Choosing the Best Transition
Question
The new bridge opened to traffic in March. Furthermore, commute times across the river dropped by an average of fifteen minutes.
Answer choices
- NO CHANGE
- As a result,
- However,
- In contrast,
B Correct answer: B) As a result,
Sentence 2 is the consequence of Sentence 1, not an additional fact ("furthermore"), a contrast ("however"/"in contrast"), or a clarification. The relationship is causal, so "As a result" is the correct transition.
The other options either introduce a grammatical error or change the intended meaning. The ACT consistently rewards the most concise, grammatically correct option.
Read the sentence with each option substituted in. The version that preserves meaning while obeying the underlying rule is the correct answer; on the ACT, that is almost always the shortest option that still works.
The underlying rule
Transition words must reflect the actual logical relationship between two sentences. The bridge opening caused the shorter commutes — that is a cause-effect relationship, signaled by "as a result," "consequently," or "therefore."
Why each wrong answer is wrong
- A) NO CHANGE: This transition signals a relationship (additive, contrastive) that does not match the actual cause-effect relationship between the two sentences.
- C) However,: This transition signals a relationship (additive, contrastive) that does not match the actual cause-effect relationship between the two sentences.
- D) In contrast,: This transition signals a relationship (additive, contrastive) that does not match the actual cause-effect relationship between the two sentences.
Study tip
Before reading the answer choices on a transition question, predict the relationship in your own words: cause-effect, contrast, addition, example, or sequence. Then find the option that matches.
More Hard Rhetorical Skills
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- Choosing the Best TransitionThe new bridge opened to traffic in March. Furthermore, commute times across the ri