for example vs in addition: is it a case or a second point?
Once you have decided the two sentences point the same way, you still have to choose between the same-direction transitions — and that is where the harder questions live.
Why it happens
The contrast/consequence test gets you to a shortlist and then stops working. Every remaining choice fits the direction, so students fall back on which one sounds more academic.
See the trap
"Urban trees lower local temperatures. ___ , a single mature oak can cool a street by several degrees."
"In addition" — implying a second, separate benefit.
"For example" — the oak is an instance of the claim just made, not a new claim.
How to actually fix it
- 1Decide direction first (same or opposite).
- 2Within the same direction, ask: is sentence two a specific case of sentence one, a second separate point, or the result of it?
- 3Example → for example / for instance. Second point → in addition / moreover. Result → therefore / as a result.
Practice this trap · 7 real questions
Each of these is a question from the free bank that turns on the mistake above — the trap is the reason its wrong answer looks right. Easiest first.
FAQ
What about 'in fact'?
It intensifies rather than adds — sentence two is a stronger version of sentence one. If the second sentence is merely another item of the same weight, "in addition" is the better fit.
How do I stop repeating this mistake?
Reading the explanation isn't enough — your brain needs to beat the trap on a fresh question. Practice the skill in the kaoshen.co question bank: miss one and it is logged with the exact error, then brought back to you three days later and again after fourteen.
More SAT Reading and Writing traps