1. Author Tags & Transitions
SCS #1

2. Author Tags

3. Variation and Purpose
When we write about texts, it is important to use DIFFERENT author (or attributive) tags to explain what the writer is saying.
Different author tags show how the points relate to the PURPOSE.
E.g. “claims” tells us the author is making an argument through his idea, so we wouldn’t want to use a verb like “states” to introduce that idea.
Sometimes author tags also indicate the writer’s TONE.

4. Take the next 3-4 minutes to write a list on a piece of paper:
What are some different author tags (verbs) that you might use in your summary? E.g. Argue, Explain…

5. Matching Author Tags to Purpose
Let’s figure out how you could use each author tag. I’ll call on each of you to tell me an author tag and where it belongs in the table (some may belong on the line).
“Strong”
Show the thesis of an argument or describe something that the author is very passionate about.
“Neither strong nor weak”
Describe the supporting points/reasons/main ideas.
“Weak”
Describe less important points such as evidence or examples.

6. Transitions

7. Purpose
Show the relationship between different ideas by using transitions, which act as sign posts for the reader.
Transitions also support the logic of your argument by showing connections between ideas.

8. Organizing and Connecting Ideas
Boring transitions (try to avoid these!)
Showing addition:
Showing contrast
Showing problems, causes and effects:
And
But
First
Second
Third etc
In addition to …
As well as….
Additionally,
Furthermore…
Not only does…
Similarly
Also
Besides
Moreover
However
On the other hand
Although
Nevertheless
While
Despite the previous argument
In spite of
On the one hand … on the other hand
Nonetheless
In contrast
On the contrary
One issue is that…
One point X makes is that…
In addition to this problem…
Another issue is that….
As a result (of this)…
For this reason…
As a consequence of this…
Consequently…
This has led to…
One solution to this would be…
Therefore
Accordingly
Thus
Due to

9. Check Your Portfolio
Is your peer using appropriate and varied author tags? Where could s/he improve?
How clearly is your peer organizing and connecting ideas? How could s/he improve the connections between ideas?
Boring transitions (avoid!)
Showing addition:
Showing contrast
Showing problems, causes and effects:
And
But
First
Second
Third etc
In addition to …
As well as….
Additionally,
Furthermore…
Not only does…
Similarly
Also
Besides
Moreover
However
On the other hand
Although
Nevertheless
While
Despite the previous argument
In spite of
On the one hand … on the other hand
Nonetheless
In contrast
On the contrary
One issue is that…
One point X makes is that…
In addition to this problem…
Another issue is that….
As a result (of this)…
For this reason…
As a consequence of this…
Consequently…
This has led to…
One solution to this would be…
Therefore
Accordingly

10. Burning Questions
On a scrap piece of paper, write 1-2 “burning questions” that you have about A1.
This can be anything you’re unsure about or want to clarify!
You will anonymously put your paper into a bag, so don’t put your name on it!

11. Homework