Transitions and Transitional Phrases

Which type of transitional phrase is used to illustrate a sequence or summarize?

• Meanwhile

• Subsequently

• Ultimately

• First

Which of the following is an example of an opposed transitional phrase?

• Nevertheless

• Equally important

• Also

• Not only...but also

Nike has been making and selling shoes for nearly 70 years. When the company first began, Nike made only running shoes and soccer cleats. There are many different types of shoes available, including casual shoes, basketball shoes, and even high heels! Martin needs to add a transition word or phrase to help his readers move from sentence 6 to sentence 7. Which transition would BEST be added to the beginning of sentence 7?

• Afterward

• Then

• Today

• At first

(21) Felines, or cats as most people call them, are affectionate and form strong relationships with their owners. (22) For example, it’s important not to smother a cat with too much attention, especially when it’s still getting to know you. (23) If it feels crowded or bothered, it might try to avoid you even more. (24) Cats, unlike dogs, want to be left alone until they feel comfortable with their surroundings. April needs to use a more appropriate transition at the beginning of sentence 22. Which of the following should replace For example?

• However

• Therefore

• Afterward

• On the other hand

Kiki has not used the most accurate transition at the beginning of sentence 7. Kiki should change As a result to —

• For example

• To conclude

• In other words

• Instead

Step, step, step—his feet slowly crept towards the edge of the diving board. He was finally doing what he had always been afraid of, jumping off into the deep end. As he made his way to the edge, a nervous smile began to spread over his face. Brandon took one large leap and a huge wave of water splashed over the side of the pool. Holding his breath, he swam his way up from the bottom of the pool. His body was still shaking and he had nearly run out of oxygen from holding his breath. He knew what he would say to his mom when we reached the surface of the water, “Mom, I did it!” Which transition word or phrase could BEST be added to the beginning of sentence 27?

• Next

• As a result

• In fact

• Yet

Last Saturday Dad asked me if I would be interested in making waffles for the family. Excited to learn something new, I immediately began reading the box for instructions and ingredients. I measured out the correct amount of mix from the waffle mix and added one cup of milk with two eggs. “Make sure you mix it until it’s smooth,” Dad reminded me as I stirred. I finished mixing, and I took special care to break up all of the lumps. The batter was ready. I walked quickly towards the waffle maker when my father stopped me. Which transition word or phrase could BEST be added to the beginning of sentence 16?

• Finally

• Lastly

• Surprisingly

• First

What is the primary role of transitions in writing?

• To increase the length of the text

• To make connections between ideas clear to the reader

• To introduce new characters in a story

• To confuse the reader with complex vocabulary

What is the effect of placing transition words at the beginning of sentences?

• It confuses the reader

• It has no particular effect

• It makes the transition more effective

• It weakens the statement

Choose the sentence that effectively uses a transition to connect two ideas.

• I didn't see the sign. I parked in a no-parking zone.

• I didn't see the sign; therefore, I parked in a no-parking zone.

• I didn't see the sign, I parked in a no-parking zone.

• I didn't see the sign. Because I parked in a no-parking zone.