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Transitions: Rules, Guidelines, Examples
Understanding Transitions in ACT and EST
Transitions are super important in the ACT and EST English tests. You'll probably see four or five transition questions on each test, maybe even more!
There are three main types of transition questions:
1. Transitions within sentences
2. Transitions between sentences
3. Transitions between paragraphs
Transitions can be single words or short phrases. They show how different parts of your writing connect. They help readers understand if ideas are similar or different. When you're answering transition questions, you need to figure out how ideas are connected and choose the right word or phrase to show that connection.
TTA Pro Tip: Don't forget to check if the transition works grammatically too, not just logically!
Types of Transitions
Continuers
And, Also, Finally, Furthermore, In addition, In conclusion, In fact, Indeed, Likewise, Moreover, Next, Of course, Similarly, That is, Then
Contradictors
(Al)though, But, Despite, Even so, Even though, However, In contrast, In spite of, Instead, Meanwhile, Nevertheless, On the contrary, On the other hand, Otherwise, Rather, Still, Whereas, While, Yet
Cause and Effect
Accordingly, As a result, As such, Because, Consequently, For, So, Therefore, Thus
Transition Examples
The science fair was a huge success.
Moreover,
it inspired many students to pursue STEM careers.
Adds additional information
Sarah loved playing basketball.
However,
she decided to focus on her studies this semester.
Shows contrast between ideas
The concert was sold out.
As a result,
many fans had to watch the livestream instead.
Indicates consequence of previous statement
Mastering Transitions in ACT and EST
Types of Transitions
1. Continuers
Continuers show that two sentences are expressing similar ideas or emphasizing a previously mentioned point.
Renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable. Furthermore, they're increasingly efficient and reliable.
"Furthermore" adds supporting information to the initial statement about renewable energy.
More Continuer Examples: Moreover, Additionally, In addition, Also, Likewise, Similarly, What's more, Not only...but also, As well as, Equally important
2. Contradictors
Contradictors indicate that two sentences are expressing different or contrasting ideas.
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity in urban areas. However, adoption rates remain low in rural regions.
The transition "However" introduces a contrasting situation to the initial statement about electric vehicles.
More Contradictor Examples: Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast, Conversely, Despite this, Notwithstanding, Although, Even though, While, Yet
3. Cause-and-Effect
These transitions show that one action is the result of another.
Many countries have implemented strict environmental regulations. As a result, air and water quality have improved significantly in these regions.
"As a result" shows that the improvement in air and water quality is a direct outcome of the environmental regulations.
More Cause-and-Effect Examples: Therefore, Thus, Consequently, Hence, For this reason, Due to, Because of this, Accordingly, So, As a consequence
Why Crossing Out Transitions Matters
Seeing a transition already in place can unconsciously bias you towards it, even if it's incorrect. Transition questions are about meaning, not just how they sound. A transition might sound fine but create an illogical relationship between ideas.
TTA Pro Tip: When you encounter a transition question, immediately cross out the transition in the original sentence with your pencil. This physical action helps you focus on the relationship between ideas without being biased by the existing transition.
By crossing out the transition, you can:
+Focus on what each sentence is actually saying
+Avoid seeing relationships that aren't there
+Analyze the ideas objectively
Practice Exercise
Analyze this sentence and choose the best transition:
Sustainable farming practices can increase crop yields. _______, they can also reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
The Golden Rule of Transition Questions
When you encounter a transition question, immediately use your pencil to cross out the transition in the original sentence. Don't just imagine it - physically cross it out! You can always erase it later if needed.
TTA Pro Tip: Crossing out the transition helps you focus on what each sentence is really saying. It's like giving your brain a fresh start!
Let's Practice!
The ecosystem of the Sahara Desert is uniquely adapted to extreme conditions: scorching temperatures, fierce sandstorms, and scarce water make it challenging for most organisms to survive. The nearby Mediterranean coast and its surrounding regions experience milder weather and more abundant rainfall, whereas a greater variety of plant and animal species flourish there.
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Cross out "whereas" in the original sentence.
2. Reread the sentence, focusing on the two main ideas:
The Mediterranean coast has milder conditions.
A greater variety of species flourish there.
3. The second idea is a result of the first. We need a cause-and-effect transition.
4. The transition that best shows this relationship is "consequently" (choice D).
Combining Sentences
Sometimes you'll need to join two sentences. Let's look at an example:
Polar bears have a thick layer of blubber beneath their fur. Desert camels store fat in their humps. This adaptation allows them to survive in their respective harsh environments.
What's the best way to join the sentences at the underlined portion?
The two sentences express different adaptations, so we need a contradictor. Let's break it down:
A) "However" is correct, but it needs a semicolon, not a comma.
B) "So" indicates cause-and-effect, which doesn't fit here.
C) "But" is correct, but "storing" makes the second part a fragment.
D) "While" correctly shows the contrast and keeps the sentence structure intact.
The correct answer is D!
Watch Out for Double Transitions
Remember, you only need one transition to show the relationship between ideas. Using two can make your sentence confusing or incorrect.
Try fixing this sentence:
Although the platypus lays eggs, but it's still classified as a mammal.
Transitions Within Sentences
In the ACT and EST, you'll often encounter questions about transitions within sentences. These questions test your ability to connect different parts of a sentence logically. Here's how to approach them:
1. Read the entire sentence carefully.
2. Understand the main idea of the sentence.
3. Look at the answer choices only after you grasp the sentence's meaning.
4. Divide the sentence into two parts at the underlined section.
5. Consider each part separately.
Let's practice with an example:
The Great Barrier Reef is home to an astounding variety of marine life. _______ rising ocean temperatures pose a significant threat to its ecosystem.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Furthermore,
C. However,
D. Therefore,
First, mentally cross out the transition to avoid distraction. Then, analyze what each part of the sentence is saying:
1. The Great Barrier Reef has a diverse marine ecosystem.
2. Rising ocean temperatures are threatening this ecosystem.
The second statement presents a problem that contrasts with the first statement. We need a transition that shows this contrast. The best answer is C. "However,".
Virtual reality technology is revolutionizing the gaming industry. _______ it's finding applications in fields like medicine and education.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Moreover,
C. However,
D. Therefore,
In this case, the second part of the sentence adds more information to the first part. The best transition is B. "Moreover,".
TTA Pro Tip: Always consider the entire paragraph for context. Sometimes, the relationship between ideas isn't clear from just one sentence!
Transitions Between Sentences
Now, let's examine how transitions work between sentences:
Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient. _______ many countries are investing heavily in solar and wind power infrastructure.
A. NO CHANGE
B. In contrast,
C. As a result,
D. Despite this,
When a transition appears at the beginning of a sentence, you need to consider its relationship to the previous sentence. Cross out the original transition and analyze the connection between the two sentences:
1. Renewable energy is becoming cheaper and more efficient.
2. Countries are investing a lot in solar and wind power.
The second sentence describes what's happening because of the first sentence. We need a cause-and-effect transition. The best answer is C. "As a result,".
Electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions. _______ the electricity used to charge them may come from fossil fuel sources.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Furthermore,
C. Nevertheless,
D. Consequently,
Here, the second sentence presents a contrasting idea to the first. The correct transition is C. "Nevertheless,".
Transitions in the Middle of Sentences
Artificial intelligence is improving rapidly, _______ raising both excitement and concerns about its potential impact on society.
A. NO CHANGE
B. however,
C. therefore,
D. DELETE the underlined word
In this example, the second part of the sentence is a direct result of the first part. The correct answer is C. "therefore,".
TTA Pro Tip: When you see answer choices that are synonyms and grammatically identical, you can usually eliminate both. For example, if you see "but" and "yet" as options, neither is likely to be correct.
Transitions can also appear in the middle of a sentence, usually set off by commas. The approach remains the same: cross out the transition and examine both sentences to determine the relationship.
When No Transition is Needed
TTA Pro Tip: Sometimes, no transition is needed at all! Always check if there's an option to delete the transition or leave the sentence as is without a transition word.
Climate change is affecting ecosystems worldwide. Therefore, rising temperatures are causing shifts in plant and animal habitats.
A. NO CHANGE
B. On the other hand,
C. Nevertheless,
D. DELETE the underlined word
In this case, the second sentence provides more specific information about the first sentence. No transition is needed, so the correct answer is D. DELETE the underlined word.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you work with transitions, the better you'll become at identifying the correct ones in the ACT and EST.
Complex Transition Structures
Sometimes, you'll encounter more complex sentence structures with transitions. Let's look at two common patterns:
Pattern 1: Transition at the End of Clause 2
In this case, compare Clause 1 and Clause 2 to determine the appropriate transition.
Renewable energy sources are becoming more efficient. Solar panel technology has improved dramatically in recent years, _______; wind turbines are now capable of generating more power than ever before.
A. however
B. furthermore
C. therefore
D. nevertheless
To solve this, focus on the relationship between Clause 1 and Clause 2. Both clauses discuss improvements in renewable energy. We need a transition that shows continuation or addition. The correct answer is B. "furthermore".
Pattern 2: Transition at the Beginning of Clause 3
In this pattern, compare Clause 2 and Clause 3 to determine the appropriate transition.
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity. Many countries are offering incentives for EV purchases; _______, some consumers are still hesitant due to concerns about charging infrastructure.
A. similarly
B. consequently
C. moreover
D. however
In this case, focus on the relationship between Clause 2 and Clause 3. Clause 2 presents a positive trend for EVs, while Clause 3 introduces a contrasting concern. We need a transition that shows contrast. The correct answer is D. "however".
TTA Pro Tip: When dealing with complex sentence structures, always identify where the transition is placed. This will help you determine which clauses to compare when choosing the appropriate transition.
Practice Exercise
Try this example:
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing many industries. AI-powered tools are enhancing productivity in offices, _______; machine learning algorithms are improving healthcare diagnostics.
A. on the other hand
B. in addition
C. nevertheless
D. as a result
Think about which clauses you need to compare and what relationship they have. Then, choose the best transition. (The correct answer is B. "in addition", as it continues the list of AI applications.)
Remember, practice is key to mastering these complex structures. Keep working on identifying the relationships between clauses, and you'll improve your performance on the ACT and EST!
