SHSAT: Connections: combine sentences and choose transitions
Learn to name the relationship between two ideas, pick the transition or connecting word that states it, and combine sentences without adding a cause, an order or a claim the writer didn't make.
How do you choose the right transition or combined sentence when every choice sounds smooth?
Short answer
Name the relationship between the ideas first: addition, contrast, cause, example or time. Then pick the connector for that relationship and check that the combined sentence keeps every fact and limit.
Know first: Complete and dependent clauses, Common transition words
Step 1 of 5
Name the relationship before you pick a word
A transition tells the reader how two ideas relate. If the connector names the wrong relationship, the sentence can be perfectly grammatical and still say something false.
So before you read the choices, label the link yourself. Does the second idea add to the first, contrast with it, result from it, give an example of it, or follow it in time?
| Relationship | Connectors | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | in addition, also, furthermore | The plan is cheap. In addition, it is quick. |
| Contrast | however, whereas, while, although, though | Carpet is quiet, whereas tile is easy to clean. |
| Cause or result | because, since, so, therefore, as a result | The field flooded, so the game moved indoors. |
| Example | for example, for instance | Some birds stay all winter. For example, cardinals do. |
| Time | then, after, before, meanwhile | After the rain stopped, we left. |
While can show contrast or time. Read both ideas to see which one the writer needs.
Step 2 of 5
Test the link, then the facts
Worked example: Choose a transition
Draft: “[1] The library tested carpet in one reading room. [2] Noise there dropped within a week. [3] ___ the library plans to carpet the second reading room.” Which transition best begins sentence 3?
- AFor example,
- BHowever,
- CAs a result,
- DMeanwhile,
- 1
Label the link
Sentence 3 is a decision the library makes because of the result in sentence 2. That's cause and result.
- 2
Match the connector
As a result signals that relationship.
- 3
See why the others are there
For example would need sentence 3 to be an example of quieter rooms. However signals a contrast, but the plan follows naturally from the good result. Meanwhile says the two things happen at once and hides the reason.
Answer
C. As a result,
Wrong: Carpet muffles footsteps because tile is easier to mop.
Right: Carpet muffles footsteps, whereas tile is easier to mop.
Because claims one fact causes the other. Whereas simply sets the two side by side, which is all the draft does.
Step 3 of 5
Match the connector to the link
Check yourself · Question 1
Which word could replace because in “The bakery closed early because the oven broke” without changing the meaning?
Answer: A
Because and since both give the reason for the main idea: the broken oven is why the bakery closed early.
Check yourself · Question 2
Draft: “[1] Most of the class wanted to visit the science museum. [2] ___ the bus company had no drivers free that day.” Which transition best begins sentence 2?
Answer: B
Sentence 2 names a problem that works against what the class wanted, so it calls for a contrast word.
Check yourself · Question 3
Draft: “[1] The museum now offers free admission. [2] The offer applies only on Sunday mornings.” Which combination keeps both the offer and its limit?
Answer: B
It keeps the offer and its limit, only on Sunday mornings, and adds no cause or order.
Trap answer: Because Sunday mornings are quiet, the museum now offers free admission then.
An invented cause
- Why it looks right
- It sounds reasonable, and it keeps the Sunday-morning limit.
- Why it's wrong
- The draft gives no reason for choosing Sunday mornings. Because adds a cause the writer never stated.
- The right answer
- The choice joined with but only on Sunday mornings keeps the offer and its limit and invents nothing.
Common mistake
I chose the transition that sounded the most formal.
- Why it's tempting
- Words like furthermore and nevertheless sound like strong writing.
- Do this instead
- A formal word with the wrong meaning is still wrong. Label the relationship in plain words first (adds, contrasts, causes, example, time), then pick the connector for that label.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- Label the relationship in plain words before you read the choices.
- Use addition, contrast, cause, example and time words only for their own relationships.
- A combined sentence keeps every fact and limit and adds no cause or order the draft didn't state.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
In your own words
In the practice draft, how do the two plans in sentences 2 and 3 relate to each other, and which choices added a link the draft never stated?