Transitional Words and Phrases

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?

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.

• the sun / formed in the west

• was clear / dangerous storms

• weather forecasters / evening

• in spite of this / before

Which two words or phrases are examples of transitions?

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. . . .

• strange markings / coloring

• Nonetheless / However

• their / ladybugs

• research shows / I've never eaten one

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.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

When you use a transition, make sure that you choose the one that clearly shows:

• why you like that transition technique

• when the story is set

• how your ideas are related.

• why you are writing the essay.

Some transitions are best for comparing ideas—that is.......

• showing how they are similar.

• showing how they are dissimilar

• showing how they are necessary

• hooking your audience to you claim

Some transitions are helpful for contrasting ideas—

• showing the similarities between them.

• defending them to your audience

• writing your introduction

• showing differences between them.

Decide whether the transitions in the sentences below are showing comparisons or contrasts:

Caryn went to the doctor. Likewise, Lewis visited the doctor for a bad cough.

• comparison

• contrast