Transitions Questions on the Digital SAT

Become a master at finding perfect transition words that connect ideas clearly and smoothly.

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Transitions questions of the digital SAT allow you to play detective with different pieces of writing. Your mission is to find special words or groups of words that help one idea in the text smoothly lead to the next, like a bridge between two points.

These aren't just any words, though. They need to be the perfect fit, making sure the reader doesn't get lost along the way. So, you'll need to dive deep into the stories or arguments to find what connects the dots best.

 

Example Question:

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Nikola Tesla, widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the alternating current electrical system, didn't solely focus on large-scale innovations; his concept of the "world wireless system" was intricately detailed down to circuit configurations. Even in this seemingly conventional proposal, ______ Tesla was pioneering, envisioning a global communication network long before it was technically feasible.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

• A) in fact,

• B) though,

• C) therefore,

• D) moreover,

How to Solve Transitions Questions

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1. 1. Understanding the Context

   Start by understanding the overarching narrative: Tesla is known for groundbreaking work, but he also engaged in what might seem smaller or conventional ideas. The task is to identify the transitional phrase that creates a smooth, logical connection between these contrasting points.

   Mini Question

   What is the main point made about Nikola Tesla in the provided text?

   1. A) He detailed small-scale projects with as much dedication as his significant innovations.
   2. B) He was solely dedicated to large-scale innovations.
   3. C) He had no interest in global communication systems.

   
   
   
   

   Option A is correct. The text emphasizes that Tesla didn't only focus on large-scale innovations; he also applied intricate detail to what might seem like smaller ideas, indicating his dedication across scales of projects.

 

1. 2. Recognizing the Sentence Structure and Goal

   Realize that the sentence is structured to contrast two ideas. It acknowledges Tesla's tendency towards grand innovations and then introduces an idea that seems ordinary but had extraordinary implications. The transition should reflect this "surprising turn."

   Mini Question

   What type of transition is needed in the Tesla example?

   1. A) One that introduces a result.
   2. B) One that adds similar information.
   3. C) One that provides a contrast.

   
   
   
   

   Option C is correct. The context requires a transition that introduces a surprising or contrasting element in Tesla's work, indicating that something unexpected is being introduced.

 

1. 3. Evaluating Each Option Individually

   Understand the role of each transition word:

   • A) "in fact" is used for emphasis or elaboration on a given point.

   • B) "though" indicates a contrast or unexpected turn in the narrative.

   • C) "therefore" signals a conclusion based on the previous information.

   • D) "moreover" introduces additional information in the same line of thought.

   Mini Question

   In the context of Tesla’s work, why is "though" the most suitable transition word?

   1. A) It shows that an additional point is being added.
   2. B) It indicates a contrast or unexpected element.
   3. C) It highlights a logical conclusion based on the previous information.

   
   
   
   

   Option B is correct. "Though" is used to introduce an idea that contrasts with what has been previously mentioned, fitting with the sentence's intention to introduce Tesla's unexpected pioneering vision in a seemingly small-scale project.

 

1. 4. Applying Contrast and Elimination Method

   The narrative requires a transition that introduces a contrasting idea or an unexpected revelation. You can eliminate "in fact" and "moreover" as they add information rather than contrast. "Therefore" is also unsuitable because it suggests a result, which isn't the intention here.

 

1. 5. Selecting and Validating the Answer

   "Though" introduces the idea that, contrary to what might be expected from Tesla's detailed, smaller-scale project, there was a pioneering vision behind it. After selecting "though," read the sentence in full to ensure it conveys the message of contrast and surprising depth or foresight in Tesla's seemingly conventional work.

   Mini Question

   Why is it important to read the sentence in full after inserting "though"?

   1. A) To check if it introduces a sense of contrast and surprise as intended.
   2. B) To ensure the transition word fits grammatically.
   3. C) To see if it changes the meaning of Tesla's work.

   
   
   
   

   Option A is correct. The transition "though" needs to accomplish a specific rhetorical goal — it must introduce a sense of contrast and unexpectedness about Tesla's work, which you can confirm only by reading the complete sentence.

 

This 5-step approach involves not just picking out what feels right but understanding why it is right and why others are wrong, based on the sentence's structure, the role of transition words, and the passage's main idea. Follow these steps and you'll stand a much better of successfully completing transitions questions.

Transition Word List

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Unlike other reading and writing questions, transitions questions are limited because there are only a finite number of transition words in the English language:

• and

  Example: She was tired, and she still had two reports to finish.

• but

  Example: I wanted to purchase the shirt, but it was too expensive.

• or

  Example: We can go watch a movie, or we can grab something to eat.

• however

  Example: He liked the mobile phone; however, he thought it was overpriced.

• therefore

  Example: It was raining heavily; therefore, the match was postponed.

• moreover

  Example: The resort was beautiful. Moreover, the staff was friendly and accommodating.

• although

  Example: Although she was late, she seemed completely relaxed.

• because

  Example: He is staying indoors because it's raining.

• consequently

  Example: She didn't study for the test; consequently, she didn’t perform well.

• for example

  Example: There are many ways to stay healthy; for example, exercising and maintaining a balanced diet.

• similarly

  Example: He is talented in music; similarly, his sister is an excellent dancer.

• instead

  Example: She couldn’t afford to buy a new car; instead, she leased one.

• meanwhile

  Example: He started cooking dinner; meanwhile, she set the table.

• furthermore

  Example: The hotel is centrally located. furthermore, it offers complimentary breakfast.

• in contrast

  Example: He loves adventure and excitement, in contrast to his sister, who prefers quiet and routine.

• nonetheless

  Example: It was a predictable plot; nonetheless, the film was entertaining.

• likewise

  Example: Julia enjoys hiking and camping. likewise, her brother is an outdoor enthusiast.

• otherwise

  Example: Make sure you save your work regularly; otherwise, you might lose data.

• besides

  Example: I can’t go out tonight. besides, I’m not even interested in the event.

• in addition

  Example: He works two jobs; in addition, he volunteers on the weekends.

• on the other hand

  Example: She loves the city life, on the other hand, her husband prefers the countryside.

• indeed

  Example: It was a remarkable performance. indeed, one of the best I've seen.

• then

  Example: Finish your homework; then you can play video games.

• accordingly

  Example: He was the project leader; accordingly, he was responsible for the outcome.

• hence

  Example: She missed the train; hence, she had to wait for an hour.

• even so

  Example: It’s a small car; even so, it’s surprisingly spacious inside.

• rather

  Example: I do not want to go to the gym; rather, I prefer jogging in the park.

• after all

  Example: He didn’t like the dessert, but he ate it after all.

• specifically

  Example: I love fruits, specifically bananas and oranges.

• eventually

  Example: He refused to go to the doctor; eventually, his condition worsened, and he had no choice.

• though

  Example: He wanted to keep playing, though he knew he had to finish his homework.

• despite

  Example: Despite the bad weather, they continued with the outdoor festival.

• as soon as

  Example: Call me as soon as you arrive in the city.

• unless

  Example: You won't get the results you want unless you put in more effort.

• since

  Example: Since we're early, we can grab a coffee before the meeting.

• while

  Example: She loves painting while listening to classical music.

• so that

  Example: He's saving money so that he can buy a new laptop.

• during

  Example: During the festival, all the city’s streets are decorated.

• before

  Example: Make sure to call before you come over.

• after

  Example: We went for lunch after the meeting was over.

• once

  Example: Once you understand the basics, the rest becomes easy.

• whereas

  Example: He is very outgoing, whereas his brother is shy.

• whenever

  Example: You can call me whenever you need help.

• until

  Example: Keep going until you see the gas station.

• whether or not

  Example: I will go to the gym tomorrow whether or not it rains.

• even though

  Example: Even though it was difficult, she never gave up on her project.

• provided that

  Example: You can borrow my car provided that you return it by evening.

• now that

  Example: Now that the project is done, we can relax.

• in spite of

  Example: In spite of the challenges, the event was a success.

• as well as

  Example: She plays the guitar as well as the piano