Concept 3

Select transitions that accurately signal relationships (addition, contrast, cause, example, conclusion).

Core Idea

Choose the transition only after you know the relationship between the ideas. A polished word is still wrong if it names the wrong relationship.

Understanding

Rule: Choose the transition only after you know the relationship between the ideas. A polished word is still wrong if it names the wrong relationship.

  • Ask whether the second sentence is adding a point, contrasting with the first sentence, giving an example, or showing a result.
  • "However" signals contrast. "For example" introduces an illustration. "As a result" shows cause and effect.
  • Once the relationship is clear, the answer usually narrows quickly.

Step by Step

  1. Read the two ideas without any transition.
  2. Name the relationship between them in your own words.
  3. Eliminate choices that signal a different relationship.
  4. Choose the simplest accurate transition.

Misconceptions

  • Picking the most formal-sounding transition.
  • Using a result transition when the second sentence is only another detail.
  • Confusing an example with a contrast or conclusion.
Question

Worked Example

The survey responses looked scattered at first. ____ one pattern appeared in nearly every grade: students wanted more quiet study space. Which choice best completes the text?

Select an answer to see the explanation