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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 Dolphin Try examples
10-14 min practice time 3 examples on page Expression of Ideas
Practice time 10-14 min
On-page examples 3 examples
Best for Expression of Ideas

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Practice examples

Try a few SAT-style questions

Example 1 Easy

The first trial failed. ____ , the second trial produced clear data.

  1. However
  2. For example
  3. Similarly
  4. In other words
Show answer and explanation

Answer: However

The sentence changes from failure to success, so a contrast transition like "However" fits.

Example 2 Medium

The roads were icy; ____ , the game was postponed.

  1. nevertheless
  2. therefore
  3. similarly
  4. for instance
Show answer and explanation

Answer: therefore

The icy roads caused the postponement, so "therefore" shows cause and effect.

Example 3 Hard

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 explanation

Answer: As a result

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

  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

Build the surrounding skills

SAT Command of Evidence PracticeSAT Words in Context PracticeSAT Punctuation PracticeSAT Reading and Writing skill hub

Skill cluster

Keep practicing SAT Reading and Writing

SAT Reading and Writing skill hub SAT Punctuation PracticeSAT Command of Evidence PracticeSAT Words in Context PracticeSAT Subject-Verb Agreement PracticeSAT Sentence Boundaries PracticeSAT Rhetorical Synthesis PracticeSAT Central Ideas Practice SAT Math Practice Pages Dolphin SAT study guides SAT score guides by college

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.