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SAT Reading and Writing Unit 3: Expression of ideas

These questions ask you to choose the best transition or to combine bullet-point notes into a sentence that meets a specific goal.

Covers: Rhetorical synthesis (using notes), transitions

Study guide

Expression of Ideas questions test how well writing achieves its goals. Rhetorical synthesis questions give a set of bulleted notes and a goal, such as "emphasize a similarity between the two studies" or "introduce the novel to an audience unfamiliar with the author." The right answer uses the notes accurately and accomplishes the stated goal exactly. Read the goal first, then eliminate any choice that doesn't do what it asks, even if it's accurate and well written. Pay attention to the audience: a reader unfamiliar with a subject needs context, like who someone is.

Transition questions ask for the word or phrase that best connects two sentences or ideas. Figure out the logical relationship before looking at the choices. Contrast uses however, nevertheless, in contrast, by contrast or still. Cause and effect uses therefore, thus, as a result or consequently. Addition uses moreover, furthermore, additionally or in addition. Examples use for example or for instance. Sequence uses then, next, finally or subsequently. Emphasis or elaboration uses in fact or indeed. Similarity uses similarly or likewise.

A good test is to read the sentence before the blank and the sentence after it and ask how they relate. If the second sentence contradicts expectations set by the first, you need contrast; if it follows from the first, you need a cause-and-effect word. Eliminate choices that signal the same relationship as each other, since only one can be right.

Clarification or specification transitions, such as specifically, in other words, that is and namely, introduce a sentence that restates or narrows the one before it. Concession transitions, such as granted, admittedly and even so, admit a point before the writer moves past it. If the goal names two things, such as "present the study and its findings" or "contrast the two tunnels," the right answer must include both. Eliminate any choice that gives only one half, however accurate it is.

When the goal is to emphasize a quality, such as uniqueness, size or a difference, the right choice puts that quality in the main clause. Usually it also uses a word like first, only or largest that comes straight from the notes. Choices that bury the detail in a side phrase don't fully meet the goal.

Key ideas

• Transitions: identify the relationship first (contrast, cause, addition, example, sequence).
• Contrast: however, nevertheless. Cause: therefore, as a result. Addition: moreover, furthermore. Example: for instance.
• Rhetorical synthesis: read the goal in the question, then pick the choice that meets that goal exactly.
• Correct synthesis answers use only information from the notes.
• Ignore choices that are accurate but don't meet the stated goal.

Formulas and rules

Common mistakes

• Picking a transition that sounds formal but shows the wrong relationship.
• Choosing a synthesis answer that's true but answers a different goal.

Words to know

However

A transition that signals contrast.

Therefore / as a result

Transitions that signal a result.

Moreover / furthermore

Transitions that add a similar point.

Rhetorical synthesis

Choosing the note-based sentence that meets the stated goal; read the goal first.

For instance

A transition that introduces an example.

Stated goal

The task in a synthesis question; the answer must accomplish it exactly.

Audience (synthesis)

An unfamiliar reader needs context, like who someone is.

Nevertheless

A transition that signals contrast despite what came before.

Similarly / likewise

Transitions that signal comparison.

In fact

A transition that adds emphasis or elaboration.

Finally / subsequently

Transitions that signal sequence.

Consequently

A transition that signals a result.

Sample practice questions

95 more questions like these, from level 1 to 5, are in the practice set.