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Transition logic

Name the relationship between the sentence before and the sentence after (addition, contrast, cause, example, sequence), then pick the word that says it.

When to use it

  • The underlined words are a transition (However, For example, As a result) at the start of a sentence or after a semicolon.
  • The question asks which choice “best connects” or “best introduces”.
  • Two choices both sound smooth.

How it works

  1. Read the sentence before the transition and the one after it. Ignore the transition at first.
  2. Name the relationship in one word: addition, contrast, cause/result, example, or time/sequence.
  3. Pick the choice that expresses that relationship. Cross out choices that express a different one, even if they sound polished.
  4. Consider NO CHANGE honestly. If the original word already names your relationship, keep it.
Watch out: Choosing a transition because it sounds formal. “In other words” is not a contrast; “Nevertheless” is not a result. The relationship decides.

Time: Naming the relationship takes five seconds. Do it before you read the choices, or the choices will name it for you.

Worked examples

Example 1

A general statement followed by one specific case.

Which transition best introduces the three-strike signal as one instance of the label’s explanation?

  1. ANO CHANGE
  2. BFor example,Correct
  3. CAs a later change,
  4. DAfter hearing the recording,

Using the technique

  1. Before: the museum’s label explained that different numbers of strikes had signaled different events. After: three strikes had called the children back after lunch.

  2. The second sentence is one instance of the first. The relationship is example.

  3. “For example,” says that. The original, “Instead,” would mean the second sentence replaces the first, which it does not.

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Example 2

Cause and effect, in that order.

Which transition most accurately connects the blocked entrance with the following observation?

  1. ANO CHANGE
  2. BIn other words,
  3. CAs a result,Correct
  4. DFor instance,

Using the technique

  1. Before: the sheltered stretch received little foot traffic because a barrier blocked its entrance. After: fewer residents had noticed its damaged slabs.

  2. Little traffic explains why fewer people noticed. The relationship is result.

  3. “As a result,” says that. “Even so” (NO CHANGE) is a contrast, and the sentences do not contrast.

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Example 3

Sometimes the original is right: check it before you change it.

Which choice best retains the relationship between the statement about usefulness and the supporting sentence?

  1. ANO CHANGECorrect
  2. BFor that reason,
  3. CAt the same moment,
  4. DIn the opposite location,

Using the technique

  1. Before: “Her discovery did not make the existing marks useless.” After: they helped crews locate cracks that were hard to see.

  2. The first sentence denies something and the second states the opposite. That is a correction, which “On the contrary,” expresses.

  3. The other choices say result, simultaneity or opposite location, none of which is the relationship. Keep NO CHANGE.

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Practice Transitions sets

Related lessons: Transitions lesson · Organization · Supporting details