Words or phrases used at the beginning and end of a paragraph are referred to as:

• A. Parallels
• B. Transitions
• C. Subdivisions
• D. Transmissions

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how transition words or phrases function to connect ideas across sentences and paragraphs. Transitions are signposts that help readers follow the flow of thought by linking what came before with what follows. They guide the reader at the start of a new paragraph to see how the new idea relates to prior content, and they can also cap or point forward at the end of a paragraph to indicate what’s coming next. Examples include words like “therefore,” “in addition,” “however,” and “for example,” which signal relationships such as consequence, addition, contrast, or example.

Parallels isn’t the right fit because it refers to similarity or corresponding parts rather than connective language. Subdivisions are parts or sections of a document, not the words that connect ideas. Transmissions are unrelated to writing and refer to sending signals or data.