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SAT Reading and Writing skill page

SAT Logical Transitions Practice

Choose the transition that matches the relationship between two ideas.

Practice logical transitions in Dolphin SATPractice questions
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

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.

References: Purdue OWL: writing transitions and Purdue OWL: transition functions. Guidance reviewed .

Dolphin practice questions

Practice your skill

Question 1 of 3Easy
The experiment was simple. ___, it produced surprising results.
  1. However
  2. Therefore
  3. For example
  4. Similarly
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. However

Solution walkthrough

  1. The second sentence contrasts with the first, so however fits.
Question 2 of 3Medium
The roads were icy. ___, officials delayed the start of school.
  1. Nevertheless
  2. Consequently
  3. Likewise
  4. Instead
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. Consequently

Solution walkthrough

  1. 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.
  1. In contrast
  2. For instance
  3. As a result
  4. Similarly
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. In contrast

Solution walkthrough

  1. 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

  1. State the idea before and after the blank in plain language.
  2. Name the relationship without looking at the answer choices.
  3. Select the transition with that function and reread the sentence for punctuation and flow.
Practice logical transitions in Dolphin SAT

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FAQ

Questions about SAT Logical Transitions Practice

Should I memorize transition-word lists?

Learn common functions, but decide the logical relationship in the passage before choosing a word.

Can two transitions mean nearly the same thing?

Yes, but the SAT usually distinguishes their logical function or grammatical fit in the sentence.