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

Choice D is the best answer. Scientists believe in fusion’s potential as an energy source, but have struggled to actually make it work—in other words, there is a contradiction between scientists’ beliefs and their reality. “That said” is a disagreement transition that works perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Scientists not being able to generate extra energy from lab fusion reactions isn’t an effect of them believing in fusion’s potential. Choice B is incorrect. This transition indicates the addition of another supporting point. But this sentence is not adding a supporting point to the previous sentence—scientists not being able to successfully generate energy from fusion isn’t another point in favor of fusion meeting humanity’s clean energy needs. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that introduces or elaborates on a particular example. But this sentence doesn’t give an example of scientists’ belief in fusion’s potential to meet humanity’s clean energy needs—in fact, it contrasts that optimistic belief with the reality of past failures to successfully employ fusion for energy production.

Choice B is the best answer. “In contrast” logically signals that the information in this sentence—that ABA triggers accelerated growth in the mustard plant Schrenkiella parvula—contrasts with the previous information about ABA triggering a slowdown in most plants’ biological processes. Choice A is incorrect because “moreover” illogically signals that the information in this sentence about the mustard plant merely adds to the previous information about the effects of ABA. Instead, it contrasts with that information. Choice C is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the information in this sentence about the mustard plant provides an example consistent with the previous information about the effects of ABA. Instead, it contrasts with that information. Choice D is incorrect because “thus” illogically signals that the information in this sentence about the mustard plant is a consequence, or result, of the previous information about the effects of ABA. Instead, it contrasts with that information.

Choice B is the best answer. “Nonetheless” is a transition that indicates disagreement. The first sentence describes the unlikelihood of finding much for critical analysis in Ashbery’s poem (“barren terrain”), while the second sentence describes how Berlant did in fact find much to analyze in Ashbery’s poem (“fertile ground”), so the transition “nonetheless” fits perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a new but similar idea, which doesn’t make sense here. The idea in this sentence directly contradicts the idea in the previous sentence. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense in this context—a poem seemingly having little opportunity for critical analysis would not cause someone to write an extensive critical analysis (in fact, we might expect the opposite). Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a restatement of the same idea in other words. But the text isn’t restating the first idea here. Instead, it’s offering a contradiction to the idea expressed in the first sentence.

Choice A is the best answer. The second part of the sentence says that many volcanoes use shallow pockets of magma. This is an elaboration of the same underlying idea from the first part of the sentence, which says that the super deep magma of Icelandic volcanoes’ makes them outliers. “Indeed” is a transition used for elaborating on the same idea, so it fits the context perfectly. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But these two parts of the sentence agree with each other, so “nevertheless” doesn’t make sense. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a new idea. But the second part of the sentence isn’t adding a new idea: it’s elaborating on the same idea expressed in the first part of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. The fact that Iceland’s deep-magma volcanoes are outliers doesn’t cause many other volcanoes to get fed by shallow pockets of magma.

Choice D is the best answer. This sentence is arguing that new evidence contradicting popular beliefs about “tulip mania” should cast doubt on those beliefs. “Therefore” is a cause-and-effect transition, which fits perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses an exemplification transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Skepticism about the popular beliefs is not an example of recent evidence contradicting those beliefs—rather, skepticism is an effect of that recent evidence. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Instead, it connects a cause from the previous sentence (new evidence that tulip mania was not as disastrous as thought) to an effect (that we should look with skepticism upon the myth about its disastrousness). Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Instead, it connects a cause from the previous sentence (new evidence that tulip mania was not as disastrous as thought) to an effect (that we should look with skepticism upon the myth about its disastrousness).

Choice D is the best answer. “For instance” logically signals that the details in this sentence—that Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra and Colombian conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados took new conducting positions—are examples supporting the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Choice A is incorrect because “in addition” illogically signals that the details in this sentence about de la Parra and Gonzalez- Granados are merely additional facts related to the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Instead, they are examples supporting that claim. Choice B is incorrect because “lastly” illogically signals that the details in this sentence about de la Parra and Gonzalez-Granados are the last step or a concluding summary of the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Instead, they are examples supporting that claim. Choice C is incorrect because “granted” illogically signals that the details in this sentence about de la Parra and Gonzalez-Granados are exceptions to the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Instead, they are examples supporting that claim.

Choice C is the best answer. “Granted” logically signals that the following information—that iconicity is not as highly correlated with acquisition as sign frequency—is true in spite of the information about the correlation between iconicity and acquisition in the previous sentence. Choice A is incorrect because “in fact” illogically signals that the sentence that follows either emphasizes or refutes the information in the previous sentence regarding the correlation between iconicity and acquisition. Instead, the sentence that follows provides additional information that is true in spite of the preceding information; it neither emphasizes nor refutes that information. Choice B is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that the sentence that follows is a restatement of the information in the previous sentence; instead, the sentence that follows provides additional information that is true in spite of the preceding information. Choice D is incorrect because “as a result” illogically signals that the sentence that follows is a result of the information in the previous sentence regarding the correlation between iconicity and acquisition; instead, the sentence that follows is true in spite of the preceding information.

Choice D is the best answer. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "Though" is a contrast word similar to "but." Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "Therefore" doesn’t show contrast; it shows cause and effect. Choice B is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "In fact" is a phrase that usually emphasizes the truth of the previous statement. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "Moreover" doesn’t show contrast—it introduces additional information that continues or supports the previous idea.

Choice A is the best answer. This sentence emphasizes just how far maglev advocates’ dreams are from coming true. “In fact” is a transition used to emphasize the truth of a statement that modifies the previous statement and therefore fits perfectly in this context. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Maglev advocates’ dream remaining unrealized would not cause there to be only a few maglev trains, all located in Asia. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition, which doesn’t make sense here. In fact, this sentence agrees with the previous sentence—both talk about how maglev trains are far from becoming common in the US. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition, which doesn’t make sense here. In fact, this sentence agrees with the previous sentence— both talk about how maglev trains are far from becoming common in the US.

Choice C is the best answer. “In other words” logically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows—that sensory experience is the source of knowledge—is a restatement of Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Choice A is incorrect because “regardless” illogically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows is true in spite of Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Instead, this claim is a restatement of his theory. Choice B is incorrect because “admittedly” illogically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows is an exception to Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Instead, this claim is a restatement of his theory. Choice D is incorrect because “meanwhile” illogically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows is separate from (while occurring simultaneously with) Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Instead, this claim is a restatement of his theory.

Choice C is the best answer. The first sentence describes an experience that the viewer has when they’re looking at the photos: they imagine other planets. This sentence describes an experience that the viewer has afterward: the title reminds them that the photos are of frying pans, bringing them back to reality. “Ultimately” is a transition that means “eventually” or “in the end,” so it fits the context perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. The viewer imagining other planets when they’re looking at the photos doesn’t cause the title to bring them back to reality. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates another option or possibility, which doesn’t make sense here. Rather, the viewer has both experiences: first the viewer imagines that they’re looking at another planet, and then the title reminds them that it’s just a frying pan. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of an agreeing idea. But the viewer’s experience in the second sentence is actually the opposite of the viewer’s experience in the first sentence. In the first sentence, the viewer is imagining that they’re seeing a landscape from another planet. In the second sentence, the viewer is reminded that they’re looking at a frying pan.

Choice C is the best answer. “Specifically” logically signals that this sentence provides specific, precise details elaborating on the previous sentence’s claim that de Larios’s art reflects a mix of cultures. This sentence specifies which cultures the previous sentence is referring to: the artistic traditions of both Mexico and Japan. Choice A is incorrect because “in addition” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a separate point that follows the previous claim about de Larios’s art. Instead, it provides specific details elaborating on that claim. Choice B is incorrect because “in contrast” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the previous claim about de Larios’s art. Instead, it provides specific details elaborating on that claim. Choice D is incorrect because “therefore” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a result of the previous claim about de Larios’s art. Instead, it provides specific details elaborating on that claim.

Choice B is the best answer. “Ultimately” means “in the long run” or “at the highest level.” Although Bolívar wrote to a local merchant, his ultimate goal was to send a message to political leaders in Europe. Therefore, “ultimately” fits perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of an agreeing idea. However, the second part of the sentence actually disagrees with the first part. Bolívar addressed the letter to Cullen, but he was really sending a message to someone else. Notice how the contrast word “though” also acts as a transition between these ideas. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition. Bolívar’s writing of the letter to Cullen would not cause him to have a goal of persuading European powers to support him. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition. Bolívar’s writing of the letter to Cullen would not cause him to have a goal of persuading European powers to support him.

Choice D is the best answer. “That is” logically signals that this sentence clarifies the terms of the scientific debate introduced in the previous sentence by explaining the difference between dispersalists and vicariancists. Choice A is incorrect because “furthermore” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is merely additional to (and separate from) the information in the previous sentence about the scientific debate. Instead, the information about dispersalists and vicariancists clarifies the terms of that debate. Choice B is incorrect because “by contrast” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the information in the previous sentence about the scientific debate. Instead, the information about dispersalists and vicariancists clarifies the terms of that debate. Choice C is incorrect because “similarly” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is merely similar to the information in the previous sentence about the scientific debate. Instead, the information about dispersalists and vicariancists clarifies the terms of that debate.

Choice D is the best answer. Scientists believe in fusion’s potential as an energy source, but have struggled to actually make it work—in other words, there is a contradiction between scientists’ beliefs and their reality. “That said” is a disagreement transition that works perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Scientists not being able to generate extra energy from lab fusion reactions isn’t an effect of them believing in fusion’s potential. Choice B is incorrect. This transition indicates the addition of another supporting point. But this sentence is not adding a supporting point to the previous sentence—scientists not being able to successfully generate energy from fusion isn’t another point in favor of fusion meeting humanity’s clean energy needs. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that introduces or elaborates on a particular example. But this sentence doesn’t give an example of scientists’ belief in fusion’s potential to meet humanity’s clean energy needs—in fact, it contrasts that optimistic belief with the reality of past failures to successfully employ fusion for energy production.

Choice B is the best answer. “In contrast” logically signals that the information in this sentence—that ABA triggers accelerated growth in the mustard plant Schrenkiella parvula—contrasts with the previous information about ABA triggering a slowdown in most plants’ biological processes. Choice A is incorrect because “moreover” illogically signals that the information in this sentence about the mustard plant merely adds to the previous information about the effects of ABA. Instead, it contrasts with that information. Choice C is incorrect because “for example” illogically signals that the information in this sentence about the mustard plant provides an example consistent with the previous information about the effects of ABA. Instead, it contrasts with that information. Choice D is incorrect because “thus” illogically signals that the information in this sentence about the mustard plant is a consequence, or result, of the previous information about the effects of ABA. Instead, it contrasts with that information.

Choice B is the best answer. “Nonetheless” is a transition that indicates disagreement. The first sentence describes the unlikelihood of finding much for critical analysis in Ashbery’s poem (“barren terrain”), while the second sentence describes how Berlant did in fact find much to analyze in Ashbery’s poem (“fertile ground”), so the transition “nonetheless” fits perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a new but similar idea, which doesn’t make sense here. The idea in this sentence directly contradicts the idea in the previous sentence. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense in this context—a poem seemingly having little opportunity for critical analysis would not cause someone to write an extensive critical analysis (in fact, we might expect the opposite). Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates a restatement of the same idea in other words. But the text isn’t restating the first idea here. Instead, it’s offering a contradiction to the idea expressed in the first sentence.

Choice A is the best answer. The second part of the sentence says that many volcanoes use shallow pockets of magma. This is an elaboration of the same underlying idea from the first part of the sentence, which says that the super deep magma of Icelandic volcanoes’ makes them outliers. “Indeed” is a transition used for elaborating on the same idea, so it fits the context perfectly. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But these two parts of the sentence agree with each other, so “nevertheless” doesn’t make sense. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of a new idea. But the second part of the sentence isn’t adding a new idea: it’s elaborating on the same idea expressed in the first part of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. The fact that Iceland’s deep-magma volcanoes are outliers doesn’t cause many other volcanoes to get fed by shallow pockets of magma.

Choice D is the best answer. This sentence is arguing that new evidence contradicting popular beliefs about “tulip mania” should cast doubt on those beliefs. “Therefore” is a cause-and-effect transition, which fits perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses an exemplification transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Skepticism about the popular beliefs is not an example of recent evidence contradicting those beliefs—rather, skepticism is an effect of that recent evidence. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Instead, it connects a cause from the previous sentence (new evidence that tulip mania was not as disastrous as thought) to an effect (that we should look with skepticism upon the myth about its disastrousness). Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition. But this sentence doesn’t disagree with the previous sentence. Instead, it connects a cause from the previous sentence (new evidence that tulip mania was not as disastrous as thought) to an effect (that we should look with skepticism upon the myth about its disastrousness).

Choice D is the best answer. “For instance” logically signals that the details in this sentence—that Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra and Colombian conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados took new conducting positions—are examples supporting the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Choice A is incorrect because “in addition” illogically signals that the details in this sentence about de la Parra and Gonzalez- Granados are merely additional facts related to the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Instead, they are examples supporting that claim. Choice B is incorrect because “lastly” illogically signals that the details in this sentence about de la Parra and Gonzalez-Granados are the last step or a concluding summary of the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Instead, they are examples supporting that claim. Choice C is incorrect because “granted” illogically signals that the details in this sentence about de la Parra and Gonzalez-Granados are exceptions to the previous claim about the new generation of artists. Instead, they are examples supporting that claim.

Choice C is the best answer. “Granted” logically signals that the following information—that iconicity is not as highly correlated with acquisition as sign frequency—is true in spite of the information about the correlation between iconicity and acquisition in the previous sentence. Choice A is incorrect because “in fact” illogically signals that the sentence that follows either emphasizes or refutes the information in the previous sentence regarding the correlation between iconicity and acquisition. Instead, the sentence that follows provides additional information that is true in spite of the preceding information; it neither emphasizes nor refutes that information. Choice B is incorrect because “in other words” illogically signals that the sentence that follows is a restatement of the information in the previous sentence; instead, the sentence that follows provides additional information that is true in spite of the preceding information. Choice D is incorrect because “as a result” illogically signals that the sentence that follows is a result of the information in the previous sentence regarding the correlation between iconicity and acquisition; instead, the sentence that follows is true in spite of the preceding information.

Choice D is the best answer. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "Though" is a contrast word similar to "but." Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "Therefore" doesn’t show contrast; it shows cause and effect. Choice B is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "In fact" is a phrase that usually emphasizes the truth of the previous statement. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t a logical transition. The first sentence tells us that Al-Malaika sometimes used "traditional forms". The second tells us that even when she used traditional forms, Al-Malaika was "breaking new ground". To connect these ideas, we need a contrast word like "but." "Moreover" doesn’t show contrast—it introduces additional information that continues or supports the previous idea.

Choice A is the best answer. This sentence emphasizes just how far maglev advocates’ dreams are from coming true. “In fact” is a transition used to emphasize the truth of a statement that modifies the previous statement and therefore fits perfectly in this context. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. Maglev advocates’ dream remaining unrealized would not cause there to be only a few maglev trains, all located in Asia. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition, which doesn’t make sense here. In fact, this sentence agrees with the previous sentence—both talk about how maglev trains are far from becoming common in the US. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a disagreement transition, which doesn’t make sense here. In fact, this sentence agrees with the previous sentence— both talk about how maglev trains are far from becoming common in the US.

Choice C is the best answer. “In other words” logically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows—that sensory experience is the source of knowledge—is a restatement of Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Choice A is incorrect because “regardless” illogically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows is true in spite of Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Instead, this claim is a restatement of his theory. Choice B is incorrect because “admittedly” illogically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows is an exception to Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Instead, this claim is a restatement of his theory. Choice D is incorrect because “meanwhile” illogically signals that the claim about sensory experience that follows is separate from (while occurring simultaneously with) Aristotle’s theory from earlier in the sentence. Instead, this claim is a restatement of his theory.

Choice C is the best answer. The first sentence describes an experience that the viewer has when they’re looking at the photos: they imagine other planets. This sentence describes an experience that the viewer has afterward: the title reminds them that the photos are of frying pans, bringing them back to reality. “Ultimately” is a transition that means “eventually” or “in the end,” so it fits the context perfectly. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition, which doesn’t make sense here. The viewer imagining other planets when they’re looking at the photos doesn’t cause the title to bring them back to reality. Choice B is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates another option or possibility, which doesn’t make sense here. Rather, the viewer has both experiences: first the viewer imagines that they’re looking at another planet, and then the title reminds them that it’s just a frying pan. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of an agreeing idea. But the viewer’s experience in the second sentence is actually the opposite of the viewer’s experience in the first sentence. In the first sentence, the viewer is imagining that they’re seeing a landscape from another planet. In the second sentence, the viewer is reminded that they’re looking at a frying pan.

Choice C is the best answer. “Specifically” logically signals that this sentence provides specific, precise details elaborating on the previous sentence’s claim that de Larios’s art reflects a mix of cultures. This sentence specifies which cultures the previous sentence is referring to: the artistic traditions of both Mexico and Japan. Choice A is incorrect because “in addition” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a separate point that follows the previous claim about de Larios’s art. Instead, it provides specific details elaborating on that claim. Choice B is incorrect because “in contrast” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the previous claim about de Larios’s art. Instead, it provides specific details elaborating on that claim. Choice D is incorrect because “therefore” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is a result of the previous claim about de Larios’s art. Instead, it provides specific details elaborating on that claim.

Choice B is the best answer. “Ultimately” means “in the long run” or “at the highest level.” Although Bolívar wrote to a local merchant, his ultimate goal was to send a message to political leaders in Europe. Therefore, “ultimately” fits perfectly in this context. Choice A is incorrect. This choice uses a transition that indicates the addition of an agreeing idea. However, the second part of the sentence actually disagrees with the first part. Bolívar addressed the letter to Cullen, but he was really sending a message to someone else. Notice how the contrast word “though” also acts as a transition between these ideas. Choice C is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition. Bolívar’s writing of the letter to Cullen would not cause him to have a goal of persuading European powers to support him. Choice D is incorrect. This choice uses a cause-and-effect transition. Bolívar’s writing of the letter to Cullen would not cause him to have a goal of persuading European powers to support him.

Choice D is the best answer. “That is” logically signals that this sentence clarifies the terms of the scientific debate introduced in the previous sentence by explaining the difference between dispersalists and vicariancists. Choice A is incorrect because “furthermore” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is merely additional to (and separate from) the information in the previous sentence about the scientific debate. Instead, the information about dispersalists and vicariancists clarifies the terms of that debate. Choice B is incorrect because “by contrast” illogically signals that the information in this sentence contrasts with the information in the previous sentence about the scientific debate. Instead, the information about dispersalists and vicariancists clarifies the terms of that debate. Choice C is incorrect because “similarly” illogically signals that the information in this sentence is merely similar to the information in the previous sentence about the scientific debate. Instead, the information about dispersalists and vicariancists clarifies the terms of that debate.