transitions 1
transitions 1
To demonstrate what transitions are and how they're used, let's consider the following sentence:
May's cookies are sweet and sugary. Sam eats them all the time.
In this sentence, it's understood that Sam eats May's cookies because they are sweet and sugary.
Despite the implied cause and effect relationship here, the reader can't be completely sure. It could be that
the two sentences represent two totally independent ideas: May's cookies are sweet and sugary, and it just
so happens that Sam eats them all the time. To make the cause-and-effect relationship absolutely clear,
we could insert a
transition:
May's cookies are sweet and sugary. Therefore, Sam eats them all the time.
This is a bit of an extreme example, but it illustrates an important point transition have meaning. They
express how two sentences or paragraphs relate to one another, and they make that connection explicit,
even if it's a bit unnecessary to do so. In this case, the therefore is probably not needed, but suppose we
wanted to imply that sweet and sugary were bad qualities:
May's cookies are sweet and sugary. Nevertheless, Sam eats them all the time.
With one word, we're able to shift the meaning entirely. Now, sweet and sugary cookies are unhealthy
snacks to be avoided. How sentences connect to one another comes naturally to most students. The hard
part is staying aware of the full context. In this one made-up example, we can't be completely sure what
the author's intended meaning is, but on the SAT, the author's intention will always be clear. Your job on
SAT transition questions is to read the context, figure out the author's meaning, and choose the transition
word that conveys that meaning. Always read the sentence before and the sentence after the one in
question. Although you'll typically see transitions at the start of sentences, they can also be inserted into
the middle of a
sentence:
Every culture holds on to its own myths and superstitions. Many Chinese
people, for example, believe the number "4" to be unlucky.
And while there are many transitions out there, as long as you are familiar with the ones in the table
below, you shouldn't need to memorize anything. In fact, this table includes almost all the transitions that
have shown up on released past exams. The best way to get better is to practice and review, practice and
review.
Types of Transitions
There are three main types of transitions.
1) Continuers indicate that two sentences are expressing similar ideas.
➢ Correct: Erenna sirena, a relative of the jellyfish, is one of the rare marine organisms to emit red
light. Indeed, only a few other deep-sea creatures produce a glow that color.
2) Cause-and-Effect words indicate that one action is the result of another.
➢ Correct: The light from most quasars was emitted when the universe was only a fraction of its
present age. Therefore, quasars offer an important clue to the appearance of the early universe.
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3) Contradictors indicate that two sentences are expressing different ideas.
➢ Correct: An increased reliance on computerized systems can leave users vulnerable to
cyberattacks. However, current defenses are stronger than many people realize
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3) Check the answers, and pick the option that matches.
Note: if you are unable to define the precise relationship, you should at least determine the general
type of transition you are looking for and see if you can eliminate an answer or two.
✓ If the sentences express similar ideas, you can eliminate contradictors, e.g., but or however.
✓ If they express different ideas, you can eliminate both continuers and cause-and-effect words, e.g.,
for example or therefore.
Shortcut: If two or more answers contain grammatically identical synonyms, those answers can be
automatically eliminated because no question can have more than one right answer.
So, for example, if choice (A) is consequently and choice (C) is therefore, you can immediately eliminate
both. Although this technique seems unlikely to apply to many digital exam questions, it may be
occasionally useful.
Working through transition questions effectively involves several key steps to ensure clarity and
coherence in your writing or speech. Transition questions are those that guide readers or listeners
smoothly from one idea or section to the next. Here's a structured approach to handling them:
1. Understand the Context: Before addressing transition questions, make sure you thoroughly
understand the context of what you're transitioning from and what you're transitioning to. What is
the current topic or idea, and what is the upcoming topic or idea?
2. Identify the Relationship: Determine the relationship between the current idea and the upcoming
one. Are you contrasting, comparing, elaborating, providing examples, or showing cause and effect?
Understanding this relationship will guide your transition.
3. Choose Appropriate Transition Words: Use transition words or phrases that signal the
relationship between ideas. Examples include:
• Addition: Additionally, moreover, furthermore
• Contrast: However, nevertheless, on the other hand
• Example: For example, for instance, to illustrate
• Cause and Effect: Consequently, therefore, as a result
• Time: Meanwhile, afterward, subsequently
4. Craft Smooth Transitions: Avoid abrupt shifts or jumps between ideas. Instead, use transitional
sentences or phrases that smoothly bridge the gap between them. For example:
• "Building on this idea..."
• "In contrast to..."
• "As a result of..."
• "Moving forward..."
5. Maintain Coherence: Ensure that your transition maintains the overall coherence of your writing
or speech. The transition should feel natural and logical within the flow of your argument or
narrative.
6. Revise and Edit: After drafting your transition, review it to ensure it effectively connects the ideas
and flows smoothly. Revise as necessary to improve clarity and coherence.
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7. Consider the Audience: Think about your audience's perspective and what would help them follow
your train of thought. Tailor your transitions to suit their understanding and level of knowledge on
the topic.
8. Practice: Like any aspect of writing or speaking, transitioning between ideas takes practice. Pay
attention to how skilled communicators handle transitions in books, articles, speeches, etc., and
practice incorporating similar techniques into your own writing or speaking.
By following these steps, you can effectively work through transition questions and ensure a
seamless flow of ideas in your writing or speech.
I can help with transition questions similar to those found in exams like the SAT and ACT.
Transition questions often test your understanding of how sentences and paragraphs connect.
Here's an example:
• Original Passage: "The ancient city of Rome has a rich history. The Colosseum, a magnificent
amphitheater, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture. In addition to its
architectural marvels, Rome was also the center of a vast empire that spanned across three
continents."
• Transition Question: Which of the following sentences would be the most effective transition
from the previous paragraph to a discussion of Rome's cultural contributions?
A) "However, Rome's military conquests were not its only achievements."
B) "Moving on, let's explore the cultural aspects of ancient Rome."
C) "As a result, Rome's influence reached far beyond its territorial borders."
D) "Despite these achievements, the Roman Empire faced internal challenges."
Correct Answer: B) "Moving on, let's explore the cultural aspects of ancient Rome."
This option provides a smooth transition from discussing Rome's history and architecture to
introducing the topic of its cultural contributions.
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Transition words are essential for creating coherence and smooth flow in writing. They help connect
ideas and guide readers through a piece of text. Here are some common transition words and
phrases, categorized based on their functions:
10. Result:
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• Hence
• Thus
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In addition to transition words, there are also transitional phrases and expressions that can be used
to guide readers through your writing. Here are some examples:
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10. To Introduce Purpose: Remember that the effective use of transitions
• With the purpose of depends on the specific context and purpose of
• For the purpose of your writing.
• In order to
• So as to
• With the intention of
• Notably • If • Admittedly
• Importantly • Unless • Granted
• Significantly • In the event that • True, it is
• Particularly • Provided that • Certainly, it may be
14. To Emphasize a Remember to choose
15. To Introduce Evidence: transitions that suit the context
Chronological Order:
and logic of your writing.
• At first • In support of this Overuse of transitions can
• Initially • To substantiate make your writing sound
• To begin with • For example, consider forced, so it's important to use
• At the outset • As evidence suggests them judiciously for clarity
and coherence.
Transitions play a crucial role in writing by serving as bridges that connect various parts of a text.
They are like navigational tools that guide readers through the logical progression of ideas, ensuring a
smooth and coherent reading experience.
Transitions can operate on different levels:
1. Sentence Level: They link sentences by indicating relationships such as cause and effect, contrast,
similarity, or continuation.
2. Paragraph Level: They connect paragraphs, helping to organize and unify the overall structure of
the text. Transitions signal shifts between topics, ideas, or stages of an argument.
3. Text Level: They contribute to the overall flow and coherence of the entire piece, helping readers
follow the author's train of thought from the beginning to the end.
Transitions can take various forms, including words, phrases, or even entire sentences. Effective use
of transitions allows writers to guide readers smoothly through complex information, making the writing
more accessible and engaging. They are a fundamental aspect of creating well-structured and easily
comprehensible content.
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Here's why transitions matter:
1. Clarity: Transitions make your writing clear by showing how one idea relates to the next. Like road
signs, they signal to the reader where they are and where they're heading.
2. Flow: They create a smooth flow in your writing. Instead of jumping abruptly from one idea to
another, transitions act as bridges, making the transition between sentences and paragraphs
seamless.
3. Coherence: Transitions tie your ideas together, making your writing more cohesive. They help the
reader see the bigger picture and understand how each part contributes to the whole.
Think of transitions as the glue that holds your ideas together, making the journey of reading your
writing more enjoyable and understandable.
In the context of the SAT, understanding and using transitions effectively can significantly boost
your performance. Here's how:
I. Organization and Structure: The SAT assesses your ability to organize ideas logically. Transitions
help you structure your essay or responses coherently. Clear organization enhances readability and
shows the SAT graders that you can present your thoughts in a well-ordered manner.
II. Clarity of Expression: Effective use of transitions demonstrates clarity in your writing. The SAT
rewards clear communication, and transitions act as signals to guide the reader through your
response. This clarity is crucial for ensuring that your intended meaning is easily understood.
III. Critical Reading Skills: Recognizing transitions in provided passages can aid in understanding the
relationships between sentences and paragraphs. This skill is valuable for answering questions
related to the passage's structure and overall meaning.
IV. Improving Sentence Completions: Transitions can provide context clues that help you select the
most appropriate words to complete a sentence. Understanding the flow of ideas can assist in
determining the right vocabulary and maintaining the intended meaning.
V. Enhancing Essay Writing: If you're writing an essay, effective transitions can elevate your score.
They showcase your ability to connect ideas logically and provide a smooth transition between
different aspects of your argument or analysis.
Examples:
Read the passage below and choose the most appropriate transition word or phrase to complete the
sentence.
Example1:
Explanation: The word "consequently" is suitable here as it indicates a logical result or consequence
of the team's hard practice. It conveys that their confidence is a direct outcome of their week-long effort.
Options like "However" would imply a contrast, which is not the case in this passage. "In conclusion"
is not appropriate as it typically signals the end of a text or argument, and "For example" doesn't fit the
context of the sentences.
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Exercise 2: Transition
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Exercise 3: Etra-Exercise
1 The concert tickets were sold out. ____,
many fans were disappointed they couldn't A Nonetheless
attend.
B Consequently
C In conclusion
D Furthermore
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Exercise 4: Transition sentences
1 (1) The advent of smartphones has 1 Which sentence serves as the topic
revolutionized the way we communicate and sentence for the entire passage?
access information. (2) These handheld A Sentence (1)
devices have become an integral part of our B Sentence (4)
daily lives, offering convenience and C Sentence (7)
connectivity. (3) However, the rapid pace of
D Sentence (3)
technological advancements raises concerns
about the potential negative impact on
2 Which sentence can be considered the
human interaction and privacy.
primary sentence in the second
(4) Smartphones provide instant paragraph?
communication through calls, texts, and A Sentence (4)
social media platforms. (5) This has led to B Sentence (5)
increased connectivity across the globe, C Sentence (6)
allowing people to stay in touch effortlessly. D Sentence (3)
(6) On the flip side, there is a growing
concern that face-to-face interactions are 3 Which sentence functions as a
diminishing, as individuals prioritize virtual secondary sentence in the third
connections over in-person conversations. paragraph?
(7) Additionally, the extensive use of A Sentence (8)
smartphones poses challenges to personal B Sentence (7)
privacy. (8) The collection of vast amounts of C Sentence (9)
personal data, often without clear consent, D Sentence (6)
raises ethical questions about the balance
between technological innovation and 4 What sentence can be identified as the
individual rights. (9) Striking a balance concluding sentence for the entire
between the benefits of connectivity and passage?
safeguarding privacy is a complex task that A Sentence (3)
requires thoughtful consideration. B Sentence (9)
C Sentence (6)
D Sentence (1)
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2 (1) The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has 1 Which sentence serves as the topic
sparked both excitement and apprehension in sentence for the entire passage?
various sectors. (2) AI technologies, such as A Sentence (1)
machine learning and neural networks, have B Sentence (4)
shown remarkable capabilities in tasks C Sentence (7)
ranging from image recognition to natural D Sentence (3)
language processing. (3) However, concerns
about the ethical implications and potential 2 Which sentence can be considered the
job displacement have prompted discussions primary sentence in the second
about responsible AI development. paragraph?
A Sentence (4)
(4) One of the strengths of AI lies in its B Sentence (5)
ability to analyze vast amounts of data C Sentence (6)
quickly and make predictions or decisions D Sentence (3)
based on patterns. (5) This has led to
advancements in fields like healthcare,
3 Which sentence functions as a
where AI can assist in diagnosis and
secondary sentence in the third
treatment planning. (6) Yet, the ethical use of
paragraph?
AI, particularly in decision-making
A Sentence (8)
processes, raises questions about
B Sentence (7)
transparency and bias.
C Sentence (9)
(7) Additionally, the integration of AI into D Sentence (6)
workplaces has triggered debates about job
security. (8) While AI systems can automate 4 What sentence can be identified as the
routine tasks, there are concerns about the concluding sentence for the entire
impact on employment and the need for passage?
reskilling the workforce. (9) Striking a A Sentence (3)
balance between technological innovation B Sentence (9)
and ethical considerations is crucial for the C Sentence (6)
responsible implementation of AI. D Sentence (1)
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Exercise 5: Advanced Transitions
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7 Dogs use their excellent sense of smell to
detect friends and foe around them. A NO CHANGE
Nevertheless, bats rely on their incredible B In the same way,
ears to navigate the world using
C On the one hand,
echolocation.
D Otherwise,
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13 When I visited New York City for the first
time, seeing all those densely packed streets A NO CHANGE
didn't intimidate me. Regardless, they just B They
reminded me of my childhood in Hong
C Similarly, they
Kong, where I would walk from shop to shop
selling newspapers. D Finally, they
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3 A vital part of any school curriculum,
physical education gives students a much A NO CHANGE
needed break in the middle of the day. B However,
Consequently, the classes promote healthy C Likewise,
eating and exercise, something most
D Moreover,
Americans don't get enough of.
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10 All over the world remain fantastic objects,
vestiges of people or forces which the A NO CHANGE
theories of archaeology, history, and religion
B In addition, researchers
cannot explain. They have found electric
batteries many thousands of years old and C In particular, they
strange entities in space-suits with platinum D For instance, researchers
fasteners.
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