Topic 6 : Transitions / Coordinating / Subordinating conjunction

Stock positions will not be refunded, ______________ the board understands shareholder's concerns, and will meet personally with any concerned parties.

• and

• but

• therefore

• for

Answer explanation

Here, two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, it is up to you to choose the one that most accurately reflects the shift in the sentence. The first clause makes the blunt statement that "stock positions will not be refunded," not exactly reassuring for concerned stockholders. The second clause then changes the tone by offering reassurance. Therefore, "but" is the correct coordinating conjunction.

Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

Neither the painter _________________ the sculptor had received formal training.

• and

• nor

• or

• for

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "nor." This conjunction is used when two things are presented in the negative sense, in combination with the word "neither." "And" "for" and "or" are all incorrect when used in combination with the word "neither."

It was raining, ___________ we chose to go to the aquarium instead of the beach. 

• so

• and

• but

• for 

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "so." This is because the word "so" implies causation. The rain caused the subjects of this sentence to make a choice. We are not linking the two ideas, which would require the word "and" and we are not providing a contrast, which would require the word "but." The word "for" should not be used in this sentence because we are not providing an explanation in the second clause of the sentence. 

I want to go to the movies, ________ my parents won't let me. 

• but

• so

• or

• and

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "but." In this sentence, the meaning of "but" can be understood the same way as the word "however." This sentence has a contrast--the subject wants to do something but cannot. If the sentence conveyed an alternative we might consider "or" but this sentence does not. The only conjunction that shows this contrast in meaning is "but," so it is the best choice.

I am planning a big dinner this weekend. I am going to make pasta _________________ apple pie.

• it

• so

• but

• None of these

Answer explanation

The correct answer is and because and is a conjunction that is used to connect words and ideas. But is used to express contradictions and So means "to the degree which something is stated". It is not correct because it is a preposition. In this sentence the speaker is connecting pasta and apple pie because they are two things that the speaker likes.

This year, my New Year's resolution was to not buy any more books until I had read all of the books I already had. But, after getting fifty dollars for my birthday, I couldn't resist stopping by the library's used book sale.

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose “NO CHANGE.”

• NO CHANGE

• For instance

• That is

• Moreover

Answer explanation

Here, “But” is the best transition word. “But” implies a contrast, and there is indeed a contrast between the idea expressed in the first sentence (making a commitment not to buy more books) and the idea expressed in the second (stopping by the book sale). The relationship of the second sentence to the first is not that of an example, an additional detail, or a clarification, which is why the other answers are not correct.

The truth is, I kinda hate my brother. Can you blame me? We're always fighting. Today, he "borrowed" my favorite book and now its ripped in two.  Likewise, my brother and I like to play sports together. We both bond over games like volleyball, and basketball. We both play real good. We even were considering trying out for the high school team together.

What is the best alternative for the underlined word, "Likewise"?

• Furthermore

• Hence

• For instance

• Nevertheless

Answer explanation

The author is contrasting negative feelings he/she has regarding his/her brother with more positive feelings towards the brother. Therefore, a transition word that shows contrast is the best option. "Likewise" shows similarity, "For instance" shows an relationship of clarification, while "Hence" and "Therefore" imply causation. "Nevertheless" implies a contrasting relationship between ideas and is the best choice.

My mother was born in China. Additionally, she emigrated to the US when she was twenty-seven, but she was never able to get used to this country. She was used to haggling in loud, bustling street markets—not walking through the silent, orderly rows of American grocery stores. She also never became fluent in English; filling out forms and writing business letters confused her.

Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose “NO CHANGE.”

• OMIT the underlined portion and begin the sentence with the word “She”

• Accordingly

• However

• For example

Answer explanation

Here, the best correction would be to delete the word “Additionally” and to use no transition word. The word “additionally” is usually used in a list or when you are adding details on to a description; however, in this case we do not have a list, and the first two sentences are more action rather than description. The relationship of the second sentence to the first is also not an example, a contrast, or a necessary event, which is why the other answers are not correct.

Anwita and I are a lot alike. Anwita enjoys learning about the solar system. Similarly,......

Choose the correct answers.

• Similarly, I enjoy studying the stars.

• Similarly, I dislike the dark.

• Similarly, Anwita goes to bed early.

• Similarly, I’m a vegetarian.

Answer explanation

"Similarly" is a transition that means that a statement is very much like the previous statement.

I am easily annoyed. Specifically,.......

choose the correct answer.

• Specifically, I have a lot of pet peeves.

• Specifically, I am often enthusiastic

• Specifically, I can’t stand when people chew gum.

• Specifically, I think I can succeed.

Answer explanation

The transition "specifically" introduces a very concrete example of whatever was just mentioned.