2. So, what is a transitional device?

3. A transitional device is a word or a phrase which helps connect your ideas together when you write.

4. Types of Transitional Devices Addition Chronological/Sequence Spatial/Location Illustration/Emphasis Compare and Contrast Cause and Effect/Consequence Summarization

5. Addition These words are used when you want to elaborate, or tell more about your topic. Also Furthermore In addition Moreover Again Another

6. Chronological and Sequential These words tell us in what order events occur. At first, First of All, First, Second, Third… The next step Meanwhile, Later/Earlier Simultaneously, Next/Then After Lastly,

7. Spatial and Location These words tell where something can be located. Above/Below Beyond Elsewhere Nearby On the other side Opposite to To the North, South, East, West Left/Right

8. Illustration/Emphasis These words introduce examples for what we want our readers to know. For example For instance For one thing In fact Clearly Obviously

9. Compare and Contrast These words are used to tell how two or more things are alike or different. In the same way By the same token Instead Likewise On the other hand On the contrary Rather Similarly However Nevertheless

10. Cause and Effect/Consequence These words tell how events and actions relate to one another. Accordingly Although As a result Because Consequently Hence Therefore Thus

11. Summarization These words help to tie together ideas near the end of a paragraph or composition. All in all Briefly In any case In conclusion In short In summary Up to this point To sum it up Finally

12. So, how do transitional devices work? By inserting a transition word, these two ideas can form as one. Mark and I went to the concert. Mom made dinner. How can these sentences come together?

13. Before Mark and I went to the concert, Mom made dinner. Mom made dinner after Mark and I went to the concert. Mom made dinner while Mark and I went to the concert. Mark and I went to the concert. Later, Mom made dinner. First, Mom made dinner. Then, Mark and I went to the concert.

14. Let’s try it together! Michelle did not study for her test. She made a bad grade.

15. Try this one on your own. He knows everyone. He is the Student Council president.

16. Let’s write about it! Pick ONE of the topics listed below, and write a persuasive paragraph, using as many transitional words as you can! 1) Who is the best singer/writer/dancer/performer/athlete? 2) What is the best sport for losing weight? 3) What is the best cartoon on television? 4) Which is better, chocolate or vanilla? 5) What is the best kind of music? 6) Who is the greatest person to have ever lived? 7) Which kind of animal makes the best pet? 8) Which is more beautiful, sunrise or sunset? 9) Which is more important, the ability to speak well or write well? 10) Is it better to be an only child or to have brothers and/or sisters?