SAT transitions practice questions

A worked example

The route was longer. However, it was safer. The second idea offsets a drawback with an advantage, so a contrast transition fits.

A common trap

A repeated subject does not automatically mean the ideas agree. Read what the second sentence does to the first.

For a longer walkthrough, read SAT transition words: choose the relationship first.

By Sentence Practice editorial team · Reviewed 2026-09-05

All 8 questions, with explanations

Work on paper or read at your own pace. Open each explanation after choosing an answer. These are the same original questions used in the interactive tool.

1. 1. A laboratory expected the new coating to reduce heat loss. Tests showed that the coated panels lost heat just as quickly as the untreated panels. ____ the results did not support the researchers' prediction. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. Therefore,
   2. For example,
   3. Nevertheless,
   4. Similarly,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. Therefore,

   The final sentence states a conclusion that follows from the unsuccessful test. Therefore signals that result. Nevertheless would suggest the conclusion goes against the evidence.

2. 2. The first trail reaches the summit in only two kilometers, but it climbs steeply over loose rock. The second trail is twice as long. ____ it follows a gentler slope. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. Consequently,
   2. For instance,
   3. In addition to this similarity,
   4. However,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: D. However,

   The gentler slope is an advantage that contrasts with the second trail's greater length. However introduces that offsetting benefit; it is not caused by the route being long.

3. 3. Some plants spread their seeds using moving air. ____ dandelions produce lightweight seeds with fine fibers that help carry them away from the parent plant. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. As a result of that failure,
   2. Nevertheless,
   3. For example,
   4. In contrast,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. For example,

   Dandelions are a specific illustration of the general statement about seed dispersal. For example introduces that illustration, rather than a contrast or consequence.

4. 4. The museum extended its opening hours to make evening visits possible. ____ it introduced reduced-price tickets on Wednesdays to improve affordability. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. In other words,
   2. Additionally,
   3. Instead,
   4. Despite this,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. Additionally,

   The second sentence adds another access measure. It does not replace extended hours or restate the same action, so Additionally fits.

5. 5. A bridge inspection revealed damage to a load-bearing beam. ____ the city closed the bridge until repairs could be completed. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. Consequently,
   2. Similarly,
   3. For example,
   4. On the contrary,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. Consequently,

   The closure is a consequence of the damage found during inspection. The second sentence does not merely illustrate or resemble the inspection.

6. 6. The team originally planned to interview every resident in the district. That approach proved too expensive. ____ the researchers surveyed a smaller, randomly selected group. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. Likewise,
   2. Moreover,
   3. For example,
   4. Instead,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: D. Instead,

   The smaller survey replaces an abandoned plan. Instead signals substitution. Moreover would present the survey as an additional step, which the context does not support.

7. 7. The northern pond freezes over every winter, leaving little open water for birds. ____ the nearby southern pond also develops a thick layer of ice during the coldest months. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. Nevertheless,
   2. As a result of the northern pond,
   3. Similarly,
   4. By contrast,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. Similarly,

   Both ponds show the same seasonal pattern. Similarly marks that likeness without inventing a causal connection between the two ponds.

8. 8. The device is portable: it can be carried easily from one field site to another. ____ researchers do not need to keep it in a fixed laboratory location. Which choice most logically completes the text?

   1. Even so,
   2. In other words,
   3. In contrast,
   4. For example,
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. In other words,

   The second sentence restates the practical meaning of portability. In other words fits a reformulation. It is not a distinct example, such as a named field site.

Scope reference: College Board’s section overview. Questions are independently authored and are not official exam material.