Transitions Practice

What is the main purpose of transitional words in writing?

• To make sentences longer

• To add unnecessary details

• To connect ideas logically

• To replace punctuation

Answer explanation

Transitional words are essential in writing as they help connect ideas logically, guiding the reader through the text. This enhances clarity and coherence, making the writing more effective.

Choose the best transition to logically complete the sentence:

Shakespeare’s plays often explore themes of the negative consequences of ambition and a desire for power. ______, the play Macbeth delves into the psychological toll of unchecked greed.

• Moreover

• Similarly

• In contrast

• For example

Answer explanation

The phrase 'For example' logically introduces a specific instance of Shakespeare's exploration of themes, making it the best choice. It indicates that Macbeth is a particular illustration of the broader themes of power and ambition.

Choose the best transition to logically complete the sentence:

The novel received critical acclaim. ______, it was a commercial success.

• However

• On the other hand.

• Moreover

• On the contrary

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Moreover' because it adds information, indicating that in addition to critical acclaim, the novel was also a commercial success. 'However' and 'On the contrary' suggest contrast, which is not appropriate here.

Choose the best transition to logically complete the sentence:

The team worked diligently to make a successful project. ______, they faced numerous challenges along the way.

• In addition

• Consequently

• However

• Therefore

Answer explanation

The correct transition is 'However' because it introduces a contrast. The team worked diligently, but despite their efforts, they encountered challenges, indicating that the two statements are related but opposing.

Choose the best transition to logically complete the sentence:

The study revealed significant findings. ______, further research is needed to confirm the results.

• In addition

• However

• Consequently

• Therefore

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'However' because it indicates a contrast between the significant findings and the need for further research, suggesting that despite the findings, confirmation is still necessary.

Choose the best transition to logically complete the sentence:

The software update was meant to improve performance. ______, it introduced some new bugs.

• Therefore

• In addition

• Consequently

• However

Answer explanation

The correct transition is 'However' because it contrasts the improved performance with the introduction of new bugs, indicating that despite the benefits, there are drawbacks.

Choose the best transition: "I've never driven at all; _____________, Miguel has driven on every road in the city."

• Similarly

• Likewise

• In addition

• In contrast

Answer explanation

The correct transition is "In contrast" because it highlights the difference between the speaker's lack of driving experience and Miguel's extensive driving experience in the city.

Choose the best transition: "I don't think I'll take that job. It doesn't pay well, and I'm not sure I'll even like it. ____________, it's a really long drive from home."

• In contrast

• Furthermore

• In spite of it

• On the other hand

Answer explanation

The best transition is "Furthermore" because it adds an additional reason for not taking the job, emphasizing that the long drive is another negative aspect, rather than contrasting with the previous points.

Which transition best connects ideas? "The company expanded its services. ______, customer satisfaction increased."

• As a result

• However

• For example

• On the other hand

Answer explanation

The phrase 'As a result' effectively connects the expansion of services to the increase in customer satisfaction, indicating a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The other options do not convey this connection.

Which type of transition signals an example?

• However

• For instance

• Consequently

• Instead

Answer explanation

The phrase 'For instance' is used to introduce an example, making it the correct choice. In contrast, 'However' and 'Instead' indicate contrast, while 'Consequently' shows a result.