Transitions questions give you a blank between two sentences and ask for the word or phrase that shows the right logical relationship: contrast, cause/effect, addition, example, sequence, or emphasis.
Ignore the choices at first. Read the two sentences and decide the relationship yourself: "Does sentence 2 agree, contrast, result from, or exemplify sentence 1?" Then pick the transition that matches.
Group the transitions by job
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, by contrast, still, yet.
- Cause/effect: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence.
- Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition, also.
- Example: for example, for instance.
- Sequence: first, then, meanwhile, finally, subsequently.
Trap: Two contrast words (e.g., "however" vs "nevertheless") both feel possible. Check the exact nuance — "nevertheless" means "despite that," which isn't always what the logic wants.