Tip #19 - SAT Writing Principle 6: Mastering Linkers (Transition Words & Phrases)

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Strategies for Linker Questions

1. Identify the Logical Relationship
   • Contrast? ("however," "nevertheless")
   • Addition? ("moreover," "furthermore")
   • Example? ("for instance," "specifically")
   • Consequence? ("therefore," "thus")
   • Time/Sequence? ("subsequently," "finally")
2. Check Beyond the Immediate Sentence
   • Linkers often bridge ideas across sentences or paragraphs.
   • Example:

"The treaty aimed to prevent future conflicts. ________, its harsh terms fueled resentment."
→ "However" (contrast) fits better than "Consequently" (cause-effect).

1. Eliminate Near-Synonyms
   • If two options (e.g., "nevertheless" vs. "regardless") imply the same relationship, both are likely wrong.
2. Match Linkers to Function
   • Contrast: however, nevertheless, yet, conversely
   • Addition: moreover, additionally, likewise
   • Example: for example, for instance, to illustrate
   • Consequence: therefore, thus, accordingly
   • Sequence: finally, subsequently, afterward
3. Avoid Illogical Placement
   • "However" can’t join independent clauses without proper punctuation (e.g., "I like it, however, I…" → incorrect).

Challenging Practice Questions
1. Contrast Relationship
Geisel’s The Cat in the Hat revolutionized children’s literature by blending whimsy with pedagogy. ________, his earlier drafts were rejected by publishers who deemed them too unconventional for young audiences.
A. However
B. Furthermore
C. Consequently
D. Specifically
Answer: A (contrast between success and initial rejection).


2. Consequence Relationship
The 18th-century Industrial Mechanization shifted labor from farms to factories, disrupting rural economies. ________, urban populations swelled as workers migrated for employment.
A. Nevertheless
B. Therefore
C. For instance
D. Likewise
Answer: B (shows cause-effect; migration resulted from disruption).


3. Example Relationship
Neuroscientists argue that bilingualism enhances cognitive flexibility. ________, a 2021 study showed bilingual children outperforming monolinguals in problem-solving tasks requiring mental adaptation.
A. Nonetheless
B. Accordingly
C. For example
D. Conversely
Answer: C (study exemplifies the claim).


4. Time/Sequence Relationship
The artist sketched the composition in charcoal, refining the outlines. ________, she applied layers of oil paint, gradually building texture and depth.
A. In conclusion
B. Meanwhile
C. Subsequently
D. Nevertheless
Answer: C (sequential action; "subsequently" = "afterward").


5. Elimination of Near-Synonyms
Critics praised the film’s visual effects but panned its dialogue. ________, its box-office earnings shattered records, proving audiences prioritized spectacle over script.
A. Regardless
B. Nevertheless
C. Moreover
D. Consequently
Answer: B ("nevertheless" contrasts criticism with success; "regardless" is redundant here).


Post-Task Assessment

1. Did I analyze the relationship between sentences, not just the blank?
   • (e.g., Q1: Success vs. rejection = contrast).
2. Did I eliminate linkers with overlapping functions?
   • (e.g., Q5: "regardless" and "nevertheless" both imply contrast, but "nevertheless" fits better).
3. Did I match the linker to its purpose?
   • (e.g., Q3: "For example" for evidence; Q4: "Subsequently" for sequence).
4. Did I avoid illogical placements?
   • (e.g., "however" mid-sentence without proper punctuation).

Reflection Prompts:

• "I chose ‘furthermore’ in Q1 because I missed the contrast. Next time, I’ll jot down the relationship (e.g., ‘success vs. rejection’) before selecting."
• "In Q5, I almost picked ‘regardless’—why is ‘nevertheless’ stronger here?"

Key Takeaways

• SAT traps: Overly similar options ("however" vs. "nevertheless"), filler text, and implied relationships.
• Solve by:
  1. Labeling the relationship (contrast/addition/etc.).
     
  2. Scanning before/after the blank for context.
  3. Testing the linker in the full passage.