Transition Words and Phrases (HLA)

Transition Words and Phrases

HLA

Transitions...

• can be words, sentences, or phrases.

• make connections and show relationships between ideas.

• need to be logical so the connections are clear.

There are LOTS of words/phrases that can be used as transitions.

Be sure to choose the ones that serve the PURPOSE you need when writing.

Multiple Choice

Reforestation efforts, while undeniably valuable, often result in forests with limited biodiversity. However,_ care should be taken to plant a wide variety of native flora in depleted woodlands.

• NO CHANGE

• Accordingly,

• Nevertheless,

• Furthermore,

Why?

• "However" = contrasting idea

• "Accordingly" = cause/effect relationship: Because reforestation can lead to a lack of biodiversity, a variety of plants should be planted.

• "Nevertheless" = "despite this fact" and is used to introduce a contrasting idea

• "Furthermore" is used to introduce an additional example or an elaboration on a previous idea

Multiple Choice

The "Gordie Howe hat trick", an unofficial feat in which a hockey player scores a goal, records an assist, and gets in a fight all in the same game, is named after hockey great Gordie Howe. Despite this fact,_ Howe only achieved two such games in his professional career, far fewer than many other players.

• NO CHANGE

• As such,

• Afterwards,

• As a result,

Transitions can also be complete sentences.

• Can connect a new paragraph to the previous paragraph

• Can connect ideas within a paragraph

Multiple Choice

^{Which choice provides the most effective transition between ideas in the paragraph?}

• NO CHANGE

• While deer mice are largely herbivorous, they also feed on arthropods like spiders and caterpillars.

• Since deer mice usually nest high up in hollow trees, fires also tend to destroy their preferred habitats.

• But despite these apparent disadvantages, it's actually possible that fires improve conditions for deer mice.

Open Ended

Why should writers use transitions?

Practice!

Classifying Transition Words/Phrases

Multiple Choice

The transition words "and", "in addition", and "furthermore" do this.

• Summarize

• Contrast

• Emphasize

• Add ideas

Multiple Choice

What do the following transition words do?

• above all
• especially
• indeed

• Show cause and effect

• Show a sequence

• Emphasize

• Make comparisons

Multiple Choice

These transition words are used to make comparisons.

• absolutely, definitely, clearly

• similarly, in the same way, likewise

• along with, in addition, moreover

• previously, first/firstly, finally

Multiple Choice

What do these transition words show?

• because
• for this reason
• as a result

• Make comparisons

• Show cause and effect

• Show contrast

• Add emphasis

Multiple Choice

• after
• before
• finally

These transition words do this.

• Show a sequence

• Compare and contrast

• Show emphasis

• Add ideas

Multiple Choice

These transition words are used to show contrast.

• above all, subsequently, at this time

• obviously, especially, unquestionably

• but, however, unlike

• also, too, apart from this

Practice!

Choosing Transitions

Multiple Choice

Katrina inherited some cooking traditions from her grandmother; she knows the secret recipe for Chicken Parmigiana Quesadillas with Cheesy Marinara Rice.

Which of these is the BEST transitional word to add to this sentence?

• For example

• Instead

• Although

• Otherwise

Multiple Choice

Medical studies have proven that sun damage can lead to melanoma; ________, you should always wear protective sunscreen. 

• however
• for example
• therefore
• finally 

Multiple Choice

I really hate the taste of lima beans, broccoli, and tomatoes; __________, I eat them because they are so nutritious. 

• consequently 
• moreover 
• nevertheless
• so

Multiple Choice

Many people fear barracudas; _______, few instances of attacks by barracudas have been reported.

• however

• moreover

• similarly

• as a result of

Multiple Choice

During the day, the desert is far too hot for the animals to be very active._______, many animals in the desert go out at night when it's cooler, to hunt and eat.

• Finally
• For that reason
• Maybe
• Later

Practice!

Describing relationships created by transition words & phrases

Multiple Choice

Research indicates that all college students, including juniors and seniors, undergo stress.

This is the result of high academic expectations.

What does sentence 2 do in relation to sentence 1?

• It names a cause for something mentioned in sentence 1

• It gives an example of something names in sentence 1.

• It contradicts sentence 1.

• It clarifies sentence 1.

Multiple Choice

One problem of illiteracy is the inability to properly express one’s views. It narrows one’s possibilities and stifles efforts at self-improvement. Illiteracy keeps many people out of the business world or any potentially lucrative enterprise. In short, illiteracy is definitely a hindrance in all aspects of life.

How is sentence 4, “In short, illiteracy…” related to the first 3 sentences?

• It gives an effect of something discussed in the other sentences.

• It summarizes what is said in the other sentences.

• It contradicts the other sentences.

• It adds an equally important idea to what is said in the other sentences.

Multiple Choice

One of the first places of interest that visitors to Pittsburgh notice as they leave the airport is Golden Triangle Park. It is a scenic spot found at the point where three rivers – the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers – meet.

What does sentence 2 do in relation to sentence 1?

• Sentence 2 adds a fact to sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 clarifies what is said in sentence 1

• Sentence 2 tells what happens after the event named in sentence 1.