Transitions Pattern - Contrast and Concession

Choosing a transition where the second sentence contradicts or limits the first

In Contrast and Concession questions, the second sentence pushes back against the first. It might flat-out contradict an earlier assumption, qualify a claim by introducing a limiting factor, or concede that something is true despite what came before. The right transition word signals that shift — it tells the reader "here comes the turn."

 

How to recognize it

Read the two sentences without any transition. If the second sentence says something that conflicts with, limits, or qualifies the first — if there's a "but" lurking in the relationship — you're in Contrast and Concession. Common patterns include an old belief followed by new evidence that overturns it, a positive result followed by a caveat, or two things that work in opposite ways.

 

How to approach it

Identify exactly what's being contrasted. Is the second sentence a full reversal (the opposite is true), a concession (this is true, but so is this), or a qualification (this is true, but less so than something else)? Then match that to the right transition:

• However / But — general-purpose contrast, works for reversals and concessions
• By contrast — highlights a difference between two distinct things
• Nevertheless / Even so — concession: acknowledges the first point but introduces a limiting factor
• That said / Granted — similar to concession, often introduces a qualification
• Conversely — signals the opposite case

The wrong answers will typically be cause-effect words (Consequently, As a result, Thus), support words (Similarly, Moreover, In fact), or restatement words (In other words).

Let's walk through an example:

For years, scientists assumed that the adult human brain could not produce new neurons. ______ evidence from the hippocampus indicates that neurogenesis continues into adulthood.

The question asks: Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A) As a result, B) However, C) Similarly, D) In conclusion,

The first sentence states an old assumption (no new neurons in adults). The second sentence directly contradicts it with new evidence (neurogenesis does continue). That's a clean reversal. As a result implies the evidence is a consequence of the assumption — illogical. Similarly suggests agreement. In conclusion signals a summary. Only However (B) marks the contradiction.

Here's one where the contrast is more subtle — a concession rather than a reversal:

A meta-analysis assessed whether higher dietary fiber intake is linked to lower LDL cholesterol. Across cohorts, greater fiber intake predicted modest LDL reductions. ______ this association was weaker than the association between LDL change and adherence to prescribed statins.

A) In other words, B) Moreover, C) Even so, D) Consequently,

The first two sentences establish a positive finding (fiber helps lower LDL). The third sentence doesn't deny that — it qualifies it by saying the effect is weaker than statins. That's a concession: "yes, but." In other words would be a restatement. Moreover would add more support. Consequently would mark a result. Even so (C) signals "despite what I just said, here's a qualification."

 

Traps to watch for

• Cause-effect in disguise. Consequently, Therefore, and As a result show up frequently as wrong answers. If the second sentence isn't caused by the first but contradicts it, these are wrong.
• Support words that sound neutral. Moreover and In fact seem like they could go anywhere, but they reinforce the first sentence rather than pushing back. If the second sentence limits or opposes the first, these don't work.
• Restatement vs. contrast. In other words means "I'm saying the same thing differently." If the second sentence says something new and opposing, that's not a restatement.
• Concession vs. full reversal. Nevertheless and Even so work best when the first point is still partially valid. However and By contrast work for sharper turns. Getting the intensity right matters on harder questions.

 

How the difficulty changes

 

Easier questions:

Club historians agree that early rave promoters overstated DJ Lina Park's role in creating house music. No one can deny, _ that Park's 1987 mixes helped popularize four-on-the-floor rhythms in big-city clubs.

A) consequently, B) in the second place, C) however, D) in other words,

The first sentence says Park's role was overstated. The second says her mixes did help popularize something. That's a clear concession — "yes, the claims were exaggerated, but she still mattered." Consequently implies her mixes were a result of the overstatement. In the second place signals a list. In other words suggests a restatement. However (C) marks the turn. At this level, the contrast is obvious and the distractors are clearly wrong categories.

 

Medium questions:

Because sedimentary rocks accumulate from deposited layers, their bedding planes typically lie parallel to one another. Igneous dikes, _ are like knives cutting through a layered cake: they slice across older strata rather than lying parallel to them.

A) similarly, B) for example, C) in other words, D) by contrast,

Parallel bedding vs. crosscutting dikes — two geological features that behave in opposite ways. Similarly would say they behave the same. For example would say dikes illustrate the first sentence's point. In other words would be a restatement. By contrast (D) highlights the difference. At medium difficulty, the content is more technical and for example becomes a plausible-looking trap if you don't recognize that dikes violate rather than exemplify the pattern.

 

Harder questions:

A usability experiment investigated whether increasing line spacing improves reading speed on smartphones. Participants read slightly faster when passages used wider spacing. ______ the influence of spacing on speed was smaller than the influence of font size.

A) As a result, B) In other words, C) In fact, D) Nevertheless,

The finding is positive (wider spacing helps) but the third sentence qualifies it (the effect is smaller than font size). This is a concession — the result holds, but it's put in perspective. As a result implies the qualification is caused by the finding. In other words would be a restatement of the same idea. In fact would reinforce or intensify the finding. Nevertheless (D) signals "despite that positive result, here's the limit." At this level, both In fact and Nevertheless could seem reasonable — the difference is whether the sentence strengthens or tempers the prior claim.

 

Your approach on test day

1. Read both sentences and ask: does the second one push back, qualify, or limit the first?
2. If yes, eliminate all support, cause-effect, and restatement transitions immediately.
3. Decide whether the contrast is a full reversal (However, By contrast) or a concession/qualification (Nevertheless, Even so, That said).
4. Pick the transition that matches the intensity and type of contrast you identified.