Transitions connect ideas:

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.

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.

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. . . .

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.

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

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

Some transitions are helpful for contrasting ideas—

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.

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

Seattle is known for its rainy weather. Similarly, the weather in Portland is rainy.

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

Jane loves orange juice. On the other hand, Cynthia likes flavored water better.

Other transitions can be used to show cause-and-effect relationships. What is the transition in the cause- and-effect text below?

When my friends Julia and Karina slept over on Friday night, we stayed up all night. As a result, I slept all day Saturday.

Other transitions can be used to describe order of importance. What part of the text below is a transition in the order of importance text?

There are many reasons to do community service. To begin with, it lets you experience new challenges. More importantly, you are helping others, so everyone feels great.

Other transitions can be used to indicate spatial relationships. What part of the spatial relationship text below is a transition?

From the outside, the little house appeared perfectly neat and tidy. Inside, it was another story.

Read the sentence and match the transition that best combines the sentences.

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

Read the sentence and match the transition that best combines the sentences.

Lela opened the window _____ the house could air out.

Read the sentence and match the transition that best combines the sentences.

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

Read the sentence and match the transition that best combines the sentences.

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

Often, you will have a choice of which transition to use. Be sure to pick one that properly connects the two ideas.

Which of these transitions logically connects these two ideas? ( choose all that apply.)

Swimming is good exercise and causes fewer injuries to your joints. Learning to swim can prevent drowning.

Which of the following sentences uses a transition?

(1) In a rush to get to play rehearsal, Ellen threw her books into her locker. (2) She couldn't wait to work on her scene. (3) Alex, on the other hand, took much longer. (4) He had forgotten to practice his lines last night.

Which transition could you use to combine the ideas in the third and fourth sentences?

(1) In a rush to get to play rehearsal, Ellen threw her books into her locker. (2) She couldn't wait to work on her scene. (3) Alex, on the other hand, took much longer. (4) He had forgotten to practice his lines last night.

Which of the following sentences includes a transition?

(1) Schools have an important role in teaching students how to eat right. (2) Students should study the benefits of a nutritious, well-balanced diet in health class. (3) The school cafeteria should offer students a variety of healthy food options. (4)As a result, students will begin to develop healthier eating habits.

Which transition should begin Sentence 3 to show how this sentence relates to Sentence 2?

(1) Schools have an important role in teaching students how to eat right. (2) Students should study the benefits of a nutritious, well-balanced diet in health class. (3) The school cafeteria should offer students a variety of healthy food options. (4)As a result, students will begin to develop healthier eating habits.

When should you use transitions in your writing?