Question 8·Medium·Transitions
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by allowing photons to free electrons from atoms, generating a flow of current. ______ an overcast day reduces the intensity of sunlight, significantly diminishing the panels' power output.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For SAT transition questions, always read at least one sentence before and after the blank and decide, in your own words, how the second idea relates to the first: Is it a result, an example, a contrast, or just adding similar information? Label that relationship first, then quickly eliminate choices that don’t match (for instance, drop cause/effect words when there is no clear cause, or example words when no specific instance is given). Only after you’ve identified the relationship should you choose the transition that fits that logic, not the one that “sounds nicest” in isolation.
Hints
Compare the two ideas
First, restate each sentence in your own words: what does the first sentence say about solar panels, and what new information does the second sentence add about overcast days?
Decide the relationship between the sentences
Ask yourself: does the information about overcast days support the idea in the first sentence, give a specific example of it, or point out a situation where things don’t work as well?
Think about the general type of transition needed
Consider whether the second sentence is showing a result of the first, a specific instance of it, a similar idea, or an idea that pushes in the opposite direction (a limitation or complication). Choose the transition type that matches that relationship.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the first sentence is saying
The first sentence explains how solar panels work in ideal conditions: they convert sunlight into electricity by freeing electrons and generating current. This is a general, positive description of the panels’ function when they receive enough sunlight.
Understand what the second sentence adds
The second sentence talks about an overcast day reducing the intensity of sunlight and diminishing the panels’ power output. This introduces a situation where solar panels work less well than in the ideal description. So the second idea limits or complicates the first idea, instead of supporting it or giving a simple example of it.
Match the logical relationship to the transition type
We need a transition that shows a contrast or complication between the general ability of solar panels to convert sunlight and the reduced performance on overcast days.
Now check each choice:
- "Therefore," signals a result or consequence.
- "For example," introduces a specific example of the previous idea.
- "Similarly," shows that the next idea is like the previous one.
- "However," signals contrast or exception.
Only "However," correctly shows that the second sentence presents a limiting or opposing condition to the ideal situation described in the first sentence, so "However," is the best choice.