Expression of Ideas • 20% of test
Transitions
Select your difficulty level to start practicing. We recommend mastering each level before moving to the next.
Beginner16 Sets
Beginner Practice
Start here to build your foundation. Clear texts and straightforward questions.
Target Score
400-550
Intermediate16 Sets
Intermediate Practice
Level up with more complex passages and nuanced answer choices.
Target Score
550-700
Advanced15 Sets
Advanced Practice
Master the hardest concepts. Dense academic prose and abstract topics.
Target Score
700-800
What is Transitions?
Transitions questions ask you to choose the word or phrase that best connects ideas within or between sentences. You must understand the logical relationship between ideas to select the appropriate transition.
Step-by-Step Strategy
- 1Read the sentence before AND after the blank
- 2Identify the logical relationship: contrast? consequence? addition? example?
- 3Predict what type of transition is needed BEFORE looking at choices
- 4Test your answer by reading the sentences together with the transition
- 5Watch for subtle differences (however vs. nevertheless vs. in contrast)
⚠️ Common Traps to Avoid
- ✗Choosing transitions that 'sound good' without checking logic
- ✗Mixing up similar transitions (therefore vs. however)
- ✗Not reading enough context to understand the relationship
- ✗Assuming the fancier word is correct
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of transitions?
Addition (also, moreover), Contrast (however, but), Cause/Effect (therefore, thus), Example (for instance), Sequence (first, finally).
How do I identify the relationship?
Ask: Does the second idea agree with, oppose, result from, or illustrate the first? This determines the transition type.
What's the difference between 'however' and 'therefore'?
'However' signals contrast (opposite). 'Therefore' signals consequence (logical result). They can't be substituted!
Should I read beyond neighboring sentences?
Sometimes. If the relationship isn't clear from two sentences, read the broader paragraph for context.
Are transition questions easy?
They can be straightforward if you understand logical relationships. Careless errors are common when students rush.
How many appear on the test?
Typically 3-5 per test. They are a core component of the <a href='/reading-writing'>Expression of Ideas domain</a>.
What if two transitions seem correct?
Choose the one that reflects the MOST PRECISE relationship. Consider subtle differences in meaning.
Does grammar matter for transitions?
Transitions must fit grammatically. 'However' typically follows a period or semicolon; 'though' can be mid-sentence.
How do I practice transitions?
Read quality writing. Try our <a href='/reading-writing/transitions/beginner'>Beginner Transitions sets</a> to master the most common logical links.
What mistakes do students make?
Using 'however' when ideas agree, using 'therefore' without cause/effect, and choosing based on sound rather than logic.
Are there transitions I should memorize?
Know the categories: contrast (however, nevertheless, yet), addition (moreover, furthermore), result (therefore, thus, consequently).
Can transitions appear mid-sentence?
Yes. Words like 'though,' 'despite,' and 'while' work within sentences rather than between them.
What is the difference between 'In fact' and 'Indeed'?
Both are used for emphasis or further detail, but 'In fact' often signals a surprising or stronger point than previously mentioned.
When do I use 'Simultaneously' vs 'Meanwhile'?
Both signal concurrent events, but 'Meanwhile' is often used to contrast two different locations or perspectives.
What is a 'Conclusion' transition besides 'Therefore'?
Try 'Consequently', 'As a result', 'Thus', or 'Hence'. They all signal that the next idea is a logical outcome of the previous one.
How do I handle 'Nonetheless' vs 'However'?
They are often interchangeable as contrast signals, but 'Nonetheless' is slightly more formal and often implies 'despite what was just said'.
Can 'Alternatively' be a transition?
Yes! Use it when the author is presenting a second option or a different way of looking at the same situation.
What if no transition seems necessary?
Sometimes the 'best' transition is the most subtle one. Avoid using transitions that 'over-explain' simple logical connections.