An SAT micro-topic explainer. Free to read — no account needed.
Transition words fall into two big groups: those that support or continue an idea, and those that contrast with it.
Supporting transitions keep the idea going in the same direction. "For example" adds an illustration, "in addition" adds another point, "specifically" narrows in on a detail, and "therefore" draws a conclusion. For instance: "AI has shown real promise in medicine. For example, it can flag early tumors that doctors sometimes miss." Here the second sentence backs up the first with an example, so a supporting transition fits.
Contrast transitions turn the idea in a new direction. "However", "but", and "that said" all signal that what follows pushes against what came before. "That said" is especially useful to know: it almost always flips the tone, so a positive first sentence is followed by a negative point, or the reverse.
So decide the logic before you pick. If the second part agrees with, adds to, or follows from the first, use a supporting transition. If it pushes back, use a contrast transition — and do not use a supporting one where a contrast is needed.
Worked examples
Which transition best completes the text? "The new stadium has plenty of seating and easy parking. ______, it has a state-of-the-art sound system that fans love." (A) In addition (B) However The second sentence adds another good feature, continuing in the same direction as the first. So (A) "In addition" fits, while "However" would wrongly signal a contrast.
Which transition best completes the text? "The new phone has a gorgeous screen and a lightning-fast processor. ______, its battery drains within just a few hours." (A) That said (B) Furthermore The second sentence turns from praise to a drawback, flipping the tone. So (A) "That said" fits the contrast, while "Furthermore" would wrongly add another point in the same direction.
Which transition best completes the text? "The bridge failed three safety inspections in a row. ______, the city closed it to all traffic the next morning." (A) Therefore (B) Nevertheless Closing the bridge is a direct result of the failed inspections, so a cause-and-effect transition is needed. So (A) "Therefore" fits, while "Nevertheless" would wrongly signal a contrast.
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