Transitions and Word Choice

Getting from Point A to
Point B: Creating Good

Transitions

Mrs. Robinson

GACA ELA - 12/5/2023

What is a transition?

� Bridges parts of your paper together

■ Helps you (writer) carry over a thought from one

sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from
one paragraph to another with words or phrases

� Guides the reader to interpret ideas the way you (as a

writer) want them to

Point A

Point B

What is a transition?

� Transitions link sentences and paragraphs

together smoothly….

so there are no abrupt jumps

or breaks between ideas

Types of Transitions

■ Some lead the reader

forward to “build”

on an idea or thought

■ Others make your

reader compare

or draw conclusions

from preceding
thoughts

�There are several types of transitional devices; each leads
your reader to make certain connections or assumptions
about the areas you’re connecting

Types of Transitions

� A transition can be

■ A single word

“However, Although, But”

■ A phrase

“ On the other hand”
“In other words”

Transition Placement

Transitions are like road signs to direct the

reader along the best route through the

essay.

Transition Placement

� Between Sections

� Between Paragraphs

Think of yourself as the plumber who needs to
use piping (transitions) to connect the various

tubs, sinks, sewers, etc. within a house.

Example of Paragraph Transitions

However... Now…

Multiple Choice

The transition word/phrase "However" is used to demonstrate which type of relationship between ideas?

• Sequence

• Comparison (similarity)

• Contrast

• Cause & effect

Multiple Choice

The transition word/phrase "In the same manner" is used to demonstrate which type of relationship between ideas?

• Sequence

• Addition

• Comparison (similarity)

• Emphasis

Multiple Choice

The transition word/phrase "In fact" is used to demonstrate which type of relationship between ideas?

• Emphasis

• Comparison (similarity)

• Sequence

• Addition

Multiple Choice

The transition word/phrase "Nonetheless" is used to demonstrate which type of relationship between ideas?

• Comparison (similarity)

• Example

• Cause & effect

• Contrast

Multiple Choice

The transition word/phrase "To illustrate" is used to demonstrate which type of relationship between ideas?

• Example

• Emphasis

• Addition

• Cause & effect

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the BEST transition sentence to introduce Paragraph 2?

Par. 1 main idea: Pineapples are delicious and nutritious.

Par. 2 main idea: Oranges are a tasty and healthy fruit.

• While pineapples are delicious and nutritious, oranges have other appeals.

• On the other hand, oranges are also tasty and healthy.

• Like pineapples, oranges are tasty and healthy.

• For example, oranges are tasty and healthy.

Multiple Choice

The transition word/phrase "Moreover" is used to demonstrate which type of relationship between ideas?

• Addition

• Sequence

• Contrast

• Example

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the BEST transition sentence to introduce Paragraph 2?

Par. 1 main idea: Living off-campus can be a more affordable option for many college students than living in the dorms.

Par. 2 main idea: Off-campus living gives college students more freedom and flexibility to choose roommates, cook their own food, and live independently.

• To demonstrate, living off campus provides college students opportunities for freedom and flexibility.

• Subsequently, it gives college students more freedom and flexibility in a range of areas.

• While off-campus living is affordable, it gives college students more freedom and flexibility.

• Equally important as the financial benefits of off-campus living are the freedom and flexibility this choice offers students.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the BEST transition sentence to introduce Paragraph 2?

Par. 1 main idea: "Fast fashion," the industry of quickly and cheaply producing low-quality clothes and accessories, causes a great deal of harm.

Par. 2 main idea: The workers who produce "fast fashion," such as stylish, $5 t-shirts, often work for low wages in dangerous conditions.

• Meanwhile, workers who produce fast fashion make low wages and operate in dangerous conditions.

• Regardless, the working conditions of those who produce fast fashion challenge the benefit of this industry.

• For instance, the workers who produce fast fashion are one group who suffer from the industry.

• Also, workers who sew these clothes suffer.

Transitions – To Compare

� These words signify you’re comparing a previous

idea to a new one in your paper, or describing two
different things:

■ Whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however,

nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, by
comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced
against, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in
contrast, although this may be true…

� Example: Ross and Rachel are dating. Ross and

Monica are siblings.

� Ross and Rachel are dating. However, Ross and

Monica are siblings.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the BEST transition sentence to introduce Paragraph 2?

Par. 1 main idea: Video games are often criticized for their negative effect on players--especially young people.

Par. 2 main idea: Studies show that video games offer relaxation and valuable entertainment to young people.

• In addition to being criticized for their negative effects, video games offer relaxation and entertainment.

• In spite of all this criticism, studies show that video games may offer important benefits for young people.

• Certainly, video games provide relaxation and entertainment.

• As a result of this criticism, video games provide many benefits for young people.

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blank with the BEST transition word:

_________ I'm tired, I can't sleep.

• Because

• Although

• Nevertheless

• To demonstrate,

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blank with the BEST transition word:

I can't remember the last time George was so enthusiastic about something. _________ I don't think he's cared about anything this much since he begged to have his birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese in 3rd grade!

• What's more,

• Also,

• In fact,

• Meanwhile,

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blank with the BEST transition word:

_________ the intellectual benefits, reading provides stress relief, benefits mental health, and helps people empathize with others.

• In addition to

• Despite

• As an illustration of

• As a result of

What is “Word Choice” in Writing?
'Word Choice” in writing is the usage of effective and precise language that conveys information not just in a functional way, but also to enlighten the reader.

​

Word Choice

Word Cloud

How can we communicate the word 'smart' in a positive way?

Give two word choices.

Transitions – To Repeat

� Example: The production of coal is a

complex and controversial subject.

� As has been shown, the production

of coal is a complex and controversial
subject.

Word Cloud

How can we express the word "communicate" in a negative way.

Give two examples.

Open Ended

Rewrite the sentence, changing the underlined word to show the feeling of this picture.

The good fans cheered the winning team.

Fill in the Blank

Change the underlined word to show the feeling of this picture.

The babysitter got a bad headache from taking care of the bad children.

,

Pro tip: Choose 2 transition words from each section of your transition word pdf. to keep in your writing tool box!

Questions? Stick around and ask! If not you're free to go!


Make sure to complete your exit ticket and remember the password!


Enjoy the rest of your day!