Transitional Devices: MDCAT English notes
Transitional Devices for MDCAT English: linking words for result, contrast, addition, example and precaution, with punctuation rules and worked examples.
What transitional devices do
A transitional device (connective or linking word) shows the logical relationship between two ideas. In MDCAT gap-fill questions, you are not being asked which word sounds nice; you must decide how the second idea relates to the first and choose the connective that signals exactly that relation.
The main types
| Relation | Question to ask | Common devices |
|---|---|---|
| Cause and effect (result) | Does the second idea follow from the first? | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, so |
| Contrast | Is the second idea unexpected or opposite? | however, nevertheless, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas, although |
| Addition | Is it one more point in the same direction? | moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, also |
| Comparison | Is it a similar case? | similarly, likewise, in the same way |
| Example | Is it an illustration of the first idea? | for example, for instance, such as |
| Replacement | Is one thing done in place of another? | instead, rather |
| Condition / precaution | Is it a possibility we prepare for? | in case, if, unless, provided that |
| Time / sequence | Does it come later in order? | first, then, afterwards, meanwhile, finally, until |
| Conclusion | Does it sum up? | in conclusion, in short, overall |
How to solve a gap-fill
- Read both parts and state the relationship in your own words ("because of X, Y happened").
- Name the category (result, contrast, addition ...).
- Eliminate options from other categories.
- Check grammar and punctuation: does the word fit the sentence structure?
Punctuation and grammar
- Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, consequently, moreover, as a result) join two complete sentences with a semicolon before and a comma after: The bus was late; therefore, we missed the lecture.
- Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, unless, in case, until) introduce a clause and need no semicolon: Carry an umbrella in case it rains.
- In case means "as a precaution against something that might happen". If means "only on that condition". Take a map in case you get lost (take it now, whatever happens).
- Although must be followed by a clause that contrasts with the main clause; it cannot express result or precaution.
Worked examples
1. The factory released waste into the river; ______, many fish died. (moreover / consequently / similarly)
Answer: consequently. The deaths follow from the waste: result.
2. Ali prefers tea; his sister, ______, drinks only coffee. (on the other hand / for example / hence)
Answer: on the other hand. Two opposite preferences: contrast.
3. Keep the doctor's number with you ______ the fever returns. (in case / although / instead)
Answer: in case. A precaution against a possible event.
4. Many vegetables are rich in fibre, ______ spinach and peas. (such as / however / thus)
Answer: such as. The second part gives examples.
5. The medicine lowers fever; ______, it relieves pain. (in addition / in contrast / therefore)
Answer: in addition. A second benefit in the same direction.
6. He did not take the train; ______, he drove to Lahore. (instead / likewise / as a result)
Answer: instead. One action replaces another.
Common MDCAT traps
- When the second event is caused by the first (rain then floods, study then success), choose a result word, not however, similarly or in contrast.
- For instance needs an example, not a consequence.
- In case signals precaution; although, rather and until do not.
- Instead means replacement, not result.
- Look at the punctuation: a semicolon before the gap usually calls for a conjunctive adverb such as therefore or however.
Quick revision
- Identify the relationship first, then the word.
- Result: therefore, consequently, as a result.
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, in contrast.
- Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition.
- Precaution: in case.