Mastering Transitions in Writing

Imagine you're in a debate club with Jared, Trey, and Hong. Which of the following transitional phrases would you use to show contrast between two of their ideas?

• In addition

• On the other hand

• For example

• As a result

Answer explanation

The phrase 'On the other hand' is used to indicate a contrast between two ideas, making it the correct choice. The other options either add information or provide examples, rather than showing contrast.

Christian was exhausted after a long day of classes; nevertheless, he decided to join Jared and Janessa for a study session. What type of transition is used in this sentence?

• Addition

• Contrast

• Cause and effect

• Time

Answer explanation

The transition 'nevertheless' indicates a contrast between being tired and continuing to work. This shows that despite her fatigue, she persisted, highlighting the opposing ideas in the sentence.

Janessa was burning the midnight oil, preparing for her big math exam. Which transitional phrase would best connect these two sentences? "She studied hard for the exam. She passed with flying colors."

• However

• Consequently

• Similarly

• Meanwhile

Answer explanation

The phrase 'Consequently' best connects the two sentences, indicating that his hard study directly led to his success in passing the exam with flying colors. The other options do not convey this cause-and-effect relationship.

Imagine you're helping Trey with a fun science project. What type of transition is used in the sentence: "First, we need to gather all the materials."

• Sequence

• Comparison

• Cause and effect

• Contrast

Answer explanation

The transition word "First" indicates a sequence of actions, showing that gathering materials is the initial step. This clearly identifies the type of transition as Sequence.

Hong and Janessa were all set for a fun day out, but the weather had other plans. The sky turned grey and the rain poured down. _______, they decided to cancel the picnic and stay indoors with hot cocoa instead.

• In contrast

• Therefore

• For instance

• Similarly

Answer explanation

The correct transitional phrase is 'Therefore' because it indicates a conclusion based on the previous statement about the terrible weather, leading to the decision to cancel the picnic.

Janessa was curious about how things work. Which sentence uses a transition to show a cause-and-effect relationship?

• She loves to read; for example, she reads every night.

• Christian was late because he missed the bus.

• In contrast, the weather was sunny yesterday.

• Similarly, both brothers enjoy playing soccer.

Answer explanation

The sentence "He was late because he missed the bus" clearly shows a cause-and-effect relationship, where missing the bus is the cause of being late.

Imagine you're in a science class with Jared and Christian, and the teacher asks: "In conclusion, the experiment was a success." What type of transition is being used here?

• Addition

• Conclusion

• Example

• Contrast

Answer explanation

The phrase 'In conclusion' signals that the sentence summarizes the findings of the experiment, indicating a conclusion. Therefore, the transition type is 'Conclusion', which is the correct choice.

Scarlett was excited to watch the new blockbuster, but it turned out to be a disappointment. _______, she decided to leave the theater early and meet up with Rohan and Arjun for ice cream instead.

• For instance

• As a result

• In addition

• Similarly

Answer explanation

The phrase 'As a result' indicates a consequence of her dislike for the movie, leading to her decision to leave early. The other options do not convey this cause-and-effect relationship.

Jared was confident about the experiment's outcome. However, what type of transition is used in the sentence: "On the contrary, the results were unexpected."

• Addition

• Contrast

• Example

• Sequence

Answer explanation

The phrase "On the contrary" indicates a shift in perspective, highlighting a difference between expected and actual results. This clearly shows a contrast, making "Contrast" the correct choice.

Imagine you're in a classroom with Samuel, Aiden, and Abigail. Which of the following sentences uses a transition to add more information to the conversation?

• He was tired; however, he kept working.

• She is not only smart but also very kind.

• In conclusion, the project was a success.

• As a result, they won the game.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'She is not only smart but also very kind.' uses the transition 'not only... but also' to add information about her qualities, making it the correct choice for adding information.