Reading only the sentence before the transition
The blank sits at the start of a sentence, so students read backwards for context and then choose. But the sentence the transition introduces is the other half of the evidence.
Why it happens
The blank's position pulls your attention backwards. And the previous sentence alone is usually compatible with several transitions — the sentence after it is what eliminates all but one.
See the trap
"Early trials showed no effect. ___ , the sample included only twelve participants."
✗ The trap: Reading only the first sentence and picking "Consequently" — plausible until you read on.
✓ The fix: "However". The second sentence undercuts the first result rather than following from it, so the transition has to reverse direction.
How to actually fix it
- Read the full sentence after the blank before touching the choices.
- Ask which sentence is doing the supporting — that tells you the direction.
- Plug your choice in and read both sentences together, not just the second one.
Made this mistake on a real question?
Practice Expression of Ideas questions here. Miss one and it is logged with the exact error, then brought back until you beat it.
Practice Expression of Ideas →FAQ
Do I need the whole paragraph?
Usually just the two adjacent sentences. If those two do not settle it, extend one sentence in each direction rather than rereading the passage from the top.
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.