A: "consequently" would say light's speed causes sound's speed.
- C: "in addition" adds a similar point rather than a contrast.
- D: "for example" would make sound an example of light.
- Question 6Medium
To make the solution, the students first measured 50 milliliters of water. ______ they slowly stirred in the salt until no more would dissolve.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The text describes steps in order, so a sequence word like "Next" fits.
- A: "Similarly" compares two parallel things.
- B: "In fact" emphasizes or corrects a claim.
- D: "Instead" would say they skipped the first step.
- Question 7Medium
Glass looks solid and behaves like a solid at room temperature. ______ it has no crystal structure; its atoms are arranged irregularly, as in a liquid.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
The second sentence describes something that runs against the first impression of glass, so "Yet" signals the contrast.
- A: "Likewise" signals similarity.
- B: "Accordingly" also signals a result.
- C: "Thus" signals a conclusion drawn from the first sentence.
- Question 8Medium
Recycling one aluminum can saves energy compared with making a new can from raw ore. ______ aluminum can be recycled again and again without losing quality.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
The second sentence adds another advantage of recycling aluminum, so "Moreover" fits.
- B: "However" signals a contrast.
- C: "Instead" signals an alternative.
- D: "Even so" signals a concession.
More Expression of Ideas practice
Questions people ask
Is this transitions practice like the real SAT?
The questions follow the format of the digital SAT's Expression of Ideas domain: a short text with one blank or question and four choices. They are written for this site; they are not official College Board questions.
Where is the domain on the test?
Expression of Ideas is one of the four content domains of the SAT Reading and Writing section, alongside Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Standard English Conventions.