Transitions in academic texts (SAT, advanced)

Question 1

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Bees use the sun to navigate. ___, they can find their way even on cloudy days by detecting polarised light.

• A. In other words
• B. Remarkably
• C. Similarly
• D. Consequently

Question 2

Is the transition in this text logical? Octopuses can change colour. In addition, they can also change the texture of their skin.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 3

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The study found that sleep improves memory. ___, students who slept eight hours remembered 20% more words.

• A. Nevertheless
• B. Specifically
• C. However
• D. Instead

Question 4

Is the transition in this text logical? The two languages share many words. Thus, their grammar is very different.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 5

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Glaciers store fresh water. ___, when they melt, sea levels rise.

• A. Similarly
• B. For instance
• C. Consequently
• D. Nevertheless

Question 6

Is the transition in this text logical? The author rarely uses dialogue. For example, her characters' thoughts are revealed through long, flowing descriptions.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 7

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Some critics call the novel too long. ___, it won three major awards and remains widely taught.

• A. Likewise
• B. Therefore
• C. For example
• D. Nonetheless

Question 8

Is the transition in this text logical? The first trial showed a small benefit. Likewise, a larger second trial found no effect at all.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 9

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Early critics dismissed the painter's work. ___, it now hangs in major galleries worldwide.

• A. For example
• B. Similarly
• C. Today, however
• D. Therefore

Question 10

Is the transition in this text logical? Early critics dismissed the painter's work. Today, however, it now hangs in major galleries worldwide.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 11

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Urban trees provide shade and reduce temperatures. ___, they can lower a city's energy use in summer.

• A. In contrast
• B. Thus
• C. However
• D. Nonetheless

Question 12

Is the transition in this text logical? Most frogs lay eggs in water. By contrast, the Darwin's frog of Chile raises its tadpoles inside the male's vocal sac.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 13

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The two languages share many words. ___, their grammar is very different.

• A. Likewise
• B. For example
• C. Thus
• D. Even so

Question 14

Is the transition in this text logical? The two languages share many words. Thus, their grammar is very different.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect

Question 15

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The study found that sleep improves memory. ___, students who slept eight hours remembered 20% more words.

• A. Nevertheless
• B. However
• C. Instead
• D. Specifically

Question 16

Is the transition in this text logical? Some critics call the novel too long. Nonetheless, it won three major awards and remains widely taught.

• A. correct
• B. incorrect