SAT Transitions (Easy) - English - Real Collegeboard Practice Questions with Answers and Explanations

Choice D is the best answer. The previous sentence tells us that potters think about the look and use of a piece when selecting clay. This sentence provides a specific example of a type of clay selected for its appearance, so the transition "for example" fits perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a restatement of the same idea. But this sentence does more than just restate the previous idea. Instead, it provides a more specific example of the idea presented in the first sentence. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence actually agrees with the previous sentence. Both sentences suggest that desired look plays a role in the selection of clay types for pottery pieces. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a concluding transition. But this sentence doesn’t sum up the previous sentence. Instead, it gives a specific example of the idea presented in the previous sentence.

Choice D is the best answer. “As a result” logically signals that the thinner, higher walls in this sentence were a result of the invention of flying buttresses in the previous sentence. Choice A is incorrect because “similarly” illogically signals that the thinner, higher walls in this sentence are similar to the invention of flying buttresses in the previous sentence. Instead, the walls were a result of that invention. Choice B is incorrect because “for instance” illogically signals that the thinner, higher walls in this sentence are an example supporting the statement about the invention of flying buttresses in the previous sentence. Instead, the walls were a result of that invention. Choice C is incorrect because “nevertheless” illogically signals that the thinner, higher walls in this sentence occurred despite the invention of flying buttresses in the previous sentence. Instead, the walls were a result of that invention.

Choice A is the best answer. “In fact” logically signals that the claim in this sentence—Phoenicia being named after the color purple—emphasizes and supports the previous claim that Phoenicians were famous for using purple dye. Choice B is incorrect because “regardless” illogically signals that the claim about Phoenicia’s name contrasts with the previous claim that Phoenicians were famous for using purple dye. Instead, the naming emphasizes and supports this claim. Choice C is incorrect because “lastly” illogically signals that the claim about Phoenicia’s name is the final step in a process or sequence. Instead, the naming emphasizes and supports the previous claim that Phoenicians were famous for using purple dye. Choice D is incorrect because “on the contrary” illogically signals that the claim about Phoenicia’s name directly opposes the previous claim that Phoenicians were famous for using purple dye. Instead, the naming emphasizes and supports this claim.

Choice C is the best answer. "In addition" logically signals that Naff’s artifact collecting was separate from, and in addition to, her interviewing. Choice A is incorrect because "in other words" illogically signals that the information about Naff’s artifact collecting restates the previous information about her interviewing. Instead, Naff collected artifacts in addition to conducting interviews. Choice B is incorrect because "on the contrary" illogically signals that Naff’s artifact collecting was contrary to her interviewing. Instead, Naff collected artifacts in addition to conducting interviews. Choice D is incorrect because "today" illogically signals that Naff’s artifact collecting is occurring in the present day. Instead, this activity occurred in the past, as indicated by the past tense verb "collected."

Choice C is the best answer. “Next” logically signals that the egg laying in this sentence is the next step in the sequence of events described in the other sentences. Choice A is incorrect because “by contrast” illogically signals that the egg laying in this sentence contrasts with the nest digging in the previous sentence. Instead, the egg laying follows the nest digging as the next step in the sequence of events. Choice B is incorrect because “similarly” illogically signals that the egg laying in this sentence is similar to the nest digging in the previous sentence. Though the two actions are related, they are not similar. Instead, the egg laying follows the nest digging as the next step in the sequence of events. Choice D is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the egg laying in this sentence is an example of the nest digging in the previous sentence. Instead, the egg laying follows the nest digging as the next step in the sequence of events.

Choice A is the best answer. “However” logically signals that the information in this sentence—that envelope-shaped bags dominated the market—contrasts with the previous claim that these bags were impractical for carrying goods. Choice B is incorrect because “for instance” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is an example supporting the previous claim that envelope-shaped bags were impractical for carrying goods. Instead, the sentence contrasts with the previous claim about the bags. Choice C is incorrect because “thus” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a result of the previous claim that envelope-shaped bags were impractical for carrying goods. Instead, the sentence contrasts with the previous claim about the bags. Choice D is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a paraphrase of the previous claim that envelope-shaped bags were impractical for carrying goods. Instead, the sentence contrasts with the previous claim about the bags.

Choice D is the best answer. “For example” logically signals that the information in this sentence—that The Emperor’s Babe is a novel conveyed in lines of poetry—exemplifies the claim in the previous sentence about hybrid works that incorporate elements of both novels and poems. Choice A is incorrect because “by contrast” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the claim about hybrid works in the previous sentence. Instead, the information demonstrates that Evaristo’s novel is an example of a hybrid work. Choice B is incorrect because “consequently” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a consequence, or result, of the claim about hybrid works in the previous sentence. Instead, the information demonstrates that Evaristo’s novel is an example of a hybrid work. Choice C is incorrect because “secondly” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a second, separate claim from the previous sentence’s claim about hybrid works. Instead, the information demonstrates that Evaristo’s novel is an example of a hybrid work.

Choice B is the best answer. “First” logically signals that the question in this sentence—whether there is a daily period during which jellyfish pulse rates decline—is the first in a sequence of three questions the researchers attempted to answer about jellyfish sleep behavior. Choice A is incorrect because “as a result” illogically signals that the question in this sentence is a result of the three questions the researchers attempted to answer. Instead, it is the first of those three questions. Choice C is incorrect because “additionally” illogically signals that the question in this sentence is an additional question related to the three questions the researchers attempted to answer. Instead, it is the first of those three questions. Choice D is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the question in this sentence contrasts with the three questions the researchers attempted to answer. Instead, it is the first of those three questions.

Choice B is the best answer. The first sentence tells us that practical effects are more realistic but also more expensive than CGI. The second sentence tells us that many filmmakers use both kinds of effects, balancing realism with cost. To connect these ideas, we need a cause-and-effect transition, like “therefore.” “For this reason” has the same meaning as “therefore.” . Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that practical effects are more realistic but also more expensive than CGI. The second sentence tells us that many filmmakers use both kinds of effects, balancing realism with cost. To connect these ideas, we need a cause-and-effect transition, like “therefore.” “Similarly” doesn’t show cause and effect: it shows the addition of another agreeing idea. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that practical effects are more realistic but also more expensive than CGI. The second sentence tells us that many filmmakers use both kinds of effects, balancing realism with cost. To connect these ideas, we need a cause-and-effect transition, like “therefore.” “Furthermore” doesn’t show cause and effect: it shows the addition of another agreeing idea. Choice D is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that practical effects are more realistic but also more expensive than CGI. The second sentence tells us that many filmmakers use both kinds of effects, balancing realism with cost. To connect these ideas, we need a cause-and-effect transition, like “therefore.” “In other words” doesn’t show cause and effect: it shows a restatement of the same idea in different words.

Choice B is the best answer. "However" is used to indicate a contrast between two ideas. The first sentence describes how Still used to be famous. This sentence describes how Still is not very famous today, so the transition "however" fits perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that introduces an example. But the second sentence doesn’t provide a specific example of Still’s famous contributions to the Underground Railroad. Instead, it changes the subject to how his fame has faded over time. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that introduces an example or continuation of a previous idea. But the second sentence doesn’t provide a specific example of Still’s famous contributions to the Underground Railroad. Instead, it changes the subject to how his fame has faded over time. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the agreement between two ideas. But this sentence shows a contrast with the first sentence—namely, that Still used to be very famous but now isn’t very famous.

Choice A is the best answer. “Then” indicates that the events in this sentence took place after the events in the previous sentence. Only after users upload images of unknown soldiers can those images be analyzed. Choice B is incorrect. This transition is used to emphasize the truth of a statement that modifies the previous statement. But this sentence doesn’t modify the step described in the previous statement: instead, it introduces an entirely new step in the process. So “in fact” wouldn’t make sense here. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a new but related idea, which doesn’t make sense here. Analyzing the physical features in the uploaded photographs isn’t a similar idea, but rather the next step in the process. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses an exemplification transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Analyzing physical features is not an example of uploading and tagging an image.

Choice A is the best answer. This choice uses a transition that indicates a shift back in time. Since the first sentence talks about Thaden’s race win in 1929 and the second shifts back to talking about her record in 1928, this makes the most sense here. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence actually agrees with and expands on the previous sentence by describing the earlier record that Thaden had "already" held. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a shift forward in time, which doesn’t make sense here. A record in 1928 didn’t come after Thaden’s race win in 1929. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense in this context—an event in 1929 can’t cause something in 1928.

Choice B is the best answer. "For this reason" is a cause-and-effect transition. The cause in this case is that the mother elephant wants to know that her calf is safe, so the effect is that she lets out an infrasonic call for the calf to hear. Therefore, "for this reason" fits perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that introduces an example of a previous idea. But the second sentence doesn’t provide an example of the events described in the first sentence. Instead, it describes what happens next: the mother elephant calls for her calf. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a shift from the past to the current time, which doesn’t make sense here. Both sentences use the present tense, as they’re describing the same time period. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates commonality or agreement between two ideas. But this sentence isn’t similar to the events in the first sentence. Instead, it describes the events that happen next.

Choice D is the best answer. The first sentence claims that the number of sunspots can vary greatly. To support this claim, the next two sentences compare two examples: one time when there were 180 sunspots and one time when there were only 2 sunspots. So the transition “by comparison” fits perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a restatement of the same idea, which doesn’t make sense here. This sentence doesn’t restate the first example—it describes a totally different example. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a similar idea, which doesn’t make sense here. This sentence describes a second example that is very different from the first example. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a cause- and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. The first example didn’t result in the second example.

Choice B is the best answer. “As a result” logically signals that the information in this sentence about Amaya leaving Spain to perform abroad is a result of the previous information about the Spanish Civil War. Choice A is incorrect because “in comparison” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is being compared to the previous information about the Spanish Civil War. Instead, Amaya leaving Spain is a result of that war. Choice C is incorrect because “first of all” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is the beginning of a sequence of events. Instead, Amaya leaving Spain is a result of the event (the outbreak of war) described in the previous sentence. Choice D is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is an example supporting the previous statement about the Spanish Civil War. Instead, Amaya leaving Spain is a result of that war.

Choice A is the best answer. The second sentence describes a consequence of the system laid out in the first sentence: because air is owned and sold by companies in this world, people have to buy it. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that means “no matter what happens” or “whatever the situation is,” which doesn’t make sense here. There’s only one situation described in the text: a fictional world in which companies own all the breathable air, forcing people to buy it. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. They both describe the same fictional situation. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a shift back in time, which doesn’t make sense here. Both sentences use the present tense, as they’re describing the same fictional time period.

Choice C is the best answer. “For this reason” logically signals that the behavior described in this sentence is a consequence of the information about seals in the previous sentence. That is, a seal moves its flippers as little as possible during a deep dive because it needs to keep its heart rate low enough that it does not run out of oxygen. Choice A is incorrect because “in the first place” illogically signals that this sentence is the first point in a discussion. Instead, the sentence describes a behavior that is a consequence of the previous information about seals. Choice B is incorrect because “on the other hand” illogically signals that the behavior described in this sentence contrasts with the previous information about seals. Instead, it is a consequence of that information. Choice D is incorrect because “in comparison” illogically signals that the behavior described in this sentence is being compared to the previous information about seals. Instead, it is a consequence of that information.

Choice D is the best answer. “By contrast” logically signals that the finding described in this sentence contrasts with the finding described in the previous sentence. That is, quicker blinks were associated with longer talking times, whereas slower blinks were associated with shorter talking times. Choice A is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the finding described in this sentence is an example of the finding described in the previous sentence. Instead, it contrasts with that finding. Choice B is incorrect because “specifically” illogically signals that this sentence provides specific, precise details about the finding described in the previous sentence. Instead, it presents information that contrasts with that finding. Choice C is incorrect because “firstly” illogically signals that the finding described in this sentence is a first point or occurs first in a chronological sequence of events. Instead, it contrasts with the finding described in the previous sentence.

Choice A is the best answer. “Later” logically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence occurred later in a chronological sequence of events than did the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous sentence. Choice B is incorrect because “for instance” illogically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence is an example of the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, the letter-writing is an event that occurred after the court case. Choice C is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence is a paraphrase or restatement of the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, the letter-writing is an event that occurred after the court case. Choice D is incorrect because “rather” illogically signals that the letter-writing discussed in this sentence is an alternative to the antidiscrimination case discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, the letter-writing is an event that occurred after the court case.

Choice C is the best answer. “Later” logically signals that the event discussed in this sentence—the creation of the short film featuring Fuller’s dance—is a related event that occurred after the event discussed in the previous sentence (the 1891 debut of the dance). Choice A is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the information in the previous sentence. Instead, the creation of the short film is a related event that followed the event discussed in the previous sentence. Choice B is incorrect because “in conclusion” illogically signals that the information in this sentence concludes or summarizes the information in the previous sentence. Instead, the creation of the short film is a related event that followed the event discussed in the previous sentence. Choice D is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a paraphrase or restatement of the information in the previous sentence. Instead, the creation of the short film is a related event that followed the event discussed in the previous sentence.

Choice D is the best answer. “Then” logically signals that the event described in this sentence—carbon in phytoplankton cells being trapped in sediment after the organisms have died—occurs later in a chronological sequence than the event described in the previous sentence (phytoplankton absorbing carbon while alive). Choice A is incorrect because “specifically” illogically signals that the information that follows provides specific, precise details elaborating on the previous information about what phytoplankton do when alive. Instead, this sentence explains what happens after phytoplankton die—a later step in the chronological sequence of events. Choice B is incorrect because “by contrast” illogically signals that the information that follows contrasts with the previous information about what phytoplankton do when alive. Instead, this sentence explains what happens after phytoplankton die—a later step in the chronological sequence of events. There is no contrast: in both life and death, phytoplankton contribute to the ocean’s carbon uptake. Choice C is incorrect because “nevertheless” illogically signals that the information that follows is in spite of the previous information about what phytoplankton do when alive. Instead, this sentence explains what happens after phytoplankton die—a later step in the chronological sequence of events. There is no contrast: in both life and death, phytoplankton contribute to the ocean’s carbon uptake.

Choice C is the best answer. The second sentence provides more specific information about the fieldwork mentioned in the first sentence—that the paleontological digs took place in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Therefore, “specifically” fits perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Rather, this sentence agrees with and elaborates on the last sentence by providing more specifics about the fieldwork Black does. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates that an event took place after another event. But the two sentences are not describing different events—instead, this sentence gives more details about the fieldwork discussed in the first sentence. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Rather, this sentence agrees with and elaborates on the last sentence by providing more specifics about the fieldwork Black does.

Choice C is the best answer. “For example” logically signals that the following information about Ky—that she once shaped her hair to look like Africa—is an example supporting the previous statement that she makes different shapes with her hair. Choice A is incorrect because “soon” illogically signals that the event described in this sentence occurred soon after the statement about Ky making different shapes with her hair. Instead, the sentence provides an example of one of these shapes. Choice B is incorrect because “elsewhere” illogically signals that the event described in this sentence occurred in a different place than the statement about Ky making different shapes with her hair. Instead, the sentence provides an example of one of these shapes. Choice D is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the statement that Ky makes different shapes with her hair. Instead, the sentence provides an example of one of these shapes.

Choice C is the best answer. “Consequently” logically signals that the postal problems described in this sentence (slow fee collection, heaps of undeliverable mail) were a consequence of the fee system described in the previous sentence. Choice A is incorrect because “regardless” illogically signals that the postal problems described in this sentence occurred despite the fee system described in the previous sentence. Instead, they were a consequence of that system. Choice B is incorrect because “on the contrary” illogically signals that the postal problems described in this sentence contrast with the fee system described in the previous sentence. Instead, they were a consequence of that system. Choice D is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the postal problems described in this sentence are an example of the fee system described in the previous sentence. Instead, they were a consequence of that system.

Choice B is the best answer. “For example” logically signals that the Siletz beeswax stories mentioned in this sentence are examples consistent with the previous claim that Siletz stories support the shipwreck theory. Choice A is incorrect because “for this reason” illogically signals that the Siletz stories about the beeswax were caused by the previous claim that Siletz stories support the shipwreck theory. Instead, the beeswax stories are examples consistent with the claim. Choice C is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the Siletz stories about the beeswax contrast with the previous claim that Siletz stories support the shipwreck theory. Instead, the beeswax stories are examples consistent with the claim. Choice D is incorrect because “likewise” illogically signals that the Siletz stories about the beeswax are similar to the previous claim that Siletz stories support the shipwreck theory. Instead, the beeswax stories are examples consistent with the claim.

Choice C is the best answer. “However” logically signals that the theory discussed in this sentence—that humans may have arrived in the Americas over 30,000 years ago—contrasts with the previously discussed theory that humans arrived around 13,000 years ago. Choice A is incorrect because “as a result” illogically signals that the theory in this sentence is the result of the theory discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, this theory contrasts with the previous one. Choice B is incorrect because “similarly” illogically signals that the theory in this sentence is similar to the theory discussed in the previous sentence. Instead, this theory contrasts with the previous one. Choice D is incorrect because “in conclusion” illogically signals that the theory in this sentence concludes or summarizes the discussion of the previous theory. Instead, this theory contrasts with the previous one.