TACHS: Transitions: name the link before you choose
Choose a transition by first deciding how two sentences connect: result, contrast, example, replacement, response to a problem or time.
How do I choose the right transition word or phrase?
Short answer
Cover the choices and describe in plain words how the sentence connects to the one before it. Then choose the transition that signals that link, and check that any facts inside a long transition phrase match the paragraph.
Know first: Reading two sentences as a pair
Step 1 of 5
A transition signals a link
Transitions are signposts. They tell the reader how the next sentence connects to the one before it. In these questions, all four choices are good English. Only one names the right connection.
So the work happens before you look at the choices. Read the sentence before the blank and the sentence with the blank, then say the link in your own words.
| Link | Ask yourself | Transitions |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Did the first cause the second? | as a result, therefore, so |
| Contrast | Do they pull in opposite directions? | however, even so, on the other hand |
| Example | Is the second a specific case of the first? | for example, for instance |
| Replacement | Did the second take the place of the first? | instead |
| Response to a problem | Is the second a fix for a problem just named? | to solve this, to address that |
| Time | Is the second a later step? | then, afterward, finally |
Step 2 of 5
Say the link in plain words
Worked example: A closed pool
Which transition best fills the bracketed position?
(1) The swim team's practice pool closed for repairs in March.
(2) [Transition], the coach moved practices to the high school pool across town.
- AFor example
- BSimilarly
- CInstead
- DBefore the pool closed
- 1
Cover the choices
Read the two sentences as a pair.
- 2
Name the link
The high school pool took the place of the closed one. That is a replacement.
- 3
Choose
Instead signals a replacement. That is C.
- 4
See why the other choices are there
A moving practice is not an example of a closed pool. Similarly means the ideas are alike, and they are not. Before the pool closed gets the time wrong, since the move happened because of the closing.
Answer
C. Instead
Wrong: The forecast called for bright sun. However, we packed sunscreen.
Right: The forecast called for bright sun. For that reason, we packed sunscreen.
Packing sunscreen follows from the sunny forecast. That is a result, so a contrast word sends the reader the wrong signal.
Step 3 of 5
Name the link, then choose
Check yourself · Question 1
Which transition best fills the bracketed position?
(1) The new library app makes it easy to keep track of borrowed books.
(2) [Transition], it sends a reminder two days before each book is due.
Answer: B
The reminder is one specific way the app makes tracking easy. That is an example.
Check yourself · Question 2
Which transition best fills the bracketed position?
(1) Our science fair poster was hard to read from across the gym.
(2) The text was small, and the colors were pale.
(3) [Transition], we reprinted the headings in large, dark letters.
Answer: C
Sentences 1 and 2 name a problem, and sentence 3 is the fix.
Trap answer: Despite the poster's bold colors
A long phrase with a wrong fact
- Why it looks right
- It sounds specific and connects to the poster, so it feels like a strong choice.
- Why it's wrong
- Sentence 2 says the colors were pale. A transition phrase cannot bring in facts that contradict the paragraph.
- The right answer
- To fix that problem, which names the real link: a problem, then a fix.
Common mistake
Choosing a transition because it sounds formal or smooth.
- Why it's tempting
- However and therefore have the same polished tone, so either seems fine.
- Do this instead
- Tone does not decide the answer. However signals a contrast and therefore signals a result. Name the link first.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- Cover the choices and say the link between the two sentences in your own words.
- Match the link: result, contrast, example, replacement, response to a problem or time.
- Check every fact inside a long transition phrase against the paragraph.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
Try another one
In your own words
In the practice question, how did the redesign in sentence 2 connect to what happened in sentence 3, in your own words?