7th Grade Writing Quiz: Use Transitions To Create Cohesion

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Use Transitions To Create Cohesion, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for 7th Grade Writing.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

Question 1

1. Addition of another supporting point
2. A contrast between expectations and reality (correct answer)
3. A chronological sequence of steps
4. An example that defines a term

Explanation: The transition "However" signals a contrast between what appears to be true (deserts look empty) and what is actually true (deserts contain many plants and animals). This creates a contrast between initial expectations or appearances and the surprising reality. The transition helps readers understand that the second sentence contradicts or goes against what the first sentence might lead them to believe.

Question 2

1. In contrast,
2. For instance,
3. Consequently, (correct answer)
4. Meanwhile,

Explanation: This question requires a transition that shows cause and effect—how one event leads to another. The first sentence explains that hot sunlight speeds up chemical reactions, and the second sentence needs to show what happens as a result. "Consequently" (C) is correct because it clearly indicates that ground-level ozone forming is a consequence or result of the chemical reactions. "In contrast" shows opposition, "For instance" introduces an example, and "Meanwhile" shows simultaneous events. Cause-and-effect transitions like "Consequently," "Therefore," "As a result," and "Thus" help readers understand how one fact leads to another in informational texts.

Question 3

1. "Regular exercise strengthens the heart. In contrast, it improves lung capacity. Finally, it can also reduce stress."
2. "Regular exercise strengthens the heart. Because it improves lung capacity, it can also reduce stress."
3. "Regular exercise strengthens the heart. Additionally, it improves lung capacity. Furthermore, it can reduce stress." (correct answer)
4. "Regular exercise strengthens the heart. For example, it improves lung capacity. Similarly, it can also reduce stress."

Explanation: The original paragraph lists three benefits of exercise without transitions, making it choppy. Option C uses "Additionally" and "Furthermore" to clearly show that each benefit is being added to the list, creating smooth flow and showing the relationship of addition. Option A incorrectly uses "In contrast" (showing opposition when listing similar benefits), B misuses cause-and-effect structure, and D misuses example transitions for what are actually separate benefits.

Question 4

1. It introduces the next step in a sequence of actions.
2. It explains that one event directly causes another event.
3. It points out a shared trait between two animals. (correct answer)
4. It signals a sharp contrast between two different ideas.

Explanation: The two sentences describe different animals—bats and dolphins—that both use echolocation. "Similarly" links these examples to show they have something in common, so the choice about a shared trait between two animals is correct. The choice about introducing the next step in a sequence is wrong because the sentences are not steps in a process; nothing happens first and then next. The choice about one event directly causing another is wrong because bats using echolocation does not make dolphins use it—there is no cause and effect here. The choice about signaling a sharp contrast is wrong because "Similarly" points to likeness, not difference; a contrast transition would be a word like "however" or "in contrast." Only the shared-trait choice matches what a comparison transition does.

Question 5

1. "Solar panels create electricity from sunlight, and wind turbines create electricity from moving air, and both reduce air pollution."
2. "Solar panels create electricity from sunlight. However, wind turbines create electricity from moving air. Both reduce air pollution."
3. "Solar panels create electricity from sunlight. Similarly, wind turbines create electricity from moving air. As a result, both reduce air pollution." (correct answer)
4. "Solar panels create electricity from sunlight. For instance, wind turbines create electricity from moving air. Both reduce air pollution."

Explanation: The original paragraph lacks transitions, making it feel choppy and disconnected. Option C uses the best transitions to create cohesion: "Similarly" shows that wind turbines are like solar panels in creating clean electricity, and "As a result" shows the cause-and-effect relationship between using these technologies and reducing pollution. Option A has no transitions, B incorrectly uses "However" (showing contrast when there isn't one), and D misuses "For instance" (wind turbines aren't an example of solar panels).

Question 6

1. For example, (correct answer)
2. Therefore,
3. Meanwhile,
4. In contrast,

Explanation: The first sentence makes a general statement about wetlands supporting many species, and the second sentence provides a specific instance of this support. "For example" (A) is the perfect transition because it signals that what follows will illustrate or give a specific case of the general statement. This transition creates cohesion by helping readers understand that frogs and dragonflies are specific examples of the "many different species" mentioned. "Therefore" would show cause and effect, "Meanwhile" would show simultaneous events, and "In contrast" would show opposition - none of which fit the example relationship presented here.

Question 7

1. For example,
2. In contrast,
3. Next, (correct answer)
4. Because

Explanation: The question asks for a transition that shows sequence in the water cycle. "First" already establishes the beginning of the sequence, so we need a transition that indicates what happens next in order. "Next" (C) is the perfect sequence transition to show the second step in the process. "For example" introduces specific details, "In contrast" shows differences, and "Because" shows cause-and-effect, none of which fit the sequential relationship needed here.

Question 8

1. As a result, (correct answer)
2. In the same way,
3. For instance,
4. On the other hand,

Explanation: The first sentence gives a cause—the plates get stuck—and the second sentence gives what happens because of it: pressure builds until they slip. "As a result" is the only choice that signals this cause-and-effect link. "In the same way" signals that two ideas are alike, but the building pressure isn't similar to the plates getting stuck; it's a consequence of it. "For instance" introduces an example of a general point, yet the second sentence isn't an example of the first—it's the outcome. "On the other hand" signals contrast, but the two sentences don't oppose each other; they follow one from the other. Only a causal transition fits, so "As a result" is correct.

Question 9

1. Cause and effect (correct answer)
2. Comparison (similarity)
3. Example of a general idea
4. Contrast (difference)

Explanation: The transition "Consequently" connects two sentences by showing that one event leads to another. The first sentence describes a problem (coastal flooding), and the second sentence describes what happens as a result (communities taking action). This is a clear cause-and-effect relationship where the flooding causes communities to respond with protective measures. "Consequently" signals that the second sentence is a direct result or effect of the first sentence.

Question 10

1. It adds another similar benefit of plastic.
2. It introduces an example of how plastic is used.
3. It signals a contrast between a benefit and a drawback. (correct answer)
4. It shows that the second sentence happens after the first in time.

Explanation: The transition "However" serves to signal a contrast or opposing idea between two sentences. In this paragraph about plastics, the first sentence presents a positive aspect (lightweight and inexpensive), while the second sentence introduces a negative aspect (doesn't break down quickly). "However" effectively shows this shift from benefit to drawback (C), helping readers understand that despite plastic's advantages, there is an environmental concern. This transition creates cohesion by clearly indicating the relationship between the contrasting ideas, making the paragraph's balanced perspective on plastics clear to readers.

Question 11

1. Likewise,
2. In contrast, (correct answer)
3. As a result,
4. For instance,

Explanation: The paragraph compares two layers of Earth by highlighting their differences. The first sentence describes the crust as thin, while the second describes the mantle as much thicker with different properties. "In contrast" (B) is the appropriate transition because it signals these differences between the two layers. This transition creates cohesion by helping readers understand that the paragraph is showing how these Earth layers differ from each other. "Likewise" would incorrectly suggest similarity, "As a result" would show cause and effect, and "For instance" would introduce an example - none of which accurately represent the contrasting relationship being presented.

Question 12

1. Because water evaporates from lakes, and because water vapor rises, and because it cools, and because clouds form, rain finally falls to the ground.
2. However, water evaporates from lakes. In contrast, water vapor rises. Similarly, it cools. On the other hand, clouds form. Meanwhile, rain falls.
3. First, water evaporates from lakes. Next, water vapor rises. Then, it cools. As a result, clouds form. Finally, rain falls. (correct answer)
4. For example, water evaporates from lakes. For instance, water vapor rises. To illustrate, it cools. For example, clouds form. As an example, rain falls.

Explanation: The steps of the water cycle happen in a fixed order, with one stage causing the next, so the best revision uses transitions that signal sequence and cause and effect. The winning revision does exactly that: “First,” “Next,” “Then,” and “Finally” mark the order, and “As a result” shows that cooling causes clouds to form. The option built entirely from “because” and “and” strings the ideas into one overloaded sentence that blurs the separate steps rather than clarifying their order. The option using “However,” “In contrast,” “Similarly,” and “On the other hand” chooses contrast and comparison transitions, which wrongly suggest the steps disagree or merely resemble one another instead of following in sequence. The option that repeats “For example,” “For instance,” and “To illustrate” treats each step as an example of the one before it, but these stages are a process, not a list of examples. Good informational writing matches each transition to the real relationship between ideas, which is why only the sequence-and-cause version makes the water cycle clear.

Question 13

1. However,
2. Next, (correct answer)
3. For instance,
4. Therefore,

Explanation: The paragraph describes steps for wildfire evacuation preparation in order. The word "Afterward" at the end confirms this is a sequence. "Next" (B) is the appropriate transition to show the second step in this process after packing documents. "However" shows contrast, "For instance" introduces examples, and "Therefore" shows cause-and-effect, none of which fit the sequential relationship needed for listing preparation steps.

Question 14

1. Next, (correct answer)
2. For instance,
3. On the other hand,
4. Similarly,

Explanation: The sentences describe a sequential process of how water moves through a plant. The first sentence explains that roots absorb water, and the second sentence describes what happens after that absorption. "Next" (A) is the best transition because it clearly shows this is the following step in the water movement process. "For instance" would introduce an example, "On the other hand" would show contrast, and "Similarly" would show comparison - none of which accurately represent the sequential relationship. The transition "Next" creates cohesion by helping readers follow the step-by-step process of water transport in plants.

Question 15

1. Additionally, (correct answer)
2. As a result,
3. On the other hand,
4. In the same way,

Explanation: This blank connects two separate benefits of urban trees—cooling shade and cleaner air—so the writer needs a transition that simply adds one more benefit to the list. "Additionally" does exactly that, signaling another related point without claiming any special relationship between the two ideas. "As a result" is wrong because it shows cause and effect, but the second benefit is not caused by the shade in the first sentence. "On the other hand" is wrong because it signals contrast, yet both sentences make the same positive point about trees rather than opposing each other. "In the same way" is wrong because it signals a comparison between two similar things, but the sentences are not comparing shade to air quality—they are listing two different benefits. Only a plain addition transition fits, which is why "Additionally" is the best choice.

Question 16

1. For example, in one committee members added new spending
2. In contrast, the committee debate can grow surprisingly heated
3. Next, the bill moves into committees for review (correct answer)
4. As a result, the whole process finally reaches its end

Explanation: The paragraph explains steps that happen in order, so the blank needs a transition showing what comes next in the process. The choice signaling that the bill "moves into committees for review" fits, because being discussed in committees is the step that follows introducing the bill. The choice beginning with "For example" is wrong because committee discussion isn't an example of introducing a bill; it's a separate, later step. The choice beginning with "In contrast" is wrong because the two sentences don't oppose each other—they describe events that build on one another in sequence. The choice beginning with "As a result" is wrong because committee discussion isn't the effect or ending of introducing a bill; it's the next stage, and the lawmaking process is far from over. Only a sequence transition correctly links one step to the step right after it, helping readers follow the order of events.

Question 17

1. Similarly, (correct answer)
2. Consequently,
3. In contrast,
4. For instance,

Explanation: The two sentences describe animal behaviors that are alike—penguins huddle for warmth, and wolves sleep close together for warmth. You need a transition that points out this likeness. "Similarly," is correct because it tells the reader the second example behaves in a comparable way to the first. "Consequently," signals cause and effect, as if the wolves' behavior resulted from the penguins' behavior, which is not what the sentences show. "In contrast," signals a difference, but the two behaviors are the same kind of action, not opposites. "For instance," introduces an example of a single idea, yet here you are matching up two separate examples, not giving one instance of a claim. Because the sentences highlight a similarity between two examples, only the transition that means "in the same way" fits.

Question 18

1. "Solar panels make electricity from sunlight. Also, wind turbines make electricity from moving air. Also, hydroelectric dams make electricity from flowing water."
2. "Solar panels make electricity from sunlight. However, wind turbines make electricity from moving air. Therefore, hydroelectric dams make electricity from flowing water."
3. "Solar panels make electricity from sunlight. In addition, wind turbines make electricity from moving air. Finally, hydroelectric dams make electricity from flowing water." (correct answer)
4. "Solar panels make electricity from sunlight. For example, wind turbines make electricity from moving air. In contrast, hydroelectric dams make electricity from flowing water."

Explanation: The original paragraph lists three renewable energy sources but does not show how they connect. The best revision uses "In addition" to signal that wind turbines are another example alongside solar panels, then "Finally" to show hydroelectric dams complete the list. These varied transitions guide the reader smoothly through items in the same category. The revision that repeats "Also" adds transitions but uses the same one twice, so it does not show that the last item ends the list. The revision with "However" and "Therefore" is wrong because "However" signals a contrast and "Therefore" signals cause and effect, and neither relationship exists between these examples. The revision with "For example" and "In contrast" also uses illogical transitions: wind turbines are not an example of solar panels, and hydroelectric dams do not contrast with the earlier items. Only the first choice connects these equal, related ideas with transitions that truly fit their relationship.

Question 19

1. As a result,
2. For example, (correct answer)
3. On the other hand,
4. In the same way,

Explanation: The first sentence makes a general claim about moving water, and the blank needs a transition that presents the river carving a canyon as one specific case of that claim. "For example" does exactly this: it signals that what follows is an illustration of the general idea. "As a result" signals cause and effect, so it would wrongly suggest the canyon is caused by the first sentence rather than being an example of it. "On the other hand" signals contrast, but the second sentence agrees with the first instead of opposing it. "In the same way" signals a comparison between two similar things, but here there is only one idea being illustrated, not two situations being compared. Because the sentence supports a general statement with a single specific instance, the example transition is the only fit.

Question 20

1. The paragraph uses several different transitions that signal distinct relationships, so its flow already reads as strong and varied.
2. The paragraph repeats the same transition; adding varied sequence transitions (like "Next" or "Afterward") would improve cohesion. (correct answer)
3. The paragraph should swap its sequence transitions for contrast transitions (like "However") to make the order of steps clearer.
4. The paragraph does not need transitions because the steps happen in order that readers can already follow on their own.

Explanation: The paragraph starts with "First" but then repeats "Then" three times in a row. The steps are in the right order, but reusing one word makes the writing monotonous and weakens the flow. The best evaluation spots this repetition and suggests mixing in other sequence words like "Next" or "Afterward" to keep the same chronological order while making the paragraph smoother to read. Saying the paragraph already uses several different transitions with strong, varied flow is wrong, because "Then" appears again and again with no variety. Suggesting a switch to contrast transitions like "However" is also wrong, because these steps happen in sequence, not in opposition, so contrast words would confuse the order. Claiming the paragraph needs no transitions at all is wrong too: even when steps occur in order, transitions guide the reader and connect ideas, so removing them would hurt cohesion rather than help it.