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Transitions: name the relationship before you look at the choices

SATReading and Writing

The tip

For transition questions, cover the choices and decide the logic first: contrast, cause, example, or addition. Then pick the word that matches. This blocks tempting but wrong options.

Try it

Many students assume cramming the night before helps on test day. ______ research on sleep and memory suggests that a full night's rest does more for recall than an extra hour of review. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  • ASimilarly,
  • BFor example,
  • CHowever,
  • DTherefore,
Reveal answer

Answer: C. However,

The second sentence contradicts the assumption in the first, so a contrast word is needed. 'However' signals contrast. 'Similarly' and 'For example' signal agreement or support, and 'Therefore' signals a result.

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