College Composition / Unit 16 CMP 0383 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Choosing the Right Transition
The idea
Choosing the right transition means naming the relationship between two ideas and then picking a word that states it.
In practice
Work in order. First, read the sentence before the gap and the sentence after it. Second, name the relationship in plain words: the second adds to the first, gives an example of it, contrasts with it, results from it, follows it in time, concedes a point, or sums up. Third, choose a transition from the matching family: in addition for adding, for example for illustrating, however for contrast, therefore for result, then for time, granted for concession, in short for summary. Fourth, read the pair with the transition in place and confirm it states a true relationship. Fifth, if no transition fits, the sentences may be in the wrong order or need rewriting.
Where people slip
On revision items, wrong answer choices are often transitions from the wrong family that sound smooth. Test each by asking what relationship it claims, not whether it reads naturally.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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