9 original Transitions questions, easiest first. The logical connector between two sentences. Answer them all, then submit once to see every answer explained.
The committee reviewed dozens of grant proposals this cycle. ______, only three met the strict criteria required for funding.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — However,. Reviewing dozens of proposals but only three meeting criteria is a contrast between quantity reviewed and quantity approved. 'However' signals this contrast appropriately.
Nuclear power plants generate large amounts of electricity with minimal direct carbon emissions. ______, safely storing the radioactive waste they produce remains an unresolved challenge that carries its own long-term risks.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — That said,. The sentence shifts from an advantage (minimal emissions) to a qualifying downside (unresolved waste storage)—'That said' correctly introduces this qualifying contrast.
Many species of deep-sea fish produce their own light through bioluminescence to attract prey. ______, some use this same ability to communicate with potential mates in the darkness of the ocean depths.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — Additionally,. The second sentence introduces another use (communication) for the same ability (bioluminescence) already described (attracting prey)—an additive relationship best captured by 'Additionally.'
The vaccine requires two doses spaced several weeks apart to achieve full effectiveness. ______, a single dose still provides meaningful, though reduced, protection against severe illness.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Nevertheless,. The sentence shifts from the requirement for full effectiveness (two doses) to a qualifying fact about partial protection from a single dose—'Nevertheless' signals this concession-like contrast.
Certain species of orchid mantis use petal-like limbs to camouflage themselves among flowers and ambush unsuspecting pollinators. ______, some species also emit a faint floral scent that further attracts insects toward the trap.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — In addition,. The second sentence adds another attracting feature (scent) alongside the first (camouflage)—an additive relationship best captured by 'In addition.'
Certain species of pitcher plant attract insects using a sweet nectar secreted along their rim. ______, some species also use a slippery, waxy surface just below the rim to prevent trapped insects from escaping once they slip inside.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — In addition,. The second sentence adds another trapping feature (the slippery surface) alongside the first (sweet nectar)—an additive relationship best captured by 'In addition.'
The startup initially focused exclusively on selling its product to individual consumers. ______, after struggling to gain traction in that market, it pivoted entirely toward selling to other businesses instead.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — Eventually,. The sentence describes a shift over time from the initial consumer focus to a later pivot toward businesses—'Eventually' correctly marks this temporal progression after the described struggle.
The author's early poetry was densely allusive, packed with references to classical mythology that many readers found inaccessible. ______, her later work embraced a spare, direct style influenced by everyday speech.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — By comparison,. The sentence contrasts two distinct phases of the author's style (early vs. later). 'By comparison' correctly signals this stylistic contrast between periods.
The sculptor's early works were carved from single blocks of marble using traditional chisels. ______, her later works incorporated welded scrap metal and industrial materials sourced from local factories.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — By comparison,. The sentence contrasts two distinct phases of the sculptor's materials and methods (early vs. later). 'By comparison' correctly signals this contrast between periods.
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 9 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.