Transitions on the SAT

1. Legend has it that the corrupt politician William “Boss” Tweed once used those words when ordering someone to offer a bribe to Thomas Nast, an artist who had become famous for cartoons that called for reforms to end corruption. 1. As a result, Tweed’s attempt to silence the artist failed, and Nast’s cartoons, published in magazines like Harper’s Weekly, actually played a key role in bringing Boss Tweed and his cronies to justice.

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) Moreover,

• C) Furthermore,

• D) Conversely,

Answer explanation

PRO TIP: Never select options that look similar or have the same meaning: Moreover and furthermore are exactly the same!

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C

CCSS.W.9-10.2C

2. Because CT scanners can map objects that are impossible to excavate, CT scanning and 3-D printing can also be used to reproduce fossils that scientists cannot observe firsthand. By contrast, researchers from the National Museum of Brazil have relied on this technique to study a fossilized skeleton that was discovered protruding from a rock at an old São Paulo railroad site.

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) Nonetheless,

• C) Besides,

• D) For example,

Answer explanation

Pro Tip: The second part of the sentence is providing an EXAMPLE of the CT scanning technique mentioned in the first sentence.

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C

3. Enterprising freelance reporters, newly funded by nonprofits, make extensive use of social media, including blogs and Twitter, to foster a public conversation about key issues. The Help Me Investigate project, for example, solicited readers to submit tips and information related to ongoing stories to its website.

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) therefore,

• C) however,

• D) in any case,

Answer explanation

Pro Tip: Read BOTH sentences carefully. The Help Me Investigate project, provides an example that illustrates how readers help foster public conversations by submitting tips.

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.2C

Having known Spaulding for many years and having maintained a professional relationship with him, Geisel was an experienced writer and illustrator.However, this new project presented him with an obstacle. Spaulding told Geisel to write his entire book using a restricted vocabulary from an elementary school list of 348 words

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) For example,

• C) Furthermore,

• D) At any rate,

Answer explanation

Pro TIP: read both sentences carefully. In the 1st sentence, an experienced writer was mentioned; however, even experienced writers face obstacles. There is a contrast between "experienced" and "obstacle"

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C

CCSS.W.9-10.2C

When the image appears in the negative, water is used to stop the process. A chemical “fix bath” turns the negative image into a positive one. The photo is then immersed in water and warmed. On the other hand, it is coated with lavender 30 oil to give it (a protective finish).

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) Finally,

• C) Thus,

• D) Nevertheless,

Answer explanation

PRO TIP: The sentences are explaining information and steps that follow a sequence. Note important words like "Process" and "then"

On the other hand and Nevertheless also mean the same thing and indicate a contrast

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C

CCSS.W.9-10.2C

Over the past generation, people in many parts of the United States have become accustomed to dividing their household waste products into different categories for recycling. Regardless, paper may go in one container, glass and aluminum in another, regular garbage in a third. Recently, some US cities have added a new category: compost, organic matter such as food scraps and yard debris.

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) However,

• C) Furthermore,

• D) For example,

Answer explanation

Pro Tip: Read both sentences carefully. The second sentence provided an example to illustrate the idea of dividing waste products that were mentioned in the 1st sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.3

Champions of court reporting, though, argue the opposite. They argue that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase. Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. 7 Despite this, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear.

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) In other words,

• C) Therefore,

• D) Consequently,

Answer explanation

Pro TIP: Consequently and therefore have the same meaning. There is an argument established in the 1st sentence; an argument signals contrasting ideas, SO "DESPITE THIS" WOULD BE THE logical choice.

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.1C