Transitions
Name the relationship before you look at a single choice.
2 min read
A blank between two sentences, four transition words. The choices are always plausible-sounding, which is why guessing by ear fails.
The method
- Cover the choices.
- Read the sentence before and the sentence after.
- Say the relationship in plain words — "the second is an example of the first", "the second contradicts the first", "the second is the consequence".
- Uncover, and pick the word that means that.
Every miss on this question type comes from skipping step 3.
The categories
| Relationship | Words |
|---|---|
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, nonetheless, conversely, on the other hand, still, yet, in contrast |
| Addition | moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, similarly, likewise |
| Cause → effect | therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, accordingly, hence |
| Example | for example, for instance, specifically, in particular, notably |
| Concession | admittedly, granted, to be sure, of course |
| Restating | in other words, that is, put differently |
| Sequence | first, subsequently, meanwhile, ultimately, finally |
| Emphasis | indeed, in fact |
Learn the categories, not the list. Once you've named the relationship, you only need to know which bucket each choice is in.
Distinctions the test actually tests
- However vs. nevertheless. However marks a contrast. Nevertheless marks a contrast where the second thing happens despite the first. If there's no element of "in spite of that", however is the safer read.
- Therefore vs. thus. Interchangeable in practice; if both appear as choices, the answer is neither, and you've misread the relationship.
- In fact / indeed intensify, they don't contrast. They introduce something stronger in the same direction, not something opposed.
- Similarly requires an actual parallel — two comparable cases. It isn't a generic "and".
- For example requires the second sentence to be a specific instance of a general claim in the first. If both sentences are general, it's wrong.
The trap that catches everyone
A transition that's true of the content but wrong about the logic. Two sentences can both be about a decline, so similarly feels right — but if the second explains why the first happened, the relationship is causal and similarly is wrong.
You are matching the logical connection, not the topic.
Speed
30–40 seconds. These are among the cheapest points in the section once the procedure is automatic, and among the most reliably lost when it isn't.