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TRANSITIONS
Transition Words
Both the ACT and the SAT test your ability to identify and use transition words correctly.

The good news about transition words is that many students are actually already familiar with
them. Most high school English teachers encourage their students to use transition words like
however ​or ​furthermore ​in classroom essays.

This is because transition words are really helpful for organizing ideas clearly and effectively. In
fact, that's what transition words are all about: linking ideas together on the page!

We're here to demystify transition words as they are tested on both the SAT and the ACT.

Here is what this worksheet covers:

Where You'll See Transition Words on Each Test 2

What Are Transition Words? 3
How Transition Words Are Tested on the ACT and SAT 5
Our Strategy for Transition Words Questions 7
Transition Words Practice Questions 11
Answers and Explanations to Practice Questions 14
Next Steps 17

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 1
Where You'll See Transition Words on Each Test
Both the ACT English and SAT Writing & Language sections directly assess a student's ability
to identify and use transition words effectively.

Yet knowledge of transition words can be helpful on other sections of these tests.

Using effective transition words in your SAT or ACT essay response can help you organize
ideas and produce a logical, coherent response. Identifying transition words in reading
passages on ACT Reading or SAT Evidence-Based Reading can also be helpful in quickly
comprehending the structure and reasoning of an author's argument.

So, in sum, your knowledge of transition words will help you on these sections:

ACT

● English*
● Reading
● Essay

SAT

● Evidence-Based Reading
● Writing & Language*
● Essay

*These sections ​most overtly ​test a student's knowledge of transition words and their
appropriate usage.

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What Are Transition Words?
So what exactly are transition words anyways?

Transition words do exactly what they sound like they do: they create transitions between ideas
in writing. With transition words and phrases, we can​ show relationships between ideas
quickly and easily​.

You likely already use transition words in the academic writing you do for your high school
English, composition, and/or language courses.

As a refresher, though, here is a table of the transition words and phrases high school students
are most familiar with:

for this reason regardless nonetheless so in addition on the other

hand

in fact therefore consequently also/too finally hence

however for example furthermore last and eventually

moreover thus whereas indeed previously in conclusion

first/second/third despite nevertheless next yet as a result

Now, it's important to note that each transition word will show a ​specific r​ elationship between
ideas. The word "however," for example, will show a contrast of some kind, while the word
"furthermore" shows similarity.

Identifying the relationship a transition word shows can be essential when it comes time to
answering transition word questions on the ACT and SAT.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 3
Take a look at this table, which groups the words and phrases from the previous table into
general relationship categories:

Contrast Similarity / Addition Cause-and-Effect Sequence

however furthermore for this reason first

regardless in fact therefore second

on the other moreover consequently third

hand

despite for example as a result finally

nonetheless indeed so previously

whereas and in conclusion next

nevertheless also/too thus eventually

yet in addition hence last

Viewing transition words in terms of the ​relationship they are trying to show ​can be helpful when
preparing for these questions on the SAT or ACT.

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How Transition Words Are Tested on the ACT and SAT
When you encounter a transition words question on ACT English or SAT Writing & Language,
chances are you'll have to demonstrate the following:

1. Your knowledge of the transition words in question

2. Your ability to identify the relationship between the ideas in question
3. Your capacity to choose the right transition word to reflect this relationship

Yes, this sounds like a lot, but our strategy for approaching transition words questions simplifies
things significantly.

How do you know you're dealing with a transition word/phrase question?

You'll see standard transition words in the answers, as you can see in this sample question from
an officially released ACT.org practice test:

Most students are likely familiar with the transition words that appear in this question: ​however,
additionally, for example, ​and s​ imilarly.​ In fact, most of them appear in the tables above! The
tricky part (which we discuss in the next section) lies in choosing the right one based on the
relationship shown in context.

​ ore frequently on the ACT English section than they

Transition words tend to appear ​slightly m
do on SAT Writing & Language, but numbers can fluctuate.

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Here's a general comparison of frequency based on our analysis of officially released ACT and
SAT practice tests:

Transition Words Questions on the ACT Transition Words Questions on the SAT

3-7 1-5

There are 75 total questions on ACT English and 44 total questions on SAT Writing &
Language.

​ n ACT English and SAT Writing & Language.

Remember:​ transition words are tested ​directly o
Knowledge of them is useful (but not directly tested) on the Reading and Essay sections of both
tests.

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Our Strategy for Transition Words Questions
Transition words questions may seem complicated, especially because they require a fair bit of
textual analysis. This strategy, however, is designed to simplify the process and help you arrive
at the right answer every time.

When you see a transition words question, follow these steps:

1. Categorize the transition words in the answers

2. Read for full context
3. Identify the relationship between the ideas presented
4. Eliminate accordingly

We'll apply this strategy to the two sample questions, one from ACT English, and one from SAT
Writing & Language.

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Example 1: ACT Transition Words Question

1. Categorize the transition words

​ nd
The four transition words in the answer choices here are ​similarly, for example, additionally, a
however.​ Let's categorize them based on the relationships they show.

​ nd ​additionally a
Similarly, for example, a ​ ll demonstrate similar or additional ideas. The outlier
here is ​however,​ which shows contrast. Right away, our attention should go to answer choice J,
but let's work through the rest of the strategy just in case.

2. Read for full context

It's essential to read for full context so that we understand the ideas the writer is linking.

The first sentence of this passage describes how six-sided snowflakes generally form. The
second sentence describes a certain kind of snowflake that ​isn't​ six-sided and has confused a
bunch of scientists for a long time.

3. Identify the relationship between the ideas presented

The two sentences clearly describe two ​different k​ inds of snowflakes. In fact, one is so different
and rare that it has "confounded scientists for years."

The relationship here is one of difference or contrast.

4. Eliminate accordingly

The only answer choice that reflects a different or contrasting idea is J, ​however​. We can
confidently cross off everything except J.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 8
Here's how the new sentence would read: ​The rare "triangular" snowflake, however,
confounded scientists for years because it apparently defied the basic laws of chemistry."​ That
sounds great! Our answer choice is ​J.

Note:​ There are some cases where a transition word is ​not n ​ ecessary. This is a common trap
on the ACT, which sometimes includes an answer choice that doesn't have a transition word
in it. For these questions, it's vital to first read for full context and determine if a transition word
is necessary before working through the other answers.

Example 2: SAT Transition Words Question

1. Categorize the transition words

There four transition words in the answer choices to this question are ​for example, however, as
​ nd ​moreover.
such, a

For example, as such​, and ​moreover ​signify similar and/or additional ideas. The outlier here is
however,​ which shows contrast. Right away, our attention should go to answer choice B, but
let's work through the rest of the strategy just in case.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 9
2. Read for full context

It's essential to read for full context so that we understand the ideas the writer is linking.

In this question, the transition word begins a sentence. This means we should carefully read the
​ hich describes when the ice sheet starts to thaw, usually late summer. The
prior sentence ​first, w
next sentence describes a mid-July thawing of the Great Ice Sheet in 2012.

3. Identify the relationship between the ideas presented

The first sentence describes one standard (that the ice sheet “typically” starts to thaw at the end
of summer), while the second sentence describes a disruption of that standard (the ice sheet
started thawing mid-July).

The relationship here is one of difference, exception, and contrast.

4. Eliminate accordingly

The only answer choice that shows difference, exception, or contrast is B: ​however​. We can
confidently cross off all of our other answer choices and choose ​B.

Here’s how the new, edited sentence would read: ​“Typically, the ice sheet begins to show
evidence of thawing in late summer. This follows several weeks of higher temperatures.
However, in the summer of 2012, virtually the entire Greenland Ice Sheet underwent thawing at
or near its surface by mid-July…”

That sounds great!

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 10
Transition Words Practice Questions
Now it’s your turn to apply this strategy to some practice transition words questions.
Work through the following five questions, carefully identifying the relationship between the
ideas in each selection. You’ll find answers to these questions at the end of this worksheet.

Most amateur art observers inspect the

pieces of Cy Twombly’s ​Fifty Days at Ilium
with skepticism. After all, these paintings A) NO CHANGE
depict what many might call mural-size B) Indeed,
childlike scribbles, what you could find in a C) Additionally,
preschool classroom. ​1​ ​Consequently, D) Yet
Twombly’s paintings reduce the Trojan War
to its primitive roots with an intelligence that
unsettles and satisfies.

The zero-waste movement is by no means

losing steam. ​2​ ​In fact, ​waste-free restaurants A) NO CHANGE
and shops that cater to zero-waste lifestyles B) Nonetheless,
are popping up in many urban areas, C) Besides,
including San Francisco and New York, and D) As a result,
the internet is growing with blogs and online
retailers devoted to helping people reduce
their daily and personal waste.

3 ​While​ the professional efficacy of a

bachelor’s degree in the humanities is very
much still in question, universities all around A) NO CHANGE
the world are seeking ways to give their B) Given that
humanities students a greater edge in the C) Despite the fact that
career marketplace through internships, D) In lieu of
sponsored programs, and job fairs.

The party seems as if it will be an abysmal A) NO CHANGE

affair, given that it comes on the heels of so B) yet
C) so

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 11
much political strife, ​4​ ​and​ I have decided not D) for
to attend.

Scholars suggest that before the end of the

Roman Empire, the life of the mind often took
precedence over most anything else. The A) NO CHANGE
library of Alexandria, ​5​ ​nonetheless,​ reputed B) for example,
C) on the other hand,
to contain all records of intellectual inquiry,
D) moreover,
was an even greater tourist attraction for
visitors than the city’s theatre district.

In this technical age, we often assume that

our texts and writings are more immune to
the ravages of time than were our ancient A) NO CHANGE
counterparts; ​6 ​additionally,​ there is evidence B) therefore,
C) on the contrary,
to suggest that paper made out of papyrus is
D) what is more,
much more durable than standard computer
paper.

7 ​Because​ music is so readily available on

streaming platforms like Spotify and Pandora, A) NO CHANGE
some argue that consumers are B) Although
unconsciously learning to undervalue C) Despite the fact that
D) As long as
musicians and their artistic efforts.

The winter solstice is one of the few lingering

‘holidays’ that has distinctly pagan roots
reminiscent of modern Christmas rituals. ​8 A) NO CHANGE
What is more,​ many people still celebrate the B) Subsequently,
C) Thus,
winter solstice today with massive bonfires,
D) DELETE the underlined portion.
gift exchanges, family gatherings, and
singing.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 12
There is evidence to suggest that maca root,
or Peruvian ginseng, was used as a form of A) NO CHANGE
payment of Spanish imperial taxes, ​9 B) and
although​ this theory may be an extrapolation. C) thus
D) indeed

10 ​Because​ all eight species of pangolins are A) NO CHANGE

endangered, these scaly anteaters are still B) While
subject to poaching and trafficking given their C) Unless
role in Chinese and alternative medicines. D) Provided that

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Answers and Explanations to Practice Questions
1. D
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. B

Question 1
The transition words/phrases in our answers are ​consequently, indeed, additionally a ​ nd ​yet​.
Consequently​ shows cause-and-effect, while ​indeed ​and ​additionally ​indicate similar or
additional information. ​Yet s​ hows contrast.
Context tells us that there are two contrasting ideas: some art observers think that Cy
Twombly’s work is childish and unimpressive, but the author argues that the artist’s work is the
opposite. The only transition word that can join these contrasting ideas together effectively is
yet.​ The correct answer is ​D.

Question 2
The transition words/phrases in our answers are ​in fact, nonetheless,​ ​besides,​ and ​as a result.​
In fact ​indicates similar or additional ideas; ​nonetheless a
​ nd ​besides s​ how contrasting or
different ideas; and ​as a result i​ ndicates cause-and-effect.
When we read for full context, we see that the writer is describing similar ideas: the zero-waste
movement is continuing to grow, as evidenced by the number of online retailers and
brick-and-mortar waste-free stores. The only transition phrase that shows similarity is ​in fact.​
The correct answer is ​A.

Question 3
The answer choices to this question include a few non-traditional transition phrases: ​while,​
given that, despite the fact that, ​and ​in lieu of.​ ​While, despite the fact that, a
​ nd ​in lieu of ​show
contrast or difference. ​Given that ​indicates a causal relationship. Right away our attention
should zoom to ​given that​, but it’s still important to apply the rest of the strategy.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 14
Context indicates that we’re dealing with a cause-and-effect situation: people are questioning if
degrees in the humanities actually lead to viable careers, and so universities are rallying with
solutions. ​Given that i​ s the best option to show this relationship between ideas. The correct
answer is ​B.

Question 4
In this question, FANBOYS conjunctions appear in the answer choices: ​and, yet, so, ​and ​for.
And d ​ emonstrates similar or additional ideas; ​yet ​shows contrast or difference; and ​so a
​ nd ​for
indicate cause-and-effect relationships.
The sentence shows a causal relationship: because the party is happening during a time of
​ nd ​for,​ only ​so ​makes
political strife, the speaker has chosen not to go. When we plug in ​so a
sense in context. The answer is ​C.

Question 5
The answer choices to this question are ​nonetheless, for example, on the other hand, a ​ nd
moreover​. ​Nonetheless ​and ​on the other hand ​show contrast or difference. ​Moreover a
​ nd ​for
​ recede additional or similar information.
example p
The sentence describes a condition--the prioritization of intellectual life before the fall of the
Roman Empire--and an example of that condition--the popularity of the library in Alexandria. ​For
example i​ s thus the correct answer (​B)​ .

Question 6
The answer choices to this question are ​additionally, therefore, on the contrary, a ​ nd ​what is
more​. Both ​additionally ​and ​what is more s​ how similar or additional ideas. ​On the contrary
designates contrasting thoughts, while ​therefore i​ ndicates a conclusion of some sorts.
When we read for full context, we see that the writer is presenting contrasting ideas: we assume
that our modern paper may last longer than papyrus, but papyrus may in fact be more durable.
We can eliminate all answers except for ​C​, which is the correct answer.

Question 7
The transition words/phrases in our answer choices are ​because, although, despite the fact that,
and ​as long as.​ ​Because ​shows cause-and-effect, while a ​ lthough ​and ​despite the fact that
indicate contrast. ​As long as i​ s a transition phrase that establishes a condition.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 15
The sentence describes the result--people potentially undervaluing musicians--of a
condition--the wide availability of free music. We need a transition word that shows a causal
relationship, so ​A ​is the correct answer.
Question 8
The savvy student will notice that this question has a DELETE option; this doesn’t necessarily
mean that a transition word or phrase is unnecessary, but it’s a very good sign this is the case.
Besides DELETE, the answer choices include ​what is more, subsequently​, and ​thus​. ​What is
more ​provides additional information, ​subsequently ​indicates a causal relationship, and ​thus
shows conclusion.
When we read for full context, we see that these two sentences provide information about a
specific holiday tradition; the first sentence describes the pagan roots of this tradition, and the
second sentence describes rituals within this tradition. Students may be tempted to select ​what
is more ​at this point, but the second sentence is not a specific elaboration of the ideas
presented in the first sentence.
No transition word is necessary, so ​D ​is the correct answer.

Question 9
The transition words/phrases in our answers include ​although, and, thus, a ​ nd ​indeed​. ​Although
indicates contrast, ​and ​and ​indeed​ provide additional or similar information, and ​thus ​shows
conclusion.
When we read for full context, we see that the sentence is describing two contrasting ideas.
There is evidence that maca root was used as payment of taxes, but this may not be true. The
only answer choice that shows contrast is ​although​, so ​A ​is our correct answer.

Question 10
The terms in our answer choices are ​because, while, unless, a ​ nd ​provided that​. ​Because ​shows
a causal relationship between two ideas, ​while i​ ndicates contrast, and ​provided that a​ nd ​unless
demonstrates conditional relationships.
Context tells us that the pangolin is endangered, ​yet i​ t is still subject to poaching. This is a
contrasting relationship. Only ​while ​bridges these two ideas effectively, so ​B​ is our answer.

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Transition Words on the ACT and SAT: Next Steps
One of the best ways to prepare for transition word questions on the ACT or SAT is to boost
your fluency in using these words and phrases in your own writing!

Practice deliberately using these words and phrases in sample ACT and SAT essay responses,
for example, or your own high school essays. You can find sample essay prompts at ACT.org
and the College Board's website.

Understanding how to use and identify transition words is just one skill that's tested on ACT
English and SAT Writing & Language. There are more ACT and SAT grammar rules to know,
but don't worry--the list is finite!

You can find all of these rules in our comprehensive SAT and ACT English Grammar Rules
guide, which you can access on our website’s blog.

If you want a shortcut to the next post on SAT grammar rules, however, we recommend that you
start with our ACT and SAT Punctuation 101: Complete and Incomplete Ideas​ ​post, also
available on our blog. Punctuation is tested even ​more frequently ​than transition words on these
tests, so it will be worth your time to build a solid foundation in this content area soon.

In the meantime, our test prep experts are ready to guide you in your preparation for all things
SAT and ACT, including English grammar. Drop us a message through our website,
www.prepmaven.com​, to learn more about your test prep options.

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Test Prep - Tutoring - Writing 17