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

2. Transitions
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How could a transition improve this paragraph?
I jumped off the bus when I saw my friend waiting at the stop. I
realized I left my bag on the bus.
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Click to see a revision
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. Transitions
MENU EXIT
The revised paragraph flows better because the transition
helps to show the sequence of events.
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Next
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.
I jumped off the bus when I saw my friend waiting at the stop. I
realized I left my bag on the bus.
ORIGINAL
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. Transitions can signal different types of relationships.
Click the transitional relationship you want to explore.
MENU EXIT
MENU
Transitions
• Sequential Order
• Order of Importance
• Cause and Effect
• Spatial Order
• Comparison and Contrast

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

7. MENU EXIT
Sequential Order
Transitions
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.
PREVIOUS
Menu

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

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Order of Importance
Transitions
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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.
Where could you add transitions to help show the relative
importance of these activities and events?
Click to see a revision

10. MENU EXIT
Order of Importance
Transitions
PREVIOUS
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.
These transitions stress the importance of some actions
over other actions.
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11. MENU EXIT
Cause and Effect
Transitions
Transitional words can also show a cause-and-effect
relationship.
Continue…

12. MENU EXIT
Cause and Effect
Transitions
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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.As a result,
Next
Transitional words can also show a cause-and-effect
relationship.

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

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Cause and Effect
Transitions
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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.
What transitions in this paragraph point to the results that
followed the invention of e-mail?
Click to see the transitional words

15. MENU EXIT
Cause and Effect
Transitions
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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.
What transitions in this paragraph point to the results that
followed the invention of e-mail?
Click to see the cause-and-effect relationships

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

17. MENU EXIT
Spatial Order
Transitions
Next
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).
above
below
behind
beneath
beside
down
in front of
in back of
to the right of
in the other direction
near
on top of to
under
over
past

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Spatial Order
Transitions
Click to view the transitional words
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.
Which words point out the spatial relationships in this
description?
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19. MENU EXIT
Spatial Order
Transitions
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.
Which words point out the spatial relationships in this
description?
Menu
PREVIOUS

20. MENU EXIT
Comparison and Contrast
Transitions
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
Next

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Comparison and Contrast
Transitions
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.
What words in the paragraph signal the comparisons and
contrasts?
Click to view the transitional words
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22. MENU EXIT
Comparison and Contrast
Transitions
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.
What words in the paragraph signal the comparisons and
contrasts?
Menu
PREVIOUS