SAT Transitions Questions
The logical link between two sentences: contrast, cause, example, sequence. The sentences either side settle it, never how the word sounds.
In short
- Transitions is part of Expression of Ideas, about 20% of the scored Reading and Writing questions: 8 to 12 on every test.
- Expression of Ideas questions come last in every Reading and Writing module, grouped by topic from easiest to hardest.
- Wrong transition is the trap Rivie's practice tests set most often in Transitions questions.
Common traps
Most common first, from Rivie's ten practice tests.
Wrong transition
The blank wants a logical connector (however / therefore / moreover / for example) and you picked one whose relationship doesn't match the surrounding sentences.
The usual mistake: You read the two clauses, sense they're related, and grab the first connector that fits the topic, instead of testing whether it's contrast vs. cause vs. addition.
Contrast vs. escalation
Transition / inference: the relationship is incremental ('and then, even more so') and the wrong choice frames it as opposition ('but on the other hand'), or vice versa.
The usual mistake: You read 'however' or 'in addition' too quickly and don't check whether the second clause actually opposes or extends the first.
Try a question
From Rivie's practice tests. Pick an answer to see why it is right or wrong.
Hummingbirds have the highest metabolic rate of any vertebrate. ____ they must feed almost constantly during daylight hours, visiting hundreds of flowers each day.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Video lessons
Free on YouTube, picked for this topic.