Using Transitions

​Using Transitions

By Dioscelina Chavez

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

​Within Sentences

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.

​Within Sentences

The sun shone brightly and the sky was clear. Weather forecasters predicted dangerous storms. The evening was over, a large bank of clouds had formed in the west.

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​Across Sentences

The sun shone brightly and the sky was clear. In spite of this, weather forecasters predicted dangerous storms. Before the evening was over, a large bank of clouds had formed in the west.

​

​Across Sentences

Adult ladybugs have strange markings. Their bright red color shows up quite well for insect-eating animals.

Their coloring warns predators away. Research shows that ladybugs taste horrible.

I've never eaten one, so I wouldn't know. . . .

​

Across Paragraphs

Adult ladybugs have strange markings. Their bright red color shows up quite well for insect-eating animals.

Nonetheless, their coloring warns predators away. Research shows that ladybugs taste horrible.

However, I've never eaten one, so I wouldn't know. . . .

​

Across Paragraphs

Draw

Underline the transition words in the following text.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of a transition?

• To guide a reader and connect ideas

• To change what you're reading

• To transfer the information you're reading

• To transform your writing

Multiple Choice

Which sentence contains a transition?

(1) Last month, I went to the library to do some research. (2) I noticed that many of the library books were old. (3) As a result, I decided to organize a bake sale to raise money for new books. (4) The brownies were delicious. (5) We raised enough to subscribe to an online encyclopedia.

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 2

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 4

Match

Using Transitions Correctly

In your writing, it's important to choose the correct transitions. Remember: For each type of relationship, certain transitions may work better than others.

• Ollie decided to cook dinner; _____, he opened a can of peas.

• Lela opened the window _____ the house could air out.

• The plane was delayed for two hours; _____, we were able to board.

• Julia watched the people in the park; _____, happy birds chirped loudly.

first

so that

finally

above

• first

• so that

• finally

• above

Multiple Choice

Does this passage need transitions?

Jessica crept quietly across the room. She didn't want to wake her baby brother. He had been sleeping poorly. Jessica wanted him to sleep as long as he could.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Does this passage need transitions?

The peach tree in Steven's yard was covered in peach blooms. He hoped to have many peaches this year. Steven had just bought a freezer for more storage. He now had less room in his garage.

• Yes

• No

Dropdown

Allison's and Daniel's food drive has been a huge success. They've collected enough food to stock the town's food bank for at least two weeks.

Select answer

Emmett's coat collection project has helped the town's shelter by providing warm coats to those who can't afford them this winter.

Dropdown

Swimming is good exercise and causes fewer injuries to your joints. ​ ​

Select answer

Learning to swim can prevent drowning.