9 original Transitions questions, easiest first. The logical connector between two sentences. Answer them all, then submit once to see every answer explained.
The fungicide is highly effective at protecting the orchard's apple trees from a common blight. ______, it also harms beneficial soil fungi that help tree roots absorb nutrients, potentially weakening the trees over time.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — Unfortunately,. Introducing a serious drawback (harm to beneficial fungi) after describing a benefit (blight protection) calls for a transition that signals this negative shift. 'Unfortunately' fits, framing the added information as an undesirable consequence.
Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions during operation. ______, mining the metals needed for their batteries carries its own significant environmental and social costs.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — That said,. The sentence shifts from an advantage (no tailpipe emissions) to a qualifying downside (mining costs)—'That said' correctly introduces this qualifying contrast.
Hydroelectric dams generate electricity without directly burning fossil fuels. ______, damming a river can disrupt fish migration and alter downstream ecosystems in ways that carry their own significant environmental costs.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — That said,. The sentence shifts from an advantage (no direct fossil fuel emissions) to a qualifying downside (ecosystem disruption)—'That said' correctly introduces this qualifying contrast.
The grant committee reviewed dozens of research proposals this cycle. ______, only four received full funding.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — However,. Reviewing dozens of proposals but only four fully funded is a contrast between quantity reviewed and quantity funded. 'However' signals this contrast appropriately.
Migratory songbirds rely on magnetic fields to navigate during long flights. ______, some species also use visual landmarks and the position of the stars to maintain their course.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — In addition,. The second sentence adds another navigation method alongside magnetic fields, rather than contrasting with it. 'In addition' correctly signals this additive relationship.
The chemical compound is highly effective at killing agricultural pests. ______, it also poses significant risks to beneficial insects like bees, which are essential for pollinating many crops.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — Unfortunately,. Introducing a serious drawback (risk to bees) after describing a benefit (killing pests) calls for a transition that signals this negative shift. 'Unfortunately' fits, framing the added information as an undesirable consequence.
Early home computers were slow, had limited memory, and were prone to frequent crashes. ______, hobbyists in the late 1970s eagerly purchased them, drawn by the novelty of programming a machine in their own home.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — Even so,. Consumer enthusiasm despite significant drawbacks is a contrast. 'Even so' signals this concession-contrast relationship, unlike 'as a result,' which would incorrectly suggest the drawbacks caused the eagerness to buy.
The city's new bike-share program was projected to log roughly 10,000 rides in its first month. ______, actual usage far exceeded projections, and the program logged nearly 18,000 rides.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — Instead,. Actual results ('far exceeded projections') replacing the original projection is a contrast best signaled by 'Instead,' which marks a departure from what was expected.
Many species of cuttlefish change skin color and pattern to blend with their surroundings. ______, some species also use rapid color changes to communicate with other cuttlefish nearby.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — Additionally,. The second sentence introduces another use (communication) for the same ability (color change) already described (camouflage)—an additive relationship best captured by 'Additionally.'
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.