Correctly Identifying Syntactic Variety

Select the type of of transitional word or phrase used in the sentence:

A water main downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no water for hours.

• addition

• time

• comparison

• cause and effect

Answer explanation

The correct choice is cause and effect because the sentence shows the result of the water main breaking, which caused several businesses to have no water.

Match the following descriptions of transitions with their correct types.

• Describes an extra piece of information

• contrast

• Draws parallels or notes similarities

• time

• Indicates a sequence or duration

• addition

• Highlights differences or oppositions

• comparison

Choose the answer that correctly identifies the nature of the underlined transition.

Larry will probably be a late bloomer socially, just like his older brothers.

• time

• contrast

• comparison

• cause and effect

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'comparison' because the sentence is comparing Larry to his older brothers in terms of being a late bloomer socially.

Choose the answer that correctly identifies the nature of the underlined transition.

There are ways you can make boring tasks more pleasant. For instance, bring a portable radio and listen to music on the earphones while you work.

• contrast

• comparison

• illustration/example

• cause and effect

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'illustration/example' because the sentence provides an example of how to make boring tasks more pleasant.

Match the following descriptions of transitions with their correct type.

• Highlighting differences between two or more items.

• illustration/example

• Providing a specific instance to explain or support a general statement.

• contrast

• Showing similarities between two or more items.

• comparison

• A sequence of events described in chronological order.

• time

Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke correctly predicted that satellites would be used for communication. Moreover, in 1947 he correctly predicted that 1959 would be the year the first rocket to the moon was launched.

Which type of transitional word or phrase is used in the sentence?

• addition

• time

• contrast

• cause and effect

Answer explanation

The correct transitional word used in the sentence is 'addition' as it indicates that the information provided is adding to the previous point about Arthur C. Clarke's predictions.

Some people in New Jersey built their houses very close to the shoreline. Consequently, they have had to spend a lot of money trying to protect their property from the sea.

Which type of transitional word or phrase is used in the sentence?

• addition

• contrast

• illustration/example

• cause and effect

Answer explanation

The correct transitional word or phrase used in the sentence is 'cause and effect' because it shows the relationship between people building houses close to the shoreline and having to spend money to protect their property from the sea.

Running can make people more aware of their physical surroundings, such as the scent of honeysuckle or the changing moods of the trees.

Which type of transitional word or phrase is used in the sentence?

• addition

• contrast

• illustration/example

• cause and effect

Answer explanation

The correct transitional word used in the sentence is 'illustration/example' as it provides a specific example to support the idea that running can make people more aware of their physical surroundings.

Residents complain bitterly about potholes in the streets and sloppy trash pick-up, YET these same people resist paying higher taxes for the improvement of these services.

​ is the type of transitional word or phrase is used in the sentence?

(a)  

• addition

• contrast
• comparison

• illustration/example

Answer explanation

The correct transitional word used in the sentence is 'contrast' because it highlights the contradiction between residents' complaints and their resistance to paying higher taxes for service improvements.

Match the transitional word or phrase with its correct usage in the sentence.

• ...as the study of radio is to TV listening habits, so is the method to comparison in...

• contrast

• ...reach respondents at specific times of the day; this is an important consideration...

• sequential

• ...low cost, however, the method permits interviewers to reach respondents...

• comparison

• ...allows for a large number of responses in a short time and at relatively low cost. Moreover, the method permits...

• addition