Choose the transition word or phrase that matches the logical relationship between two ideas. It is part of Expression of Ideas in the Reading and Writing section. The book teaches it in Chapter 13, Transitions, with 15 practice questions, and tests it 10 more times across the two full-length practice tests.
A transition is a word or phrase that tells the reader how one idea connects to the next: whether the new idea adds to the last one, turns against it, results from it, illustrates it or follows it in time. Transitions questions ask you to choose that connector. The choices are familiar words, and a short, repeatable test separates the right one from the rest. This chapter teaches that test, the main families of transitions, and the traps built from words that sound smooth but point the wrong way.
Each question gives you a short text, usually two to four sentences, with a blank where a connecting word belongs. The question asks: "Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?" The four choices are transition words or phrases such as however, for example, as a result or similarly.
Transitions belong to the Expression of Ideas domain, which makes up about 20 percent of the section: roughly 8 to 12 scored questions across the two modules, shared with Rhetorical Synthesis (Chapter 14). Expression of Ideas questions come last in each module, and Transitions questions usually appear just before the Rhetorical Synthesis questions. Within the Transitions group, questions run from easier to harder.
You are looking at a Transitions question when:
Do not confuse this question type with Boundaries (Chapter 11). Boundaries choices differ only in punctuation, even when each one contains the same transition word, and the question asks about "the conventions of Standard English." In a Transitions question, the choices usually all fit the grammar of the sentence, so the decision is about logic: which word states the true relationship between the ideas.
Two short lessons from independent YouTube creators, chosen for this skill. The notes are ours; the videos belong to their creators, who are not affiliated with this site.
The full method, worked examples and 15 practice questions with every answer choice explained are in Chapter 13 of the book and in the study workspace, where an AI coach can talk you through each one.
Skill by Skill Prep is independent. SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this website or book. Bluebook™ is a trademark of the College Board. Desmos is a trademark of Desmos Studio PBC. Practice results and ranges are study estimates, not official scores or admission predictions.
Last updated .