Question ID a773f069

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: a773f069
Small, flat structures called spatulae are found at the tips of the hairs on a spider’s leg. These spatulae temporarily bond
with the atoms of whatever they touch. ______ spiders are able to cling to and climb almost any surface.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. For instance,

B. However,

C. Similarly,

D. As a result,

ID: a773f069 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. “As a result” logically signals that the claim in this sentence—that spiders can cling
to and climb almost any surface—is because of the previous information about the bonding properties of spiders’
spatulae.

Choice A is incorrect because “for instance” illogically signals that the claim in this sentence exemplifies the
information in the previous sentences. Instead, the claim is because of the previous information about the
bonding properties of spiders’ spatulae. Choice B is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the claim
in this sentence contrasts with the information in the previous sentences. Instead, the claim is because of the
previous information about the bonding properties of spiders’ spatulae. Choice C is incorrect because “similarly”
illogically signals that the claim in this sentence is similar to, but separate from, the information in the previous
sentences. Instead, the claim is because of the previous information about the bonding properties of spiders’
spatulae.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a6155e60
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: a6155e60
Every chemical compound has a spectroscopic fingerprint, a pattern of reflected light unique to that compound. ______
upon analyzing the light reflected by the bright regions on the surface of the dwarf planet Ceres, Maria Cristina De
Sanctis of Rome’s National Institute of Astrophysics was able to determine that the regions contain large amounts of the
compound sodium carbonate.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Regardless,

B. Meanwhile,

C. Thus,

D. In comparison,

ID: a6155e60 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. “Thus” logically signals that the action described in this sentence—the researcher
being able to determine the chemical makeup of the planet’s bright regions based on how they reflect light—is a
result or consequence of the previous information about spectroscopic fingerprints.

Choice A is incorrect because “regardless” illogically signals that the action described in this sentence occurs
despite the previous information about spectroscopic fingerprints. Instead, the finding in this sentence is a
result or consequence of that information. Choice B is incorrect because “meanwhile” illogically signals that the
action described in this sentence either occurs at the same time as or offers an alternative to the previous
information about spectroscopic fingerprints. Instead, the finding in this sentence is a result or consequence of
that information. Choice D is incorrect because “in comparison” illogically signals that the action described in
this sentence is being compared with the previous information about spectroscopic fingerprints. Instead, the
finding in this sentence is a result or consequence of that information.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 37957752
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 37957752
As biologist Terrie Williams has documented, deep dives present a challenge for seals and other marine mammals. A seal
must exert enough energy to propel itself hundreds of meters downward, while keeping its heart rate low enough that it
doesn’t run out of oxygen while underwater. ______ a seal moves its flippers as little as possible on a deep dive, gliding to
conserve energy.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. In the first place,

B. On the other hand,

C. For this reason,

D. In comparison,

ID: 37957752 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. “For this reason” logically signals that the behavior described in this sentence is a
consequence of the information about seals in the previous sentence. That is, a seal moves its flippers as little as
possible during a deep dive because it needs to keep its heart rate low enough that it does not run out of oxygen.

Choice A is incorrect because “in the first place” illogically signals that this sentence is the first point in a
discussion. Instead, the sentence describes a behavior that is a consequence of the previous information about
seals. Choice B is incorrect because “on the other hand” illogically signals that the behavior described in this
sentence contrasts with the previous information about seals. Instead, it is a consequence of that information.
Choice D is incorrect because “in comparison” illogically signals that the behavior described in this sentence is
being compared to the previous information about seals. Instead, it is a consequence of that information.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 90117366
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 90117366
To explore how blinking affects social interactions, Dutch researchers observed interactions between human speakers and
“listeners” (animated human faces on a screen). The researchers found that when the listeners blinked slowly, the
speakers tended to talk for less time. ______ quicker blinks were associated with longer talking times.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. For example,

B. Specifically,

C. Firstly,

D. By contrast,

ID: 90117366 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. “By contrast” logically signals that the finding described in this sentence contrasts
with the finding described in the previous sentence. That is, quicker blinks were associated with longer talking
times, whereas slower blinks were associated with shorter talking times.

Choice A is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the finding described in this sentence is an
example of the finding described in the previous sentence. Instead, it contrasts with that finding. Choice B is
incorrect because “specifically” illogically signals that this sentence provides specific, precise details about the
finding described in the previous sentence. Instead, it presents information that contrasts with that
finding. Choice C is incorrect because “firstly” illogically signals that the finding described in this sentence is a
first point or occurs first in a chronological sequence of events. Instead, it contrasts with the finding described in
the previous sentence.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 2bda9edb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 2bda9edb
In 1885, Chinese-born California resident Mary Tape became a hero of the Asian American civil rights movement. In
January of that year, she won an antidiscrimination case in the California Supreme Court. ______ in April, she wrote an
open letter criticizing her local board of education for discrimination. Both actions are remembered today as historic
stands against racism.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Later,

B. For instance,

C. In other words,

D. Rather,

ID: 2bda9edb Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. “Later” logically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence occurred
later in a chronological sequence of events than did the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous
sentence.

Choice B is incorrect because “for instance” illogically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence
is an example of the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, the letter-writing is an
event that occurred after the court case. Choice C is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that
the letter-writing discussed in this sentence is a paraphrase or restatement of the antidiscrimination case
discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, the letter-writing is an event that occurred after the court case.
Choice D is incorrect because “rather” illogically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence is an
alternative to the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, the letter-writing is an
event that occurred after the court case.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 87d8a2ff
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 87d8a2ff
During a 2021 launch, Rocket Labs’ Electron rocket experienced an unexpected failure: its second-stage booster shut
down suddenly after ignition. ______ instead of downplaying the incident, Rocket Labs’ CEO publicly acknowledged what
happened and apologized for the loss of the rocket’s payload, which had consisted of two satellites.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Afterward,

B. Additionally,

C. Indeed,

D. Similarly,

ID: 87d8a2ff Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. “Afterward” logically signals that the events described in this sentence—the CEO’s
public acknowledgment and apology—occurred after the rocket booster’s failure and are part of a chronological
sequence of events.

Choice B is incorrect because “additionally” illogically signals that the events described in this sentence merely
occurred in addition to the rocket booster’s failure. Instead, they occurred after the rocket booster’s failure and
are part of a chronological sequence of events. Choice C is incorrect because “indeed” illogically signals that the
events described in this sentence emphasize or strengthen a statement made in the previous sentence. Instead,
they occurred after the rocket booster’s failure and are part of a chronological sequence of events. Choice D is
incorrect because “similarly” illogically signals that the events described in this sentence are similar to the
rocket booster’s failure. Instead, they occurred after the rocket booster’s failure and are part of a chronological
sequence of events.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 4154a7a3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 4154a7a3
In 1891, dancer and choreographer Loie Fuller first performed her celebrated Serpentine Dance, artfully twirling her long,
flowing skirt to create striking visual effects. ______ in 1896, cinema pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière made a
groundbreaking short film of Fuller’s dance.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. However,

B. In conclusion,

C. Later,

D. In other words,

ID: 4154a7a3 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. “Later” logically signals that the event discussed in this sentence—the creation of
the short film featuring Fuller’s dance—is a related event that occurred after the event discussed in the previous
sentence (the 1891 debut of the dance).

Choice A is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with
the information in the previous sentence. Instead, the creation of the short film is a related event that followed
the event discussed in the previous sentence. Choice B is incorrect because “in conclusion” illogically signals
that the information in this sentence concludes or summarizes the information in the previous sentence.
Instead, the creation of the short film is a related event that followed the event discussed in the previous
sentence. Choice D is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that the information in this sentence
is a paraphrase or restatement of the information in the previous sentence. Instead, the creation of the short film
is a related event that followed the event discussed in the previous sentence.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 9c78f702
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 9c78f702
Phytoplankton play a crucial role in the ocean’s uptake of carbon from the atmosphere. When alive, these tiny marine
organisms absorb atmospheric carbon via photosynthesis. ______ after they die, the phytoplankton sink to the seafloor,
where the carbon in their cells gets stored in sediment, preventing it from cycling back into the atmosphere.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Specifically,

B. By contrast,

C. Nevertheless,

D. Then,

ID: 9c78f702 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. “Then” logically signals that the event described in this sentence—carbon in
phytoplankton cells being trapped in sediment after the organisms have died—occurs later in a chronological
sequence than the event described in the previous sentence (phytoplankton absorbing carbon while alive).

Choice A is incorrect because “specifically” illogically signals that the information that follows provides specific,
precise details elaborating on the previous information about what phytoplankton do when alive. Instead, this
sentence explains what happens after phytoplankton die—a later step in the chronological sequence of events.
Choice B is incorrect because “by contrast” illogically signals that the information that follows contrasts with
the previous information about what phytoplankton do when alive. Instead, this sentence explains what
happens after phytoplankton die—a later step in the chronological sequence of events. There is no contrast: in
both life and death, phytoplankton contribute to the ocean’s carbon uptake. Choice C is incorrect because
“nevertheless” illogically signals that the information that follows is in spite of the previous information about
what phytoplankton do when alive. Instead, this sentence explains what happens after phytoplankton die—a
later step in the chronological sequence of events. There is no contrast: in both life and death, phytoplankton
contribute to the ocean’s carbon uptake.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID d3898d32
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: d3898d32
Riley Black—the author of critically acclaimed books such as My Beloved Brontosaurus (2013)—is best known for writing
about dinosaurs, but she has also conducted hands-on fieldwork. ______ her fieldwork has included paleontological digs
in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and her dinosaur fossil discoveries can be seen at places such as the Carnegie Museum
of Natural History.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Regardless,

B. Subsequently,

C. Specifically,

D. Conversely,

ID: d3898d32 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. The second sentence provides more specific information about the fieldwork
mentioned in the first sentence—that the paleontological digs took place in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming.
Therefore, “specifically” fits perfectly in this context.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the
previous sentence. Rather, this sentence agrees with and elaborates on the last sentence by providing more
specifics about the fieldwork Black does. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates that
an event took place after another event. But the two sentences are not describing different events—instead, this
sentence gives more details about the fieldwork discussed in the first sentence. Choice D is incorrect. This
choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Rather,
this sentence agrees with and elaborates on the last sentence by providing more specifics about the fieldwork
Black does.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6916c8e5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Expression of Ideas Transitions

ID: 6916c8e5
Laetitia Ky’s hair is her art. Inspired by hairstyles from various African tribes, the Ivorian artist uses wire and thread to
sculpt her hair into all kinds of shapes. ______ she once made her hair into the shape of the continent of Africa—including
the island of Madagascar!

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Soon,

B. Elsewhere,

C. For example,

D. However,

ID: 6916c8e5 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. “For example” logically signals that the following information about Ky—that she
once shaped her hair to look like Africa—is an example supporting the previous statement that she makes
different shapes with her hair.

Choice A is incorrect because “soon” illogically signals that the event described in this sentence occurred soon
after the statement about Ky making different shapes with her hair. Instead, the sentence provides an example
of one of these shapes. Choice B is incorrect because “elsewhere” illogically signals that the event described in
this sentence occurred in a different place than the statement about Ky making different shapes with her hair.
Instead, the sentence provides an example of one of these shapes. Choice D is incorrect because “however”
illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the statement that Ky makes different
shapes with her hair. Instead, the sentence provides an example of one of these shapes.

Question Difficulty: Easy