Transitions

1. Transitions • Transitions are very important words and phrases used to link one idea to the next, one sentence to the next, or one paragraph to next. They are used to create coherence in our compositions and permit smoother reading. Without them, our writing may be choppy and provide no relationships between ideas. • Ex: I love pizza alot. I dislike anchovies. • Ex with Transition: I love pizza; however, I dislike anchovies. .

2. Types of Transitions • There are many operational uses of Transitions: • A. To add: moreover, in addition, furthermore • B. To contrast: however, on the contrary, on the other hand • C. To exemplify: for example, for instance, namely, such as. • D. To emphasize: indeed, in fact, truly • E. To conclude: finally, in sum, in conclusion, in brief

3. Example of The Difference • Original Sentence: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students. Most colleges provide services designed to help students. They include peer tutoring and personal counseling. Colleges need to provide more services to help students succeed. • Revised with transitions: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students. Therefore, most colleges provide services designed to help students, such as peer tutoring and personal counseling. However, colleges need to do more to help students succeed.

4. Problems to Avoid • 1. Use the appropriate transitions: • Example: George's wife stands at the window and looks out at the rain falling on the empty streets. For example, she sees a cat huddled under a table in the rain. (“Consequently” would be more appropriate.) • 2. Do not overuse transitions: • Example: Writing an essay can be challenging. However, there are techniques that can make the process a little easier. For example, taking plenty of notes on the subject can help the writer generate ideas. Therefore, note-taking is an important "pre-writing" strategy. In addition, some people "free-write," writing quickly for ten or twenty minutes to see what ideas arise.

5. Punctuation with Transitions • Add a comma after a transitional word that begins a sentence, (i.e. First, Finally, Moreover,) = T, I or I;T,I • Enclose the transitional with commas if the transitional word functions as an interruption. • Do not a comma after transitional words that are subordinating conjunctions, i.e. because, after, although…(explain D,I rule).

6. Practice, Handouts, and Games • Guided Practice: • Go over website exercises individually and collectively. • http://cordovla.weebly.com/grammar-and-writing-resources.html • Independent Practice • Have students review one of their paragraphs and add or delete transitions where necessary. Have students read their revised paragraphs to a partner.

7. Q&A • Always simplify instruction! • Modify instruction based on skills levels and understanding. • Define, exemplify, model, and provide guided practice, and independent practice. • Provide different instructional modes: discussions, group work, powerpoints, etc.