Transitions: choose the logical relationship first
| English | 中文 | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| consequence/ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/ | 结果 | jié guǒ |
| concession/kənˈseʃn/ | 让步 | ràng bù |
A decision before an answer
- “Therefore” promises a consequence. If the second sentence offers a counterexample, a consequential transition changes the argument.
- Your goal: Identify contrast, consequence, example and continuation relationships.
Read the relationship
- Temporarily ignore the blank and state how the two ideas relate. Does the next sentence add another instance, give a result, present an example, correct an expectation or shift to a different topic? A short label such as contrast is more useful than choosing a familiar connective immediately.
- Choose a transition that preserves the argument’s logic.
“The first route is shorter. ___, heavy traffic makes it slower.” Choose:
Travel time contrasts with the shorter-distance expectation.
Use the defining rule
- Consequential transitions such as therefore need a supported result. However and nevertheless introduce contrast or concession, while for example introduces an instance of a broader claim. Similarly compares a matching relationship, not merely two sentences mentioning the same noun. Use the meaning of both sides, including negatives.
- Distinguish logical linking from punctuation requirements.
“Many materials can be reused. ___, glass jars can become storage containers.” Choose:
The jar is a particular instance of reuse.
Check the conditions
- A concession acknowledges a point while maintaining a different conclusion. “The route is shorter; nevertheless, it takes longer at rush hour” contrasts distance with travel time. In fact can strengthen or correct a statement; it is not a generic substitute for additionally. Test the chosen word by paraphrasing the relationship aloud.
- Distinguish logical linking from punctuation requirements.
Original passage: “The new device is smaller than its predecessor. However, it requires more frequent charging.” The second sentence limits an expected benefit; therefore would incorrectly make frequent charging a logical result of small size without evidence. “Several birds use tools. For example, one species uses twigs to retrieve food” moves from a general claim to an instance.
A contrast can be introduced by ____.
However signals a relationship opposing or limiting the previous idea.
Apply the task format
- Logical correctness does not remove sentence-boundary rules. However is not a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses with a comma alone. In a transition question, supplied punctuation may already be fixed; in an editing task, punctuation also needs checking. Keep these two decisions distinct.
- Distinguish logical linking from punctuation requirements.
Shared subject matter does not decide the link. Do not choose therefore unless a consequence is actually supported.
Which answer fits this case?
Identify contrast, consequence, example and continuation relationships
Therefore works whenever two adjacent sentences share a topic.
A shared topic does not establish a consequence.
Keep the distinctions
- concession 让步 — Acknowledging a point while maintaining a contrasting conclusion.
- consequence 结果 — An outcome presented as following from a preceding fact or reason.
- Identify contrast, consequence, example and continuation relationships.
- Choose a transition that preserves the argument’s logic.
- Distinguish logical linking from punctuation requirements.
Match each term with its precise meaning in this lesson.
Keep the distinctions stated in the teaching example.
Put this lesson’s reasoning or event sequence in order.
The order follows the stated process; check each stage before the next.