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SAT Reading and Writing skill page

SAT Transitions Practice

Choose transition words by reading the relationship between ideas, not by how the sentence sounds.

Practice transitions in DolphinPractice questions
10-14 min practice time3 questions on pageExpression of Ideas
Practice time10-14 min
Practice questions3 questions
Best forExpression of Ideas

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Dolphin practice questions

Practice your skill

Question 1 of 3Easy
The first trial failed. ____ , the second trial produced clear data.
  1. However
  2. For example
  3. Similarly
  4. In other words
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. However

Solution walkthrough

  1. The sentence changes from failure to success, so a contrast transition like "However" fits.
Question 2 of 3Medium
The roads were icy; ____ , the game was postponed.
  1. nevertheless
  2. therefore
  3. similarly
  4. for instance
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. therefore

Solution walkthrough

  1. The icy roads caused the postponement, so "therefore" shows cause and effect.
Question 3 of 3Hard
The app tracks missed questions over time. ____ , it recommends review sets based on the skills a student misses most often.
  1. By contrast
  2. Meanwhile
  3. Similarly
  4. As a result
Show answer and solution
Correct answerD. As a result

Solution walkthrough

  1. The recommendation follows from the tracking, so "As a result" expresses the logical consequence.

Avoid these traps

Common mistakes on this skill

Choosing by tone instead of logic

A transition can sound natural but still create the wrong relationship between sentences.

Ignoring the sentence before the blank

The right transition depends on both sides of the blank, not just the sentence that follows.

Confusing contrast and cause

Words like "however" and "therefore" point in opposite logical directions.

Study plan

How to practice this skill in Dolphin

Dolphin Web gives you a personalized SAT study plan with lessons, unlimited Pip AI help, practice questions, full-length tests, and mistake review. The iPhone and Android apps are free. See plans.

  1. Read the sentence before and after the blank.
  2. Name the relationship: contrast, cause, continuation, example, or conclusion.
  3. Eliminate transitions with the wrong relationship.
  4. Reread the full sentence with the answer choice to confirm the logic.
Practice transitions in Dolphin

Related practice

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FAQ

Questions about SAT Transitions Practice

What are SAT transition questions testing?

They test whether you can identify the logical relationship between ideas in a short passage.

Should I memorize transition word categories?

Yes. Grouping words by logic, such as contrast or cause, makes elimination much faster.

What is the biggest transition mistake?

The biggest mistake is choosing a word that sounds polished but does not match the passage relationship.