10 original Transitions questions, easiest first. The logical connector between two sentences. Answer them all, then submit once to see every answer explained.
The probe completed its primary survey mission after fourteen months in orbit. ______, engineers determined that its remaining power supply could support several more years of bonus observations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — However,. Completing the primary mission followed by an unexpected extension due to remaining power is a shift from an expected endpoint to an added possibility—'However' signals this contrast.
The new alloy is far stronger than steel. ______ it is significantly lighter, making it well suited to aircraft components, where weight is a critical concern.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — In addition,. The sentence adds a second advantage (lighter) to the first (stronger), so an additive transition fits: 'In addition.' The contrast options (A, D) misread the relationship, and 'In conclusion' wrongly signals a summary.
The ferry terminal had been under renovation for nearly a year and a half. ______, officials confirmed this week that the upgraded facility would open to passengers next month.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Finally,. After a lengthy renovation, the announcement of opening marks a long-awaited conclusion to that period. 'Finally' signals this sense of a wait coming to an end; the other options don't fit this specific relationship.
The volcano had been dormant for over three hundred years. ______, geologists continued to monitor it closely, aware that long dormancy periods do not guarantee permanent inactivity.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — Nevertheless,. The second sentence describes continued monitoring despite dormancy, a contrast with the expectation that dormancy means no need for concern. 'Nevertheless' signals this contrast; the other options signal example, similarity, or consequence, which don't fit.
The reservoir's dam was designed to hold back floodwaters up to a once-in-75-years severity. ______, engineers built an auxiliary spillway to manage even more extreme, if unlikely, flood events.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — Nonetheless,. Adding extra protection beyond the stated design threshold despite it already being the design standard suggests a cautious extra step—'Nonetheless' fits this sense of going beyond what might seem sufficient.
The film was praised by critics for its ambitious visual effects. ______ it failed to attract a large audience, earning back only a fraction of its enormous budget.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — However,. Critical praise contrasts with commercial failure, so a contrast transition is needed: 'However.' 'For example' and 'Similarly' signal continuation; 'Therefore' signals a result, which the logic does not support.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release in 1982. ______, it is now regarded by many critics as a landmark of science fiction cinema.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Today,. The sentence shifts from the film's reception 'upon its release' to its status 'now'—a time-based contrast best signaled by 'Today,' which explicitly marks this shift to the present.
The satellite completed its primary mission after eighteen months in orbit. ______, engineers determined that its remaining fuel could support several additional years of scientific observations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — However,. Completing the primary mission followed by an unexpected extension due to remaining fuel is a shift from an expected endpoint to an added possibility—'However' signals this contrast.
The professor's lecture covered the causes of the French Revolution in exhaustive detail. ______, she devoted almost no time to its long-term consequences for European politics.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — However,. Detailed coverage of causes but little coverage of consequences is a contrast in emphasis. 'However' correctly signals this shift.
The seawall was designed to withstand storm surges up to a once-in-50-years severity. ______, engineers added a secondary drainage system to manage even more extreme, if unlikely, flooding events.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — Nonetheless,. Adding extra protection beyond the stated design threshold despite it already being the design standard suggests a cautious extra step—'Nonetheless' fits this sense of going beyond what might seem sufficient.
Score:
Every question above is now marked up: the correct answer is highlighted, any wrong option you picked is flagged, and each explanation is open.
No. Every question here is original, written to the College Board's published Digital SAT Reading & Writing specification for the Transitions skill. No retired or copyrighted College Board material appears anywhere on this site.
Transitions asks which word or phrase best connects two sentences — however, therefore, for example, similarly, in contrast, and their relatives. The two sentences are always given in full; the only question is what relationship holds between them.
Cover the answer choices. Read both sentences and name the relationship in one word of your own: contrast, cause, result, example, addition, or restatement. Only then uncover the choices and pick the one in that family. Reading the choices first is what makes this question type feel like a judgement call — it is not one, and there is exactly one relationship the sentences support.
No, and deliberately so. This drill is 10 Transitions questions back to back; a real Reading & Writing module is 27 questions in 32 minutes drawn from all eleven skills. Use a drill to fix one weakness, then take a full module to practice the real thing.
No. The SAT has no penalty for a wrong answer — a blank and a wrong guess both score zero — so answer every question, including the ones you have to guess.