MIX IT UP!

Using a Variety of Transitions

inYour Writing

TIME AND SEQUENCEWhen listing two or more things or ideas, you can any one of the following transitional words or phrases:

Then (use this once only!) First Second Next Also In addition After Before Last

FOR EXAMPLE…Instead of:The girl put on her clothes. Then she ate

breakfast. Then she brushed her teeth. Then she went outside to go wait for her bus.

Try this:First, the girl put on her clothes. Then, she ate

breakfast and brushed her teeth before heading outside to wait for the bus.

Or this:Before heading outside to wait for the bus, the

girl put on her clothes, ate breakfast and brushed her teeth.

TIME AND SEQUENCE CONTINUEDSome of these are a bit more sophisticated, but don’t be afraid to try them!

Currently Previously, In the past Earlier Soon Meanwhile Later on At last Ultimately finally

FOR EXAMPLE…Instead of:Sara is late to school all the time. She has a

hard time waking up in the morning. Her mom used to wake her up. She decided to buy herself an alarm clock.

Try this:Sara is late to school all the time because she

has a hard time waking up in the morning. In the past, her mom woke her up, but ultimately it’s her responsibility. She finally decided it was time to buy herself an alarm clock.

SHOWING AND PROVINGTry these transitional words and phrases when you are using evidence to back up what you have to say. For example For instance Specifically Particularly As illustrated As the author states As is evident (or evidently) As is proven Case in point As confirmed Additionally

FOR EXAMPLE…Instead of this:Tim changed a lot because of the war. He had

to take care of the tavern after Father was kidnapped. He had to become the man of the house. He had to see things no child should have to see. He witnessed the beheading of Ned.

Try this:Tim changed a lot because of the war. For

example, he had to take care of the tavern and become the man of the house after Father was kidnapped. Additionally, he had to see things no child should have to see, such as the beheading of Ned.

TO ADD EMPHASISUse these to hammer your point home!

Keep in mind A major concern Obviously, clearly, apparently Certainly, undoubtedly, unquestionably Above all More importantly Primarily, chiefly, mainly Moreover, furthermore First and foremost Mostly, for the most part

FOR EXAMPLE…

Instead of this:During the Salem witch trials, many people

were unfairly named as witches. They were tried and put in jail. Many people were executed. Some lost everything they had.

Try this:During the Salem witch trials, many people

were unfairly named as witches. This was a major concern because they were tried, put in jail and executed. Moreover, many people lost everything they had.

CHANGE OF DIRECTIONSometimes we need to shift the focus of our writing in order to make a point.

But However, while although Yet In contrast Conversely Otherwise On the other hand On the contrary Thus far

FOR EXAMPLE…Instead of this:In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, Walter wants

the insurance money so he can open up a liquor store. Bennie wants the money so she can go to school and become a doctor. Mama wants to use the money to buy a house.

Try this:In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, Walter wants

the insurance money so he can open up a liquor store, while Bennie wants it to go to school and become a doctor. On the other hand, Mama wants to use the money to buy a house.

CONCLUSIONWrapping up your ideas and your paper…

In conclusion In summary To conclude In closing Therefore As a result Thus, hence, so Finally consequently

FOR EXAMPLE…Instead of this:At the end of the story Walter decides to act

like a man. He doesn’t take the money from Mr. Lindner. Mama, Ruth and Bennie are so proud of him. Walter is at peace with his decision.

Try this:Finally, Walter decides to act like a man and

refuses to take the money from Mr. Lindner. As a result, Mama, Ruth and Bennie are proud of him. Ultimately, he is at peace with his decision.

USING GOOD WRITING TRANSITIONS MAKE YOUR ESSAY

FLOWWWWW!

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