Transition
SAT glossary · Reading & Writing
Definition
A word or phrase signaling the logical relation between sentences (however, therefore, for example). The test's method is to require the relation the content demands - contrast, cause, addition - and to plant transitions of the wrong relation.
Transition in plain English
A transition is a word or short phrase (like however, therefore, or for example) that signals exactly what LOGICAL relationship connects one sentence to the next — contrast, cause-and-effect, or simple addition, among others. The test's whole strategy here is to make sure the surrounding CONTENT genuinely demands one specific type of relationship (say, contrast), and then plant transition-word answer choices that signal the WRONG type of relationship (like addition or cause, when contrast was actually needed) as convincing-looking traps.
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Practice Transition
The first route is short. _____, it has a steep hill. Which transition best completes the text?
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