10-16 min practice time3 questions on pageExpression of Ideas
Practice time10-16 min
Practice questions3 questions
Best forExpression of Ideas
What this tests
What to know for this SAT skill
Identify contrast, cause, continuation, and conclusion
Choose transitions that preserve the intended logic
Avoid transitions that sound fluent but reverse the meaning
Use sentence context before and after the blank
How do you tell similar transition choices apart?
Check what the second idea does to the first. Two sentences can discuss the same topic without having the same logical relationship. A smooth-sounding transition is not enough.
Does the next sentence give a result or just happen later?
A result transition such as consequently says that the next idea follows from the earlier information. A time transition such as afterward only places events in order. Look for an actual reason or inference in the passage before choosing a result word; one event occurring later does not by itself show that the earlier event caused it.
Does the next sentence add a point or give an example?
An addition transition such as moreover introduces another point in the same direction. An example transition such as for instance introduces a specific case of the preceding general idea. Ask whether the new detail illustrates that idea or makes a separate supporting point. Choose the more precise relationship supported by the passage, not merely a word with a positive tone.
The experiment was simple. ___, it produced surprising results.
However
Therefore
For example
Similarly
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. However
Solution walkthrough
The second sentence contrasts with the first, so however fits.
Question 2 of 3Medium
The roads were icy. ___, officials delayed the start of school.
Nevertheless
Consequently
Likewise
Instead
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. Consequently
Solution walkthrough
The delay is a result of the icy roads, so consequently is logical.
Question 3 of 3Hard
The artist first used muted colors. ___, in later works, she adopted brighter tones.
In contrast
For instance
As a result
Similarly
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. In contrast
Solution walkthrough
Muted colors and brighter tones create a contrast.
Avoid these traps
Common mistakes on this skill
Choosing by tone instead of logic
Transition words encode relationships such as contrast, result, example, or continuation.
Comparing only the two nearest sentences
The transition may connect larger ideas across a paragraph, so both sides must be summarized accurately.
Study plan
How to practice this skill in Dolphin
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State the idea before and after the blank in plain language.
Name the relationship without looking at the answer choices.
Select the transition with that function and reread the sentence for punctuation and flow.
