Using Transition Words and Phrases in Informational Writing Grade 5 Copyright © 2015 by Write Score LLC

Getting Started… We are going to practice using common transition words and phrases to move from one idea to the next, both within and between paragraphs in our informational essays. Transition words and phrases can be used in the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. When deciding where to add transition words, we want to:  Read the paragraph.  Read it again, sentence by sentence.  Ask, where could a transition word or phrase be added? Remember, a transition word or phrase moves readers from one part of an informational essay to the next.

Let’s Look at This List…

What Transition Word or Phrase Should I Add? 1. I wanted to have another cookie, ­­­__________ I knew it would spoil my dinner. 2. My uncle came to visit, __________ they were remodeling his house. 3. When you first join a gym, you should be careful. __________ don’t try to do too much at first. 4. Bob looked everywhere for his kitten; __________ he found her in a tree. 5. Sally never missed a day of school last year. __________ she won an award for perfect attendance and a gift certificate for free pizza.

Do You Agree? 1. I wanted to have another cookie, however I knew it would spoil my dinner. 2. My uncle came to visit, because they were remodeling his house. 3. When you first join a gym, you should be careful. For instance, don’t try to do too much at first. 4. Bob looked everywhere for his kitten; finally, he found her in a tree. 5. Sally never missed a day of school last year. Consequently, she won an award for perfect attendance and a gift certificate for free pizza.

Remember… Carefully choose only a few places to add them in… Not all sentences need to be connected with a transition word or phrase!

Your Turn to Try! You are going to do what I just did for the next few sentences. Open to a clean page in your writer’s notebook. Follow these directions… Read each sentence carefully. Rewrite each, filling in the blanks with a transition from the chart that seems most appropriate. Several choices could be correct. Capitalize and/or punctuate when necessary.

6. It was pouring down rain. __________ Mom went to start the car __________ she gathered all of us in the back seat. 7. I would like to be able to play outside with my friends every night; __________ I have too much homework. 8. It was cold, windy, and damp. __________ we decided to stay inside by the fire. 9. My brother borrowed my skateboard without asking. __________ to breaking his arm when he fell from it, my parents grounded him. 10. My sister stayed up too late last night watching horror movies; __________ she overslept and was late for school.