Transitions
核心知识
Pick the transition that matches the logical relationship between the ideas—not the one that merely sounds good.
深入理解
Every Transitions question on the SAT works the same way: a short passage has a blank where a connecting word or phrase should go, and four options offer different logical signals. Your job is to read both sides of the blank, name the relationship, then match it.
The five most common relationships:
- Addition – the next idea continues or builds (also, furthermore, moreover)
- Contrast – the next idea pushes back or surprises (however, nevertheless, on the other hand)
- Cause–effect – one idea produces the other (therefore, consequently, as a result)
- Example/illustration – the next idea is a specific case (for instance, for example)
- Time/sequence – the ideas follow a chronological order (meanwhile, subsequently, previously)
Beyond these, the SAT also tests emphasis, restatement, concession, and exception signals. The trap answers usually pick a transition that sounds formal or impressive but points in the wrong logical direction.
The winning strategy is simple: cover the blank, decide what relationship the passage needs, then find the option that signals exactly that relationship—nothing more, nothing less.