SAT Transitions Rules
By the Cheetah Prep team
Transition questions are among the two most common in the whole section, and they are pure logic. The SAT gives you two sentences and asks for the word that connects them: a contrast word like however, a cause word like therefore, an addition word like moreover, or an example word like for instance.
Do not read the answer choices first. Read both sentences, decide the relationship in your own words, then find the choice that matches. Wrong answers usually supply the opposite relationship, a contrast word where the ideas actually agree, or a cause word where there is no cause.
The Transitions Rules the SAT Tests
The transition must match the logic
Choose the transition that fits the relationship: contrast, cause, addition, or example.
The budget was approved. However, the project began the next week.
The budget was approved. Accordingly, the project began the next week.
On the SAT: One of the two most common Writing question types. Read both sentences and name the relationship before you look at the choices.
Contrast words signal a change in direction
However, nevertheless, and on the other hand mark a shift or a contradiction between ideas.
The trail was steep. Therefore, few hikers turned back.
The trail was steep. Nevertheless, few hikers turned back.
On the SAT: The SAT offers a contrast word where the two ideas actually agree, or the reverse.
Cause-and-effect words show a result
Therefore, thus, consequently, and as a result signal that the second idea follows from the first.
Ticket sales doubled. In contrast, the venue added a second show.
Ticket sales doubled. Consequently, the venue added a second show.
On the SAT: Tested against contrast and addition transitions that would break the logic.
Drill Transitions on Real Questions
Knowing a rule and spotting it under time pressure are different skills. The diagnostic shows whether transitions is costing you points, and Cheetah Prep drills each rule in real digital SAT questions until you catch the pattern on sight.
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