Transitions

1. Continue… MENU EXIT Transitions In writing, a transition is the smooth progression from one idea to another. A good transition helps the reader see how ideas are connected.

2. I jumped off the bus when I saw my friend waiting at the stop. I realized I left my bag on the bus. How could a transition improve this paragraph? Click to see a revision PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions In writing, a transition is the smooth progression from one idea to another. A good transition helps the reader see how ideas are connected.

3. The revised paragraph flows better because the transition helps to show the sequence of events. ORIGINAL I jumped off the bus when I saw my friend waiting at the stop. I realized I left my bag on the bus. REVISED I jumped off the bus when I saw my friend waiting at the stop. Later when I looked for my wallet, I realized I had left my bag on the bus. Next PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions In writing, a transition is the smooth progression from one idea to another. A good transition helps the reader see how ideas are connected.

4. MENU EXIT Transitions Transitions can signal different types of relationships. Click the transitional relationship you want to explore. MENU • Sequential Order • Order of Importance • Cause and Effect • Spatial Order • Comparison and Contrast

5. Use transitions like these to show the sequence of time or steps in a process. Next MENU EXIT Transitions Sequential Order first during before second then at the beginning afterwards soon at the same time next finally subsequently last already later

6. Where could you add transitions to help make this sequence clearer? Band practice is always the same. We tune our instruments. We practice songs we are working on, trying to improve our style. We start to learn a new piece, getting as far as we can before the hour is up. We play something we all know well to end on a positive note. Click to see a revision PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Sequential Order

7. These transitions indicate the progression of events during band practice. Band practice is always the same. First, we tune our instruments. Then, we practice songs we are working on, trying to improve our style. Afterward, we start to learn a new piece, getting as far as we can before the hour is up. Finally, we play something we all know well to end on a positive note. Menu PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Sequential Order

8. Next MENU EXIT Transitions Order of Importance Use words like these when you are trying to show the relative importance of people, places, things, or events. • main • more important • most important • least important • first • second • best • worst

9. Where could you add transitions to help show the relative importance of these activities and events? When babysitting, remember that your purpose is to make sure the children stay safe. Plan activities so the children will have fun. Babysitters establish their authority by remaining calm and attentive. Don’t yell or lose your temper. Click to see a revision PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Order of Importance

10. These transitions stress the importance of some actions over other actions. When babysitting, remember that your main purpose is to make sure the children stay safe. Second, plan activities so the children will have fun. Babysitters best establish their authority by remaining calm and attentive. The worst thing you can do is yell or lose your temper. Menu PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Order of Importance

11. Continue… MENU EXIT Transitions Cause and Effect Transitional words can also show a cause-and-effect relationship.

12. As a result, Next PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Cause and Effect Transitional words can also show a cause-and-effect relationship. In this example, the transition clarifies the effect of the first action (the cause). I forgot to set my alarm clock before I went to bed. I overslept and was late for school.

13. Use transitional words and phrases like these to show relationships between events and their results. Next PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Cause and Effect as a result because therefore consequently since thus so for if...then

14. What transitions in this paragraph point to the results that followed the invention of e-mail? The invention of e-mail has had a large impact on the way people communicate. Because of e-mail, people can send messages anywhere in the world quickly and easily—and receive a quick reply. Consequently, people make fewer phone calls and use regular mail less often. Click to see the transitional words PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Cause and Effect

15. What transitions in this paragraph point to the results that followed the invention of e-mail? The invention of e-mail has had a large impact on the way people communicate. Because of e-mail, people can send messages anywhere in the world quickly and easily—and receive a quick reply. Consequently, people make fewer phone calls and use regular mail less often. Click to see the cause-and-effect relationships PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Cause and Effect

16. As a result, Consequently, Menu PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Cause and Effect The transitions highlight the cause-and-effect relationships. E-mail was invented. people send messages anywhere. people make fewer phone calls.

17. Use transitional words and phrases like these when describing details according to their position in space (front to back, near to far, top to bottom, and others). Next MENU EXIT Transitions Spatial Order above beside to the right of past in the other direction below down over behind in front of near under beneath in back of on top of to

18. Which words point out the spatial relationships in this description? When I first saw the renovations at Grand Central Station in New York City, I was impressed by the building’s beauty. Above my head was a ceiling painted with the constellations. Beneath my feet was a polished marble floor, and behind the information desk was an enormous clock. Click to view the transitional words PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Spatial Order

19. Which words point out the spatial relationships in this description? When I first saw the renovations at Grand Central Station in New York City, I was impressed by the building’s beauty. Above my head was a ceiling painted with the constellations. Beneath my feet was a polished marble floor, and behind the information desk was an enormous clock. Menu PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Spatial Order

20. Next MENU EXIT Transitions Comparison and Contrast Use comparison and contrast transitions to signal the similarities and differences between people, places, things, or events. but however unlike in contrast similarly like both each yet although even though on the contrary

21. What words in the paragraph signal the comparisons and contrasts? Many people don’t realize the sun’s rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Both can harm the skin, but they do so in different ways. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause wrinkling and premature aging. Although UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply, they are more damaging because they cause burning and are linked to most skin cancers. Click to view the transitional words PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Comparison and Contrast

22. What words in the paragraph signal the comparisons and contrasts? Many people don’t realize the sun’s rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Both can harm the skin, but they do so in different ways. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause wrinkling and premature aging. Although UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply, they are more damaging because they cause burning and are linked to most skin cancers. Menu PREVIOUS MENU EXIT Transitions Comparison and Contrast