Transitions in Narrative Writing

Why do we use transitions?

• To make us mess up

• To make the writing flow

• to be mean

• Because we want to

____________I didn't like to spend time reading in class, but I enjoy it now.

• next
• eventually
• overall
• initially

Most animals sleep like people do; they lie down. ____________ birds and horses sleep while standing up!

• For example
• Likewise
• However
• Where

A good homework space is well-lit, with paper and pencils. _________, it is quiet and distraction free.

• However
• In addition
• All in all
• Although

My brother is my best friend. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help me. ______, the other day he helped me study until 1:00 AM.

• For example
• Additionally
• As a result
• Furthermore

To show a chronological event (movement in time), use a transition like:

• also, another, like, too, in comparison
• first, next, before, now, finally
• besides, in addition, for example, furthermore
• as a result, because, since, so , therefore

To show an addition (more information), use a transition like:

• obviously, clearly, evidently
• as a result, because, since, so
• besides, for example, furthermore
• but, yet, although, though

To show cause and effect (how and why things happen), use a transition like:

• besides, for example, also, furthermore
• first, next, before, later, finally
• also, another, like, in comparison
• as a result, since, consequently, because

To show an ending, use a transition like:

• for instance, such as, like
• finally, in conclusion, lastly
• although, furthermore, besides
• first, next, later, after

To show an example (detail), use a transition like:

• like, such as, for example, for instance
• finally, lastly, in conclusion
• but, yet, although, though
• also, another, in comparison, too