ACADEMIC WRITING-TRANSITION SIGNALS

Would you like to start collecting stamps? ____________, go to the library and take out a beginner’s book

on the hobby.

• Consequently

• In brief

• First

When you are first learning to play any musical instrument, the task seems hopeless. ______________, as

you continue to practice you begin to see yourself make steady progress.

• However

• Besides

• Accordingly

She is an excellent swimmer. _____________________, she is a fine all-round athlete.

• Indeed

• Nevertheless

• Accordingly

Some scientists think that items not now considered eatable will one day form an important part of our

diet. ______________, seaweed will appear on restaurant menus.

• For instance

• Besides

• In the same way

When a student cheats, he reveals two things about himself. In getting help from another

student, he proclaims that someone else is more competent than himself; _____________, the

cheater shows his perfectionist tendency by suggesting that he is being measured against

unrealistic standards.

• in addition

• on the contrary

• as a result

• in short

What we were once taught as common courtesies, ______________ saying “please” and “thank you,” are becoming less common.

• thus

• before

• first

• such as

Research indicates that all college students, including juniors and seniors, undergo stress.

This is the result of high academic expectations.

What does sentence 2 do in relation to sentence 1?

• It names a cause for something mentioned in sentence 1

• It gives an example of something names in sentence 1.

• It contradicts sentence 1.

• It clarifies sentence 1.

It is somewhat difficult to describe vigorous writing. It can be simple or complex, as well as

formal or informal.

What is the relationship between these sentences?

• cause and effect

• comparison and contrast

• statement and clarification

• generalization and example

Most animals sleep in the same fashion as humans do; they relax their muscles and lie down.

______________, birds and horses sleep in an upright position.

• However

• For example

• Likewise

• Therefore

One problem of illiteracy is the inability to properly express one’s views. It narrows one’s possibilities and stifles efforts at self-improvement. Illiteracy keeps many people out of the business world or any potentially lucrative enterprise. In short, illiteracy is definitely a hindrance in all aspects of life.

How is sentence 4, “In short, illiteracy…” related to the first 3 sentences?

• It gives an effect of something discussed in the other sentences.

• It summarizes what is said in the other sentences.

• It contradicts the other sentences.

• It adds an equally important idea to what is said in the other sentences.