Reading & Writing · Expression of Ideas
Transitions
Choose a transition by the relationship between the surrounding ideas: addition, contrast, cause, example, or sequence. Read across the blank before judging how any choice sounds.
Name the relationship in plain words
"The process uses less energy than the old method. ___, it requires a costly catalyst." The second sentence limits an advantage by adding a drawback, so a contrast transition such as "However" fits.
"Therefore" would make the expensive catalyst a result of lower energy use, which the passage does not say. Meaning controls the choice even if several transitions fit grammatically.
Distinguish an example from another point
"Several birds use tools. ___, some crows use sticks to retrieve food." The crow sentence illustrates the broader claim, so "For example" fits. "Moreover" adds a point but does not express the example relationship as precisely.
Read what the next sentence does to the earlier one. Shared subject matter alone is not enough to establish addition, and a specific case often explains a general statement.
Require a causal link before choosing a result transition
"The road flooded overnight. ___, the bus route was diverted." The diversion follows from the flood, so "Consequently" expresses the connection. A passage merely describing two events in sequence may need "Later" instead.
A time relationship and a cause relationship are different. Do not choose "therefore" unless the first idea gives a reason for the second.
Read enough context to identify the turn
A blank at the start of a paragraph may relate to the previous paragraph's main claim rather than its last noun. A phrase such as "in other words" signals a restatement, so the following idea should say the same thing more clearly.
During review, replace the selected transition with a simple relationship label. If "contrast" or "result" describes the passage accurately, then compare the remaining words within that family.
Check your understanding
Try it yourself
Choose an answer.
Sample transitions questions
Transitions · Easy
The Cheruku rasamu mango variety is from the South Asian country of India. ______ in 2018, 18.8 million metric tons of mangoes were produced.
Choose an answer.
Transitions · Easy
Several coastal plants tolerate brief exposure to seawater. Glasswort, ______, can continue growing after high tides leave salt on the surrounding soil.
Choose an answer.
Transitions · Easy
In Kenya, citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote in their country's elections. ______ citizens in Brazil need only be 16 years old to cast their vote.
Choose an answer.
Practice this skill
- Cover the choices and label the relationship first.
- Read the sentence before and after the blank together.
- Review misses by relationship, then practice choosing among close transitions.
Print the transitions worksheet and worked answers.
Then use a mixed practice module to check whether you can choose this method among other question types.
Source and question labels
The bank label for this guide is "Transitions" in Expression of Ideas. The worked examples above are written for this guide.