Page 144 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade7_Flipbook

Activities 2.4, 2.12
Lesson: Transitions Learning Targets
• Use transitions to create cohesion and clarity.
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English punctuation when writing.
Transitions help the reader understand connections between ideas. Think of transitions as signposts that tell readers where sentences are going. Transitions also help you vary sentence beginnings and sentence structures.
Transitions can be used to indicate chronological order or the sequence of events:
First, mix the butter and eggs. Then, add the flour and salt. Last, add the baking powder.
Transitions can also be used to introduce examples or evidence:
Zac has diverse theatrical talents. For instance, he can sing and dance, build and paint sets, and memorize
lines quickly.
The puppets are not finished yet. In fact, you can see that the build crew hasn’t begun work. Transitions can also tell a reader whether the next idea will express a similar or different idea:
Michelle is willing to help out. Also, Jose said he could lend a hand.
The meal is not ready yet. However, you can see that it is almost done.
A transition that comes at the beginning of a sentence or clause is generally followed by a comma.
Go straight at the cross street. Next, look for Holiday Drive.
When you see the water tower, you are almost there. Finally, turn right at Rock Cove. Clauses that are joined by a semicolon often use this pattern:
clause + semicolon + transition + comma + clause
I didn’t say to turn left; in fact, I specifically said to go straight.
I’m afraid we will be late; however, we do need to stop to buy gas for the car.
Check Your Understanding
Write one or two paragraphs explaining how to do something or how to get somewhere. Use at least five transitions in your directions.
Grammar Activities • Unit 2 3
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