ACT Chapter 13: Transitions Part 2

ACT Chapter 13:

Transitions Part 2

By MS. MASSENGALE

13.2 Learning Targets

• Determine if transition words need to be added to a sentence or passage

• Determine if transitional sentences need to be added between paragraphs

13.2 Quick Check

• Transition

  • A word or phrase used to link two ideas together

• Why are transition words important?

  • They help clarify and enhance writing. They link ideas together. They show the relationship between parts of a sentence, paragraph, or passage.

• What kind of categories do transition words fall into?

  • Contrast, cause and effect, exemplification/ clarification, intensification, addition

13.3.1 Transition Direction

Develop a list of transition words to go under each category.

Backwards Stays the Same Forward

13.3.1 Transition Direction

Develop a list of transition words to go under each category.

Backwards Stays the Same Forward

• Because, therefore, so, since, thus, for example, for instance, indeed, tomorrow, after

• In other words, still​

• However, though, otherwise, nevertheless, instead, on the other hand, yesterday, before

13.3.1 Transition Direction

Start at point C. Listen to your teacher name transition words.

If you hear a transition word that is a forward word, move your pencil to the next point over.

If you hear a transition word that is a backward word, move your pencil backwards to the previous point .

If you hear a transition word that indicates staying in the same place, keep your pencil on the same point.​

Complete the transition word road trip activity.

because

therefore

nevertheless

however

C

however

yesterday

since

instead

thus

still

for example

Now you should be on...

c

tomorrow

before

on the other hand

indeed

in other words

so

Now you should be on...

D

nevertheless

thus

therefore

after

otherwise

though

besides

Now you should be on...

B

Look around:

If the answers are all transition words, look at the phrases that surround the underlined portion. Are they negative, positive, or just restating the same things?

​

Choose a transition word based on the relationship you see. If you are not sure, eliminate any transitions that are synonyms of one another.

Multiple Choice

The Middle Ages boasted no scientific investigation to speak of; good and bad occurrences were simply providence. So when the Black Death spread across Europe—killing over 25 million people in under five years—many thought it was the end of the world. [1]

  Modern medicine and forensics have shown that, in fact, the pandemic was caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. The disease spread to Europe through merchant ships fleeing the Mongol siege of Caffa.

Given that all of the following are true, which one, if added here, would offer the best transition from the first paragraph to the second?

• A.  There were not many doctors who understood how the body actually functions.

• B.  It is estimated that 30–60% of the world’s population perished in the Black   Death.

• C.  By the fourteenth century, the population of Europe was down to about 360   million.

• D.  Medieval society did not know that this pestilence came from a peculiar source.

13.3.2 Paragraph Transitions

1. Determine what needs to be linked.

2. Identify the focus of each paragraph or sentence.

3. Choose the transition sentence that includes details relating to the focus of both paragraphs or sentences.

4. Use the process of elimination.

Multiple Choice

1. The bubble gum was stuck too deep in his hair to get it out completely. Therefore, his mother had to grab the scissors and cut it out.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. Additionally,

• C. On the other hand,

• D. Furthermore,

Multiple Choice

2. Her father's train was overdue, and Maria could hardly control her worry. However, time seemed to be passing as slowly as cold molasses pouring out of a jar.

• F. NO CHANGE

• G. Time, although,

• H. Besides, time

• J. Time

Multiple Choice

3. Since tar may take hours to completely solidify, it is exceptionally strong and durable when dry. They are required to keep their work area properly illuminated for the safety of both the crew and anyone who may drive by.

Given that all of the choices are true, which replacement to the underlined portion would provide an essential link to the sentence that follows?

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. many road crews work throughout the night.

• C. law requires that caution signs be put up around the area.

• D. this does not stop cars from driving over wet tar.

Multiple Choice

4. Tensions in Europe were coming to a head, with the French, Spanish, and English all ready to go to war over land and riches. Although the English queen, Elizabeth I, had many foreign suitors who promised peace treaties, she rebuffed their advances and kept them at a distance. This refusal to marry led to many egos being injured.

Given that all of the following are true, which choice would provide the most effective link between sentences?

• F. NO CHANGE

• G. they never followed through with singing them.

• H. she intended to conquer her enemies on the battlefield.

• J. England was ill-prepared for such a momentous war.

Multiple Choice

5. Expressing one's style was difficult in the hospital, where everyone was required to dress in scrubs and lab coats. With exceptional taste in fashion, Dr. Blytheson's socks were unfailingly unique—always patterned, colorful, or matched to his shirt.

Given that all of the following are true, which choice would provide the most effective link between sentences?

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. Unlike most surgeons,

• C. Regardless of this dress code,

• D. Rather than be a slob,

Multiple Choice

6. We will attend the orientation meeting first, and in the last, final step we will be put into groups for discussion, tours of the campus, and an introduction to our department head—fretting all the while about the impending placement tests that could drop several hours off our course loads freshman year.

• F. NO CHANGE

• G. instead

• H. then

• J. therefore