9 original Transitions questions, easiest first. The logical connector between two sentences. Answer them all, then submit once to see every answer explained.
Many species of ant use pheromone trails to guide nestmates to food sources. ______, some species also use these same chemical signals to warn the colony of nearby predators.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — Additionally,. The second sentence introduces another use (warning of predators) for the same tool (pheromone trails) already described (guiding to food)—an additive relationship best captured by 'Additionally.'
The ancient Library of Alexandria is often celebrated for its vast collection of scrolls. ______, historians note that its true significance lay in the scholarly community it fostered, not merely the texts it housed.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Yet,. The sentence shifts from a common view (celebrated for its collection) to a more nuanced scholarly correction (true significance lay elsewhere)—'Yet' signals this contrasting reframing.
The insecticide is highly effective at controlling the beetle infestation damaging the orchard's fruit trees. ______, it also harms the pollinating bees the orchard depends on for fruit production, requiring careful, limited application.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Unfortunately,. Introducing a serious drawback (harm to pollinators) after describing a benefit (beetle control) calls for a transition that signals this negative shift. 'Unfortunately' fits, framing the added information as an undesirable consequence.
The committee reviewed dozens of internship applications this cycle. ______, only five candidates were invited for a formal interview.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
D — However,. Reviewing dozens of applications but only five advancing to interviews is a contrast between quantity reviewed and quantity selected. 'However' signals this contrast appropriately.
The compass is often credited as the invention that made long-distance ocean navigation reliably possible. ______, historians note that sailors had already developed effective techniques using stars and coastlines well before the compass became widely available.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Yet,. The sentence shifts from a common credited view to a more nuanced scholarly qualification (earlier techniques already existed)—'Yet' signals this contrasting reframing.
The herbicide is highly effective at controlling the invasive weed choking the wetland's native plants. ______, it also affects certain native aquatic species, requiring careful, limited application to avoid broader ecological harm.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — Unfortunately,. Introducing a serious drawback (harm to native species) after describing a benefit (weed control) calls for a transition that signals this negative shift. 'Unfortunately' fits, framing the added information as an undesirable consequence.
Many species of wasp use pheromones to mark territory and communicate with nestmates. ______, some species also use these same chemical signals to identify intruders from rival colonies.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
C — Additionally,. The second sentence introduces another use (identifying intruders) for the same tool (pheromones) already described (marking territory)—an additive relationship best captured by 'Additionally.'
The architect's early buildings followed strict geometric symmetry, with matching wings on either side of a central axis. ______, her later buildings embraced deliberate asymmetry, with wings of varying heights and irregular window placement.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A — By comparison,. The sentence contrasts two distinct phases of the architect's style (early vs. later). 'By comparison' correctly signals this stylistic contrast between periods.
The scholarship committee reviewed hundreds of essays this cycle. ______, only fifteen finalists were selected for the final interview round.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
B — However,. Reviewing hundreds of essays but only fifteen advancing is a contrast between quantity reviewed and quantity selected. 'However' signals this contrast appropriately.
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.