The key ideas
- Transitions express relationships such as contrast, cause, example, addition, and sequence.
- The relationship comes from the ideas, not from how familiar a transition sounds.
- Punctuation around the blank does not determine the transition's meaning.
Name the relationship before reading the options
Summarize the ideas on both sides of the blank. Decide whether the second idea adds information, contrasts with the first, gives an example, or follows as a result. Then look for an option that expresses that relationship.
For example signals an illustration. However signals contrast. Therefore signals a result. Moreover adds a supporting point. These words are not interchangeable merely because each sounds natural at the start of a sentence.
Separate logic from punctuation
Punctuation may already be supplied around the blank, but it does not tell you the logical relationship. Read enough of the passage to identify the relevant ideas, then reread the completed text. Reject a cause-and-effect transition if the text gives only a sequence of events rather than evidence of causation.
Worked example
The first trial produced no measurable change. ___, a later trial using a larger sample found a clear effect.
- The later result differs from the first result.
- A contrast transition is required.
Answer: However,
A common mistake to avoid
Picking a transition based on topic flow when the logical relationship is actually contrast or cause.
Your turn: try a free question
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Curriculum and sources
The key ideas and worked example come from PrepSAT's reviewed lesson curriculum. These College Board resources define the SAT scope; PrepSAT is an independent practice resource and is not affiliated with College Board.