Transitions - PSAT Reading & Writing

Which transition category signals clarification or restatement of an idea?

Clarification/restatement. Rephrases or explains an idea more clearly.
Choose the word that best signals comparison: "Both poems emphasize memory; ___, each uses vivid imagery."

similarly. Shows the poems share this characteristic.
Choose the transition that best completes: "Many insects migrate. _____, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles."

For instance. Provides a specific example of insect migration.
Choose the word that best signals a conclusion: "The evidence is consistent across trials; ____, the claim is supported."

therefore. Draws a logical conclusion from the evidence.
Which transition best signals a conclusion or final takeaway?

In conclusion. Signals the end of discussion with a summary statement.
Which transition category signals addition of a similar idea (for example, more information)?

Addition. Words like 'furthermore' and 'moreover' add supporting information.
Which transition best signals a condition that must be met for the claim to hold?

If. Introduces a requirement or prerequisite.
Identify the best transition for a summary statement: "The device is durable, efficient, and affordable. _____, it suits most users."

Overall. Summarizes multiple qualities into general assessment.
Choose the transition that best completes: "The survey was small. _____, its findings are not definitive."

Therefore. Draws a logical conclusion from the survey's limitation.
Choose the phrase that best signals cause: "The roads flooded; ___, the event was canceled."

as a result. Shows the flooding caused the cancellation.
Which transition category signals a cause-and-effect relationship?

Cause and effect. Shows one thing leads to or results from another.
Choose the transition that best completes: "The method is simple. _____, it requires careful measurement."

Even so. Acknowledges simplicity while noting a requirement.
Choose the transition that best completes: "The lab was delayed; _____, the results were published later than expected."

as a result. Shows the consequence of the delayed lab.
Which transition category signals time order or sequence of steps?

Sequence/time. Shows when events occur or the order of steps.
Which transition best signals an addition of another supporting point?

Furthermore. Adds another point that strengthens the argument.
Choose the word that best introduces an example: "Many insects communicate chemically; ___, ants use pheromones."

for example. Introduces ants as a specific instance of chemical communication.
What is the primary purpose of a transition word or phrase in a passage?

To clarify the logical relationship between ideas. Transitions connect ideas and show how they relate to each other.
Choose the transition that best completes: "The author uses vivid imagery. _____, the tone remains informal."

Nevertheless. Contrasts vivid imagery with informal tone.
Which transition best signals an example that supports the previous claim?

For example. Introduces specific evidence to illustrate a general point.
Identify the best transition for time order: "The team gathered data; _____, it analyzed the results."

then. Shows sequential order of actions.
Which transition category signals a conclusion or overall takeaway?

Conclusion. Signals the final point or summary of previous ideas.
Choose the word that best signals contrast: "The method is efficient; ___, it is costly."

however. Shows opposition between efficiency and cost.
Choose the word that best signals addition: "The study was small; ___, it lacked long-term data."

furthermore. Adds another negative point about the study.
Identify the transition that best signals a shift to a stronger, more important point: "The plan is cheap; ___, it is sustainable."

more importantly. Emphasizes sustainability as the stronger benefit.
Which transition best signals a shift to a more important point?

More importantly. Emphasizes that the next point has greater significance.
Choose the phrase that best signals clarification: "The results were inconclusive; ___, they did not support either view."

in other words. Restates 'inconclusive' more clearly.
Which transition category signals contrast between ideas?

Contrast. Words like 'however' and 'but' show opposing or different ideas.
Identify the best transition for narrowing focus: "Many factors matter. _____, temperature strongly affects the reaction."

In particular. Narrows from general factors to specific one.
Which transition category signals an example or illustration is coming next?

Example/illustration. Introduces specific instances to support a general statement.
Choose the transition that best completes: "The proposal has merit; _____, it needs more evidence to be convincing."

still. Concedes merit while noting need for evidence.
Choose the transition that best completes: "The plan is costly; _____, it would save time long term."

however. Shows contrast between costly and time-saving aspects.
Which transition best signals a contrast between two ideas?

However. Signals opposition or contradiction between ideas.
Choose the word that best signals concession: "___ the device is expensive, it reduces energy use."

although. Acknowledges expense before stating the benefit.
Which transition category signals a comparison or similarity (not a difference)?

Comparison. Shows how things are alike, not different.
Choose the word that best signals sequence: "___, the solution is heated; then it is filtered."

first. Indicates the initial step in a process.
Which transition best signals a concession (acknowledging a point before rebutting it)?

Granted. Acknowledges an opposing view before presenting a counterargument.
Which transition category signals a concession (acknowledging a point before pivoting)?

Concession. Admits a point before presenting a contrasting idea.
Which transition best signals cause-and-effect (cause first, effect second)?

Therefore. Indicates a logical conclusion from the previous statement.
Which transition best signals clarification or restatement of the same idea?

In other words. Rephrases the previous idea for clarity.
Which transition best signals a similarity or comparison between two ideas?

Similarly. Shows that two ideas share common features or patterns.

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