Transitions in Narratives

Transition Words

Keep the Narrative Going

What are "transitions?"

• A "transition" is how we move from one activity to the next. For example, when we change from one class period to the next that is a "transition."

• When we move from one idea to another in our writing, that is also called a transition.

Transitions for Narrative Writing

• The chart on the right gives examples of strong transition words we can use to signal to our audience that we are changing ideas or time in our narratives.

• Notice that the transition words listed are arranged according to best organization for a narrative: beginning, middle, and end.

Multiple Select

Which are transitions that show a SEQUENCE? Check all that apply...

• next...then

• as a matter of fact

• earlier...later

• additionally

• before...after

Multiple Choice

Transition words that describe SEQUENCE

• show the order events or ideas occur

• show a commonality or similarity between ideas

• add a new, equally important fact or idea

• shows a difference between two ideas

Multiple Choice

Mom went to the grocery store. ___________, she ran to the bank, the post office, and the pet store.

• unlike
• similarly
• After that
• Therefore

Multiple Select

Which TWO words show a time or sequence?

• Meanwhile

• So

• As a result

• Next

Multiple Choice

Which transition phrase would be used in the conclusion?

• in addition

• in summary

• for example

Multiple Choice

The transition phrase that means the same as "for example" is _____.

• in sum

• for instance

• despite

Multiple Choice

One reason,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

At first,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

For a start,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

All in all,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

First of all,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

Then,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

More importantly,

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

To begin with

• beginning

• middle

• end

Multiple Choice

____________ the school choir performance, Monica, Elizabeth, and Melissa sang the holiday songs in Spanish.

• During

• Because of

• Finally

• Instead of

Multiple Choice

John was really craving a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. ____________________ he had to get two slices of bread.

• Lastly

• Secondly

• To begin with

• Meanwhile

Multiple Choice

Jasmine said something unkind to her friend. _____________________ she regretted the words that came out of her mouth.

• At that very moment

• Earlier that day

• Additionally,

• First of all

Multiple Choice

Seena got to read for an hour. ___________closing her book, she got ready for bed.

• After

• Similarly

• Nevertheless

• However

Multiple Choice

There is a lot to do to get ready for our trip. First we need to buy tickets. Next we have to pack our suitcases. ________ we need to go to the airport and catch our flight.

• Finally
• Secondly
• Perhaps

Multiple Choice

Mr. Lopez gave an exam second period. _____ he graded it during third period.

• Similarly
• Truly
• Then
• Finally

Multiple Choice

________________, I will do my homework and second, I will practice piano.

• For example

• Another

• First

• As a result