Transition Signals Why do we need them? Different types Punctuation Practice

Why do I need them? Transition signals make it easy for the reader to follow your ideas. They are like a road map for the reader, telling them how your ideas are related. Transition signals help the reader to know when you are giving a similar idea, an opposite idea, an example, a conclusion, etc.

Read this paragraph: When Marcita takes an exam, she follows a certain procedure. She tries to find a seat in the room away from others. She might sit at the back of the room or sit in the front row. She gets her supplies ready: pencils, pens, and paper. Sometimes she brings things like a calculator or textbook if the instructor permits them. She sits quietly for a moment before the test begins. She does this to relax and clear her mind.

Now compare it to this one: When Marcita takes an exam, she follows a certain procedure. First of all, she tries to find a seat in the room away from others. She might sit at the back of the room, for example, or sit in the front row. Then, she gets her supplies ready, such as pencils, pens, and paper. Sometimes she brings things like a calculator or textbook if the instructor permits them. Finally, she sits quietly for a moment before the test begins because it relaxes her and clears her mind.

Types of Transition Signals Transitions – also called “sentence connectors” Coordinators – FANBOYS Subordinators – although, because, when, since, if, etc. Others – Prepositions, Adjectives, Verbs

Different signals for different purposes addition comparison contrast example time order cause effect conclusion

Punctuation! Transitions - Usually at the beginning of a sentence. - Can also be at the end or in the middle. - Always separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. - Used with a semi-colon and comma to join two independent clauses.

Transitions: Punctuation Examples However, sleeping too much can be detrimental to your health. Sleeping too much, however, can be detrimental to your health. Sleeping too much can be detrimental to your health, however. It’s important to get enough sleep; however, sleeping too much can be detrimental to your health.

Punctuation! Coordinators Always used with a comma when they join two independent clauses. Example: I want to study art, but my parents want me to become an engineer. The company’s sales increased last year, so everyone got a raise.

Punctuation! Subordinators Introduce a dependent clause The dependent clause can be before the independent clause  use a comma after it. The dependent clause can be after the independent clause  do NOT use a comma

Subordinators: Punctuation Examples Although I love my mother-in-law, I don’t want to live with her. I like living in Seattle because I enjoy the beautiful scenery. Because I ride the bus to school, I am sometimes late for class.

Choose a transition to complete the paragraph: Lie detector tests are often used by police to help determine guilt or innocence. _______, these tests often are not very accurate, so they can not be used in court.

Direct exposure to sunlight is dangerous because the ultra-violet rays can lead to skin cancer. __________, tanning booths, because they also transmit ultra-violet light, are just as dangerous as sunlight.

In the event of a heart attack, it is important to first identify the symptoms. _______, call 911 or drive to the nearest emergency room.

Which transition signals will you use to write your observation paragraphs?