Sentence FluencySentence FluencySentence FluencySentence Fluency

Transitions and PunctuationTransitions and Punctuation

Some notes on Transitions

• Without transitions, your writing does not flow smoothly. Transitions are words and phrases that serve as bridges from on idea to the next, one sentence to the next, or one paragraph to the next. They keep the reader from having to find his or her own way and possibly getting lost in the reading.

• Transitions can also be looked at as the glue that hold your ideas together. They are very important. Too many transitions can cause as much confusion as too few.

• Therefore, you don't necessarily need a transition between every idea or every sentence, but there will be times when they are essential to you as you become fluent writers.

What are some of the most commonly used transitions?

1. . Look over the list of transitions you have just been given. Circle the ones you are familiar with.

2. Using these transitions, fill in the blanks to make the sentences connect logically and with good flow.

Transitions (Bicycle Helmets)

3. Read over the entire piece once you are finished filling in the transitions.

• Do your choices connect the ideas?

• Does the information flow logically.

Class Poll• Question: Is it easier to place

transitions in your own writing than in somebody else’s?

• Yes?• No?• Be ready to provide reasons…

Types of Transitions• Many transitions can be categorized

according to what they are used for. Some are used to show place and time, to set up an example, to compare and contrast, to show cause and effect, to reference a previous idea, to wrap up or review, to add a thought, or to clarify. Try categorizing the transitions on the sheet you were given.

Practice in Splicing• On the sheet you have just been given

there are pairs of sentences that need your help…they are missing their connection. Splice these ideas together using a word or phrase that shows how they are connected. You may restructure the sentences any way you wish, including turning two sentences into one.

Up for DebateWhich of the following do you agree with?

1. A missing transition is like a missing link in the chain; the flow of information is broken.

2. The real purpose of transitions is to add an air of seriousness and importance to your writing.

3. Transitions have little to do with sentence fluency. They are an element of

4. The use of transitions is subtle buisness. They should be like automatic doors, opening quietly, guiding the reader along.

Sentence Fluency Strategy: Using Parallel

Structure to Create Emphasis

• Parallel structure is the repeated use of the same pattern of words, phrases, or clauses to express parallel ideas. Example:

awkward: She is smart, generous, and excels at music.Better: She is smart, generous, and musical.

Parallel Structure• Sentences with parallel structure sound

rhythmic and balanced. • Writers often use parallel structure to

emphasize ideas. They achieve this by purposely repeating grammatical patterns, sentence structures, or even actual words, phrases, or sentences.

For Example:Suppose a writer wants to emphasize the wonderful qualities of Rolf the dog.

Instead of writing in a jumbled way like this:

Not many things could frighten Rolf the dog, plus when it came to affection it was part of his nature, and best of all, if he had a specialty, it had to be how good he was at solving problems.

• The writer makes all three clauses conform to the same structure like this:

Rolf the dog seemed totally fearless, naturally affectionate, and downright gifted at solving problems.

One to try:• Jumbled: Edgar Allan Poe was known

for his heavy drinking, plus he wrote poetry, and how he suffered in his personal life.

• Parallel:

• Complete sheet on parallel structure.

Up for DebateWhich of the following do you agree with?1. The reader has to take some responsibility for creating

fluency. After all, a writer can write and punctuate beautifully, but if the reader doesn’t read the text with care and expressiveness, all sense of fluency will be lost.

2. Strong fluency enhances voice, and that’s one reason it’s important for any informational piece that you want readers to actually read.

3. Parallel structure gives even informational writing the feel of poetry. Readers will love it even if they don’t know why.

4. The author at the beginning of this lesson, Austin Bunn, got by with a 60-word sentence because he’s a polished, skilled professional. Most people shouldn’t even attempt sentences over 20 words in length. That’s one good way to improve fluency right there.

Punctuation Poll• Which is the most commonly used

punctuation?• Why do you think this is?• What is your favorite punctuation to

use? Why?• What punctuation confuses you?• Do you have any burning questions

about punctuation?