Expression of Ideas practice questions
Transitions, organisation, and using given notes to meet a stated goal. These questions name the goal explicitly, so the choice that best meets that goal wins even when another reads more smoothly.
Expression of Ideas questions
- 1TransitionsFoundation
The community center added more evening classes. _____, attendance among working adults increased during the next term. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AAs a result
- BMeanwhile
- CNevertheless
- DFor example
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: As a result
The second sentence presents an outcome of adding evening classes, so a cause-and-effect transition is needed.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 2Rhetorical synthesisFoundation
Notes: The Northside Trail is 3 miles long. It opened in 2021. It connects two public parks. A student wants to emphasize the trail's connection between recreation spaces. Which sentence best uses the notes?
- APublic parks are often open during the day.
- BThe Northside Trail is a very interesting place to visit.
- CThe Northside Trail, which opened in 2021, connects two public parks.
- DIn 2021, many trails were built in different cities.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The Northside Trail, which opened in 2021, connects two public parks.
This sentence directly states the requested connection and accurately includes a relevant supporting detail from the notes.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 3OrganizationStandard
A paragraph explains how a farmer collects rainwater, filters it, and uses it to irrigate seedlings. Where should the sentence "The collected water then flows through a simple filter" be placed?
- AAt the beginning of a paragraph about crop prices.
- BBefore the sentence describing collection.
- CAfter the final sentence as an unrelated conclusion.
- DAfter the sentence describing collection and before the sentence describing irrigation.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: After the sentence describing collection and before the sentence describing irrigation.
The sentence describes the middle step in the stated sequence: collection, filtering, then irrigation.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 4TransitionsStandard
The first prototype was lightweight and inexpensive. _____, it cracked during cold-weather tests, so the team revised the material. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AHowever
- BSimilarly
- CTherefore
- DFor instance
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: However
Cracking during tests contrasts with the prototype's appealing qualities, so a contrast transition is appropriate.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 5Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: A survey of 600 residents found that 72% wanted more street trees. The survey was conducted in April 2024. A writer wants to report the result precisely. Which sentence best uses the notes?
- AIn an April 2024 survey of 600 residents, 72% said they wanted more street trees.
- BStreet trees have existed for many years.
- CMost people enjoy trees in all circumstances.
- DResidents gave several different answers in a survey.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: In an April 2024 survey of 600 residents, 72% said they wanted more street trees.
The choice preserves the sample size, date, topic, and percentage without adding an unsupported generalization.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 6OrganizationFoundation
A short report will discuss a local theater's history, its current youth program, and plans for a renovated stage. Which order would be most logical?
- ACurrent program, future plans, history
- BFuture plans, current program, history
- CCurrent program, history, future plans
- DHistory, current program, future plans
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: History, current program, future plans
Moving from past to present to future gives readers a clear chronological structure.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 7TransitionsFoundation
Researchers first measured soil moisture at several sites. _____, they compared the measurements after a week of rain. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AInstead
- BNext
- CFor example
- DIn contrast
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Next
The second action follows the first in a sequence, so a time-order transition is needed.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 8Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: Composer Elena Ruiz wrote a string quartet in 2018. The piece was first performed by the Harbor Quartet. The performance took place in Seattle. A student wants to identify the premiere. Which sentence best uses the notes?
- AElena Ruiz's 2018 string quartet premiered in Seattle, performed by the Harbor Quartet.
- BThe Harbor Quartet performed many pieces in 2018.
- CString quartets are performed by four musicians.
- DElena Ruiz enjoys visiting Seattle whenever possible.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Elena Ruiz's 2018 string quartet premiered in Seattle, performed by the Harbor Quartet.
The sentence gives the work, year, location, and performers, precisely identifying the premiere from the notes.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 9OrganizationStandard
A writer is introducing a paragraph about a new farmers' market. Which opening sentence best prepares readers for details about vendors, payment options, and weekly schedules?
- AThe writer once visited a market while traveling abroad.
- BFarmers have grown food for thousands of years.
- CMarkets are always more popular than grocery stores.
- DThe market offers practical information for shoppers planning a visit.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The market offers practical information for shoppers planning a visit.
The sentence forecasts the paragraph's practical details. The other choices are too broad, off-topic, or unsupported.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 10TransitionsStandard
The study did not establish that music causes better concentration. _____, it found that participants who chose quiet music reported fewer distractions. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ALikewise
- BStill
- CFor example
- DConsequently
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Still
The second sentence offers a limited finding despite the caution in the first. "Still" signals that concession effectively.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 11Rhetorical synthesisFoundation
Notes: The Riverside cleanup collected 340 pounds of litter. Volunteers worked for three hours on Saturday. The event involved 46 volunteers. A student wants to emphasize volunteer participation. Which sentence best uses the notes?
- AForty-six volunteers took part in Saturday's three-hour Riverside cleanup.
- BLitter is a problem in many communities.
- CThe Riverside cleanup was the best event of the year.
- DVolunteers collected litter in several different ways.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Forty-six volunteers took part in Saturday's three-hour Riverside cleanup.
The sentence centers the requested participation statistic and includes a relevant time detail without making an unsupported evaluation.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 12TransitionsFoundation
The seed packets were stored in a cool, dry room over the winter. _____, nearly all of them germinated the following spring. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AFor example
- BAs a result
- CNevertheless
- DIn contrast
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: As a result
Good storage conditions lead to the high germination rate, so the sentences stand in a cause-and-effect relationship.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 13Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: The Fairview Bridge opened in 1936. It is 420 feet long. It closed for repairs in 2023. It reopened in 2025 with a widened walkway. The student wants to emphasize what changed during the repairs. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AWhen the Fairview Bridge reopened in 2025 after two years of repairs, it carried a widened walkway.
- BThe Fairview Bridge, which opened in 1936, is 420 feet long.
- CThe Fairview Bridge closed for repairs in 2023.
- DOpened in 1936, the Fairview Bridge is a 420-foot crossing.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: When the Fairview Bridge reopened in 2025 after two years of repairs, it carried a widened walkway.
Only this choice names the alteration the repairs produced. The others are accurate but report the bridge's age, length, or closure rather than what changed.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 14OrganizationStandard
A paragraph explains that a printmaker mixes the ink, inks the plate, presses the paper, and then pulls the print. Where in the paragraph does a sentence describing how the finished print is hung to dry belong?
- ABetween mixing the ink and inking the plate.
- BAt the beginning, before the ink is mixed.
- CAt the end, after the print is pulled.
- DBetween inking the plate and pressing the paper.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: At the end, after the print is pulled.
The paragraph follows the order of the process, and drying can only happen once a print exists. Any earlier position would break the sequence.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 15TransitionsStandard
The survey found that most respondents supported the proposal. _____, only about a quarter said they would attend a meeting about it. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ASimilarly
- BHowever
- CTherefore
- DIn addition
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: However
Broad support and low willingness to attend pull in opposite directions, so the sentences need a contrast transition.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 16Rhetorical synthesisFoundation
Notes: The Harbor Reading Room opened in 2019. It holds 8,000 volumes. It is open on weekends. It hosts a weekly children's hour. The student wants to introduce the reading room to readers who have not heard of it. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AIn 2019, several new libraries opened across the region.
- BThe children's hour at the Harbor Reading Room takes place once a week.
- CThe Harbor Reading Room, open since 2019, holds 8,000 volumes and welcomes visitors on weekends.
- DReading rooms are found in many towns along the coast.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The Harbor Reading Room, open since 2019, holds 8,000 volumes and welcomes visitors on weekends.
An introduction needs the basic identifying facts, which this choice supplies from the notes. The others narrow to one program or drift to claims the notes do not contain.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 17TransitionsStandard
The first prototype used a heavy steel frame. _____, the second used aluminum and weighed half as much. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ABy contrast
- BLikewise
- CFor example
- DConsequently
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: By contrast
The two prototypes are set against each other in material and weight, which calls for a contrast transition rather than one showing cause or similarity.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 18OrganizationStandard
A writer is concluding a paragraph about the growth of a volunteer tutoring program. Which choice most effectively concludes the paragraph?
- AThe program's founder studied education before moving to the district.
- BWhat began with four tutors in one classroom now reaches six schools across the district.
- CTutoring is one of many volunteer activities available in the area.
- DVolunteers are asked to complete a short training session.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: What began with four tutors in one classroom now reaches six schools across the district.
A conclusion about growth should close the arc it describes, which this choice does by placing the beginning next to the present scale. The others introduce unrelated background.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 19TransitionsFoundation
A soil test showed that the bed was low in nitrogen. _____, the gardener worked compost into it before planting. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AHowever
- BMeanwhile
- CTherefore
- DNonetheless
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Therefore
The gardener acts because of the test result, so the second sentence is a consequence of the first.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 20Rhetorical synthesisChallenge
Notes: Cartographer Ines Duarte mapped 300 miles of trail between 2015 and 2019. She used a handheld receiver accurate to within ten feet. Earlier trail maps had been drawn from memory. Rescue teams now use her maps. The student wants to emphasize the practical value of Duarte's work. Which choice best uses the notes?
- ABefore Duarte's work, trail maps in the area were drawn from memory.
- BDuarte carried a handheld receiver while she worked.
- CBecause Duarte's maps locate the trail to within ten feet, rescue teams now rely on them.
- DDuarte mapped 300 miles of trail between 2015 and 2019.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Because Duarte's maps locate the trail to within ten feet, rescue teams now rely on them.
Practical value means a use the work now serves, and only this choice links the accuracy to who depends on it. The others give scale, background, or equipment without stating a use.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 21OrganizationStandard
A short report will cover a bakery's founding, the staff who work there now, and a plan to open a second location. Which order of these three topics is most logical?
- AThe founding, the current staff, then the planned second location.
- BThe planned second location, the current staff, then the founding.
- CThe planned second location, the founding, then the current staff.
- DThe current staff, the planned second location, then the founding.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The founding, the current staff, then the planned second location.
The three topics fall naturally into past, present, and future, and a report that follows that order lets each section build on the one before it.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 22TransitionsStandard
The two studies used different age groups and different tests. _____, their results are difficult to compare directly. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AEven so
- BFor this reason
- CIn particular
- DSimilarly
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: For this reason
The differences in the first sentence are the cause of the difficulty in the second, so a cause-and-effect transition is needed.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 23TransitionsStandard
The archive's earliest photographs were stored without labels. _____, dating them now requires comparing details in the images themselves. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AFor example
- BAs a result
- CBy contrast
- DNevertheless
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: As a result
The difficulty of dating follows from the absence of labels, which makes the relationship cause and effect rather than contrast or illustration.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 24Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: A community orchard was planted in 2017. It has 62 trees. In 2024 it produced 900 kilograms of fruit. All of the fruit is donated to a local food bank. The student wants to emphasise the orchard's contribution to the food bank. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AThe orchard produced 900 kilograms of fruit in 2024.
- BThe community orchard was planted in 2017 and now has 62 trees.
- CIn 2024 the orchard's 62 trees produced 900 kilograms of fruit, all of it donated to a local food bank.
- DA local food bank operates near the community orchard.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: In 2024 the orchard's 62 trees produced 900 kilograms of fruit, all of it donated to a local food bank.
Emphasising a contribution requires both the quantity and its destination. The other choices give the orchard's age, its yield alone, or a fact about proximity that the notes do not support.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 25OrganizationStandard
A writer is beginning a paragraph that will explain three causes of a local river's improved water quality. Which choice most effectively introduces the paragraph?
- AWater quality is measured in several different ways.
- BThree changes over the past decade account for most of the river's recovery.
- CThe river runs for eleven miles before reaching the estuary.
- DMany rivers in the region have been studied by ecologists.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Three changes over the past decade account for most of the river's recovery.
An introduction should name what the paragraph will do, and this choice announces both the number of causes and the outcome they explain. The others open topics the paragraph does not pursue.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 26TransitionsFoundation
The new kiln fires at a lower temperature than the old one. _____, it uses roughly a third less fuel per batch. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AIn contrast
- BEven so
- CConsequently
- DHowever
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Consequently
Lower firing temperature leads to lower fuel use, so the second sentence states a consequence of the first rather than a contrast with it.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 27TransitionsStandard
The instrument was calibrated at sea level. _____, its readings at the mountain station required a correction. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AConsequently
- BSimilarly
- CNevertheless
- DIn fact
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Consequently
The need for a correction follows from where the calibration was done, so the relationship is cause and effect.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 28Rhetorical synthesisChallenge
Notes: A ferry route reopened in 2023 after 40 years. The crossing takes 25 minutes. By road the same journey takes 90 minutes. Around 300 passengers use it daily. The student wants to emphasise the time the ferry saves. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AThe ferry crosses in 25 minutes, against 90 minutes for the same journey by road.
- BThe ferry crossing takes 25 minutes.
- CAround 300 passengers use the ferry every day.
- DThe ferry route reopened in 2023 after a gap of 40 years.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The ferry crosses in 25 minutes, against 90 minutes for the same journey by road.
A saving is a difference, so both durations must appear. The reopening, the passenger count, and the crossing time alone each state one fact with nothing to measure it against.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 29OrganizationStandard
A writer has described a printing press's mechanism in detail and now wants to move to its effect on local publishing. Which sentence best makes that transition?
- AWhat this mechanism made possible was a change in who could afford to publish.
- BThe press was operated by a lever and a screw.
- CPrinting presses were used across Europe by this period.
- DThe publisher's family had lived in the town for generations.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: What this mechanism made possible was a change in who could afford to publish.
A transition should carry the reader from the old subject to the new one, and this sentence names both. The others repeat mechanism detail or introduce unrelated background.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 30TransitionsFoundation
The recipe calls for buttermilk. _____, milk with a spoonful of lemon juice will work. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AConsequently
- BTherefore
- CAlternatively
- DLikewise
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Alternatively
The second sentence offers a substitute for the first, which calls for a transition presenting an option rather than a consequence or a similarity.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 31Rhetorical synthesisFoundation
Notes: The Thornbury Choir has 45 members. It rehearses on Wednesdays. It was founded in 1998. It sings mostly unaccompanied music. The student wants to introduce the choir to a reader who has not heard of it. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AThe Thornbury Choir rehearses on Wednesdays.
- BUnaccompanied singing requires careful tuning.
- CMany choirs were founded in the late 1990s.
- DFounded in 1998, the Thornbury Choir has 45 members and sings mostly unaccompanied music.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Founded in 1998, the Thornbury Choir has 45 members and sings mostly unaccompanied music.
An introduction needs the identifying facts, which this choice takes directly from the notes. The others narrow to a rehearsal detail or wander into claims the notes do not contain.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 32OrganizationStandard
A paragraph argues that a policy succeeded. Where does a sentence acknowledging one district where it did not work belong?
- AImmediately after the topic sentence, before any evidence.
- BIt does not belong in a paragraph arguing that the policy succeeded.
- CAs the paragraph's first sentence, before any evidence.
- DAfter the supporting evidence, so the exception qualifies an established case.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: After the supporting evidence, so the exception qualifies an established case.
An exception placed before the evidence undercuts an argument that has not yet been made. Placed after it, the same sentence makes the case more credible rather than less.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 33TransitionsStandard
The two prototypes were built from the same drawings. _____, one weighed nearly a kilogram more than the other. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ASimilarly
- BFor example
- CTherefore
- DEven so
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Even so
Identical drawings would predict identical weights, so the difference cuts against the first sentence and needs a concessive contrast rather than a consequence.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 34Rhetorical synthesisChallenge
Notes: A weather station opened in 1961. It records temperature hourly. Its records were digitised in 2020. Researchers used them to identify a local warming trend. The student wants to emphasise the research value of the station's records. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AThe station's records were digitised in 2020.
- BDigitised in 2020, the station's hourly records since 1961 allowed researchers to identify a local warming trend.
- CThe weather station opened in 1961.
- DThe weather station has recorded temperature hourly since it opened in 1961.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Digitised in 2020, the station's hourly records since 1961 allowed researchers to identify a local warming trend.
Research value means naming what the records made possible, which only this choice does. The others report the station's age, its method, or the digitisation without saying what any of it produced.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 35OrganizationStandard
A paragraph will explain how a bell is cast: preparing the mould, melting the metal, pouring, cooling, and tuning. Where does a sentence about testing the finished pitch belong?
- ABetween pouring and cooling.
- BBetween melting and pouring.
- CAt the beginning, with mould preparation.
- DAt the end, with tuning.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: At the end, with tuning.
The paragraph follows the order of the process, and a pitch can only be tested once the bell exists and is being tuned.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 36TransitionsFoundation
The seeds need light to germinate. _____, they should be pressed onto the surface rather than buried. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AHowever
- BBy contrast
- CNevertheless
- DFor this reason
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: For this reason
The planting instruction follows from the light requirement, which makes the relationship cause and effect.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 37Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: A bridge carries 12,000 vehicles daily. It was built in 1958. A weight limit was introduced in 2023. Engineers found corrosion in two support beams. The student wants to explain why the weight limit was introduced. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AThe bridge has carried traffic since 1958.
- BThe bridge, built in 1958, carries 12,000 vehicles daily.
- CA weight limit was introduced on the bridge in 2023.
- DA weight limit was introduced in 2023 after engineers found corrosion in two support beams.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: A weight limit was introduced in 2023 after engineers found corrosion in two support beams.
Explaining why requires the limit and its cause in one sentence. The others give the limit without a reason, or facts unrelated to it.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 38OrganizationStandard
A writer is concluding a paragraph about a village shop that reopened under community ownership. Which choice most effectively concludes the paragraph?
- AThe shop sells newspapers, bread and tinned goods.
- BCommunity ownership is one of several models for rural retail.
- CThe previous owner had run the shop for thirty years.
- DWhat had closed as a private business now opens six days a week, run by forty volunteers.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: What had closed as a private business now opens six days a week, run by forty volunteers.
A conclusion should close the arc the paragraph describes, and this places the closure next to the present arrangement. The others introduce background or a general category.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 39TransitionsStandard
Both methods produced the same yield in the trial. _____, the second required half the water. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ATherefore
- BIn other words
- CHowever
- DLikewise
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: However
Equal yields would suggest the methods are equivalent; the water difference cuts against that, so a contrast transition is needed.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 40OrganizationChallenge
A paragraph argues that a museum's late-opening evenings succeeded. Where does a sentence noting that attendance fell in the first two months belong?
- AEarly, so the later evidence answers it.
- BIt does not belong in a paragraph arguing the evenings succeeded.
- CImmediately after the concluding sentence.
- DAt the very end, as the paragraph's conclusion.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Early, so the later evidence answers it.
A difficulty raised early and then answered strengthens an argument; the same sentence placed at the end undoes the case the paragraph just made.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 41TransitionsStandard
The alloy is lighter than steel and does not rust. _____, it costs roughly four times as much per kilogram. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ATherefore
- BFor instance
- CHowever
- DSimilarly
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: However
Two advantages are followed by a disadvantage, which is a contrast rather than a consequence or an example.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 42Rhetorical synthesisChallenge
Notes: A footbridge opened in 2018. It is 90 metres long. Before it opened, the walk between the two villages was 4 kilometres by road. It is now 700 metres. The student wants to emphasise how much shorter the journey has become. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AThe walk between the villages is now 700 metres.
- BThe bridge cut the walk between the villages from 4 kilometres to 700 metres.
- CThe footbridge, which opened in 2018, is 90 metres long.
- DBefore 2018 the villages were connected only by road.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The bridge cut the walk between the villages from 4 kilometres to 700 metres.
A reduction needs both distances. The bridge's own length is a different measurement, and the current distance alone shows no change.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 43OrganizationStandard
A paragraph describes how a violin is set up: fitting the soundpost, adjusting the bridge, stringing, and tuning. Where does a sentence about checking the instrument's tone belong?
- ABetween the soundpost and the bridge.
- BAt the end, after tuning.
- CBetween the bridge and stringing.
- DAt the beginning, before the soundpost.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: At the end, after tuning.
The paragraph follows the order of the process, and tone can only be judged once the instrument is strung and tuned.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 44TransitionsFoundation
The paint must be applied to a dry surface. _____, the wall should be left for two days after washing. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ABy contrast
- BFor this reason
- CEven so
- DHowever
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: For this reason
The instruction follows from the requirement stated first, which makes the relationship cause and effect.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 45Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: A observatory opened to the public in 2015. It receives 12,000 visitors a year. Its telescope was built in 1932. It runs free evening sessions. The student wants to introduce the observatory to a reader who has not heard of it. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AOpen to the public since 2015, the observatory houses a telescope built in 1932 and receives 12,000 visitors a year.
- BIn 2015, several observatories opened to the public.
- CThe observatory runs free evening sessions.
- DTelescopes built in the 1930s are still in use at several sites.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Open to the public since 2015, the observatory houses a telescope built in 1932 and receives 12,000 visitors a year.
An introduction needs the identifying facts, which this choice draws from the notes. The others narrow to one programme or drift into claims the notes do not support.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 46OrganizationStandard
A writer is concluding a paragraph about a canal towpath reopened after twenty years. Which choice most effectively concludes the paragraph?
- AThe towpath is surfaced with compacted gravel.
- BCanals were once the principal means of moving freight in the region.
- CA route that had been impassable since 2004 now carries walkers between the two locks again.
- DRestoration work of this kind is funded in several different ways.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: A route that had been impassable since 2004 now carries walkers between the two locks again.
A conclusion should close the arc the paragraph describes, placing the closure beside the present use. The others introduce background or generalise away from the towpath.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 47TransitionsStandard
Both varieties ripen at the same time and taste almost identical. _____, only one of them travels well enough to be sold outside the region. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ALikewise
- BConsequently
- CIn particular
- DEven so
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Even so
Similarity is followed by a difference, which calls for a concessive contrast rather than a consequence or a restatement of similarity.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 48OrganizationChallenge
A paragraph argues that a new bus route succeeded. Where does a sentence noting that the route runs at a financial loss belong?
- AAs the paragraph's first sentence.
- BIt should be omitted from a paragraph about success.
- CAfter the evidence of success, where it qualifies rather than contradicts.
- DAs the paragraph's final sentence.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: After the evidence of success, where it qualifies rather than contradicts.
A cost placed after the case has been made narrows it; placed first it pre-empts the case, and placed last it leaves the loss as the reader's final impression. Omitting a true and relevant fact is not an option an honest paragraph has.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 49TransitionsStandard
The survey reached only households with a landline. _____, its findings cannot be generalised to the whole population. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AConsequently
- BNevertheless
- CSimilarly
- DFor example
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Consequently
The limitation in the second sentence follows from the coverage problem in the first, which makes the relationship cause and effect.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 50Rhetorical synthesisChallenge
Notes: A tram line opened in 2021. It runs 6 kilometres. Before it opened, the same journey took 35 minutes by bus. It now takes 14 minutes. The student wants to emphasise the time saved. Which choice best uses the notes?
- ABefore 2021 the journey was made by bus.
- BThe tram line, which opened in 2021, runs for 6 kilometres.
- CThe tram journey takes 14 minutes.
- DThe tram covers in 14 minutes a journey that took 35 by bus.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: The tram covers in 14 minutes a journey that took 35 by bus.
A saving is a difference, so both durations must appear. Length, the current time alone, and the previous mode each state one fact with nothing to measure it against.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 51OrganizationStandard
A paragraph describes how a photograph is developed: mixing the chemicals, exposing the paper, developing, fixing, and washing. Where does a sentence about hanging the print to dry belong?
- ABetween exposing and developing.
- BAt the beginning, before mixing.
- CAt the end, after washing.
- DBetween developing and fixing.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: At the end, after washing.
The paragraph follows the order of the process, and drying can only follow the final wet stage.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 52TransitionsFoundation
The two recordings were made in the same hall on the same day. _____, they sound noticeably different. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- ALikewise
- BEven so
- CTherefore
- DFor instance
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Even so
Identical conditions would predict a similar sound, so the difference cuts against the first sentence and needs a concessive contrast.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 53Rhetorical synthesisStandard
Notes: A community garden began in 2018. It has 40 plots. It runs a seed swap each spring. It is maintained entirely by volunteers. The student wants to introduce the garden to a reader who has not heard of it. Which choice best uses the notes?
- AIn 2018, several gardens opened across the region.
- BCommunity gardens have become common in many towns.
- CThe garden runs a seed swap each spring.
- DStarted in 2018 and maintained entirely by volunteers, the community garden has 40 plots.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Started in 2018 and maintained entirely by volunteers, the community garden has 40 plots.
An introduction needs the identifying facts, which this choice takes from the notes. The others narrow to one event or drift to claims the notes do not contain.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 54OrganizationStandard
A writer is concluding a paragraph about a bus route restored after being cut. Which choice most effectively concludes the paragraph?
- AThe route passes three schools and a hospital.
- BA route withdrawn in 2019 now carries more passengers than it did before it was cut.
- CSeveral other routes in the county were also withdrawn.
- DBus services are funded through a mix of fares and subsidy.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: A route withdrawn in 2019 now carries more passengers than it did before it was cut.
A conclusion should close the arc the paragraph describes, placing the withdrawal beside the present position. The others introduce background or widen to other routes.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 55TransitionsStandard
The archive holds every issue of the newspaper from 1890 onward. _____, the years before 1890 survive only in fragments held elsewhere. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- AFor example
- BIn addition
- CBy contrast
- DAs a result
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: By contrast
Complete holdings are set against fragmentary ones, which is a contrast rather than a consequence or an addition.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill. - 56OrganizationChallenge
A paragraph argues that a new footbridge was worth building. Where does a sentence noting that it opened a year late belong?
- AAs the paragraph's final sentence.
- BImmediately before the topic sentence.
- CIt should be left out of a paragraph arguing the bridge was worthwhile.
- DEarly, so the evidence that follows answers it.
Show the answer and explanationHide the explanation
Answer: Early, so the evidence that follows answers it.
A difficulty raised early and then answered strengthens the case; the same sentence at the end leaves the delay as the reader's final impression, and omitting a true fact is not an honest option.
How did you do?Saved in this browser. Weak Skills will replay this skill.
SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which does not endorse this study guide.