1. Opinion Organization:
Transitions
Grade 4
Copyright © 2014 by Write Score LLC

2. Why use transition words/phrases?
Transition words/phrases create organization within an opinion piece.
Transition words/phrases connect the writer’s opinion with the reasons that support the opinion.
Transition words/phrases help add on to or connect thinking.
Transition words/phrases help the reader of the piece keep track of the writer’s thinking.

3. Today’s Tasks:
Identify transition words/phrases within a piece of writing.
Add transition words/phrases within a piece of writing.
Use transition words/phrases within your own writing.
Because
Also
However

4. Transition words/phrases
Organizational Transition Words/Phrases
Transition Words/Phrases
to Add On
to Conclude
The first reason…
The second reason…
The final reason…
In my opinion __________ because….
Another reason _________ is because…
The most important reason __________ is because…
In my experience…
For example…
Also…
In addition…
Furthermore…
In order to…
For instance…
However…
As a result…
Therefore…
In conclusion…
Finally…
As a result…

5. Let’s read The Best Kind of Pet
Are you thinking about getting a new pet? There are many different kinds of pets that are good for kids, but a dog is the best! A dog is a great pet for a kid to have because dogs teach kids to be responsible, they help kids to have a healthier life, and they can be a kid’s best friend.
In my experience, dogs are wonderful for teaching kids to be responsible. Dogs need a lot of care. For example, dogs need to be fed, walked, and cleaned up after. Also, they need to be given baths and have checkups at the vet. I have a Golden Retriever named Rex who has helped me to learn responsibility. Every morning before school I feed my dog, Rex, in addition to making sure he has plenty of water. On the weekends, I give Rex a bath outside in the backyard. As a result of taking care of Rex, I’ve become a much more responsible person.

6. Another reason I consider a dog the best pet for a kid is a dog is a great way to help kids be healthier. I think this because dogs need a lot of exercise and they can’t really do it alone. Most kids hate exercising because it can be really boring. However, kids who have dogs get a lot of exercise because they take their dog for a walk, play fetch, or play chase every day. Just look at me! I have super strong arm muscles because my dog, Rex, likes to play fetch and tug-of-war all the time. Sometimes we play for hours at the park and the whole time I’m running and throwing and building a healthier body!
A dog can be a kid’s best friend, too. Dogs are better than a best friend at school because a dog lives with you! He can’t change his mind and decide not to be your friend anymore or have dumb arguments with you. Rex loves to watch the same TV shows as me. He lets me read to him at night. Rex is a great listener. I tell him when I’m scared or worried or unhappy about something and he never acts bored! Rex is my very best friend!
When you are trying to decide what pet to get remember that if you want your kid to learn responsibility, be healthy and have great friends, then a dog is the best choice!

7. What transition words/phrases does the author use?
The Best Kind of Pet
Are you thinking about getting a new pet? There are many different kinds of pets that are good for kids, but a dog is the best! A dog is a great pet for a kid to have because dogs teach kids to be responsible, they help kids to have a healthier life, and they can be a kid’s best friend.
In my experience, dogs are wonderful for teaching kids to be responsible. Dogs need a lot of care. For example, dogs need to be fed, walked, and cleaned up after. Also, they need to be given baths and have checkups at the vet. I have a Golden Retriever named Rex who has helped me to learn responsibility. Every morning before school I feed my dog, Rex, in addition to making sure he has plenty of water. On the weekends, I give Rex a bath outside in the backyard. As a result of taking care of Rex, I’ve become a much more responsible person.

8. What transition words/phrases does the author use?
Another reason I consider a dog the best pet for a kid is a dog is a great way to help kids be healthier. I think this because dogs need a lot of exercise and they can’t really do it alone. Most kids hate exercising because it can be really boring. However, kids who have dogs get a lot of exercise because they take their dog for a walk, play fetch, or play chase every day. Just look at me! I have super strong arm muscles because my dog, Rex, likes to play fetch and tug-of-war all the time. Sometimes we play for hours at the park and the whole time I’m running and throwing and building a healthier body!

9. What transition words/phrases
COULD the author use?
A dog can be a kid’s best friend, too. Dogs are better than a best friend at school because a dog lives with you! He can’t change his mind and decide not to be your friend anymore or have dumb arguments with you. Rex loves to watch the same TV shows as me. He lets me read to him at night. Rex is a great listener. I tell him when I’m scared or worried or unhappy about something and he never acts bored! Rex is my very best friend!
When you are trying to decide what pet to get
remember that if you want your kid to learn
responsibility, be healthy and have great friends,
then a dog is the best choice!

10. Independent Practice
Choose an opinion piece in your notebook that lacks transition words/phrases.
Identify where transition words/phrases could be added.
Revise your opinion piece and add
appropriate transition words/phrases.