Using Transitions

transitions are words and phrases...

• that tell a story

• that link related ideas.

• that convince a reader of a claim

• that conclude a thought

Transitions connect ideas:

• within sentences

• across sentences

• across paragraphs

• All of the above

Which two words or phrases are examples of transitions?

The room was a mess because Trevor was in a hurry. He decided to clean it after school even though he knew he would have lots of homework.

• because / even though

• was /decided

• mess / lots

• the room / homework

Which two words or phrases are examples of transitions?

• strange markings / coloring

• Nonetheless / However

• their / ladybugs

• research shows / I've never eaten one

John eats five big meals a day; ________, he never gains weight.

• as a result

• despite this

• hence

He expected to do well on the test, ________ he had studied diligently.

• and then

• in brief

• for

Before I wrote the research paper, I read five books; _________, I scanned seven magazine articles and interviewed two experts on the topic.

• in addition

• on the contrary

• yet

My friend speaks Korean and English ; ____, she is learning Chinese.

• however

• furthermore

• consequently

• nevertheless

When should you use transitions in your writing?

• to fix short, choppy sentences

• at the beginnings of all sentences

• to show time order relationships only

• to show order of importance relationships only

Which two words or phrases are examples of transitions?

• the sun / formed in the west

• was clear / dangerous storms

• weather forecasters / evening

• in spite of this / before