Author Tags & Transitions SCS #1

Author Tags

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.

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…

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.  

Transitions

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.

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

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

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!

Homework