What are Transitional Markers? They are words and phrases that are used to connect sentences and paragraphs. They help ideas flow smoothly from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph.

A paragraph without transitional markers is like:

We want our paragraphs to be organized:

… for that, we need

Types of Transitional Markers Transitional markers can indicate: Additions Cause & Effect Time (Chronology & Order of importance) Comparison and Contrast

Where do we find them in sentences? Transitional markers are usually found at the beginning of sentences and they are followed by a comma.

Now, Let’s meet Sophie… She loves apple She likes to ride a horse She enjoys movies Spends most of her time in her bed room

Sophie is a beautiful girl. She loves eating apple. In addition, she enjoys riding a horse and watching movies. Besides, she likes spending most of her time in her beautiful bedroom.

Additions Transitional markers that signal additional ideas include: Additionally, In addition, Moreover, Furthermore, Also, Besides, etc.

Sophie only likes to have fun, so… She’s always sleepy in class Look what she’s got! She cried and cried Her mom also feels so sad for Sophie

Cause & Effect What happened to Sophie? Why? Now, write at least 2 sentences about Sophie using the following transition words that signal cause and effect. As a result, For this reason, Consequently, Hence,

Sophie likes to have fun. As a result, She failed in all her courses. Sophie failed in all her courses. For this reason, she felt so sad. Sophie was very sad. Consequently, her mom wanted to comfort her.

Sophie needs to do three things now? To have more time to study. To go to bed early so that she won’t feel sleepy in class. To ask for help when things are not clear to her. Write three sentences sequentially. What does she do first, second, and third?

Time/Sequence You can use the following transitional markers: First, firstly, First of all Second, secondly, Third, thirdly, Meanwhile, in the mean time, Lastly, finally, Next,

Firstly, Sophie needs to have more time to study. Secondly, she has go to bed early so that she won’t feel sleepy in class. Thirdly, she needs to ask for help when things are not clear to her.

Meet Julie, Sophie’s friend She likes reading She loves chocolate Enjoys listening to music Spends most of her time in her bed room

Compare and Contrast Are Sophie and Julie the same? Comparing Write the things that makes them similar Are they different? Contrasting Write the things that makes them different

Likes listening to music Enjoys reading books Sophie Julie Loves chocolates Likes listening to music Enjoys reading books Loves to spend her time in her bedroom Loves apples Likes riding a horse Enjoys watching movies Loves to spend her time in her bedroom

Here are some transitional markers for : Comparison Contrast Similarly, In contrast, Likewise, However, In the same way, Nevertheless, Equally, On the other hand

Compare your sentences Read them out loud Comparison Sophie spends most of her time in her bedroom. Similarly, Julie likes to spend her time in her bedroom. Contrast Sophie enjoys watching movies. In contrast, Julie loves listening to music.

Caution !!! Do not overuse transitional makers – do not put them at the beginning of every sentence. Do not misuse them: Oranges are good for health. However, they are good for skin. [wrong] Oranges are good for health. In addition, they are good for skin. [correct]

Worksheet I. Match the sentences on the yellow paper strips with those on the white paper strips.

Answer Key The exam was difficult; however, we all passed. My cat loves to play with toys. Similarly, it likes to sleep on my feet. The company is laying-off staff. In addition, it is closing its branch on Salwa Road. The summer has been exceptionally hot. As a result, we couldn’t go swimming as much as we wanted to. Cooking pasta dishes is not that difficult. First, you should get everything you need ready.

Worksheet II. Correct the misused transitions in the following sentences Their mother had a cold; however, the entire family cancelled their boat trip. The book was interesting. As a result, it was hard to read. Mariam earned an A on the test. In sum, her friend Iman earned an A. John and Mark are brothers. John is tall and sportive. Similarly, Mark is short and chubby. We moved the chairs before the rain started. In contrast, we covered them with plastics in case of leakage.

Answer Key As a result However Similarly In contrast In addition

Worksheet III Rewrite the paragraph by adding transitional words I work for a private business company. I have a part-time teaching job at a primary school. I am happy that I have two jobs. My family doesn’t like the fact that I am very busy. They say that I don’t have enough time to spend with them. Every time I get home, almost everyone in the family complains. I have now decided to give up my part-time job.

Revised I work for a private business company. In addition, I have a part-time teaching job at a primary school. I am happy that I have two jobs. However, my family doesn’t like the fact that I am very busy. They say that I don’t have enough time to spend with them. Every time I get home, almost everyone in the family complains. Therefore, I have now decided to give up my part-time job.

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