When using transitions, keep in mind that there are subtle differences between transitional words and phrases on the same list. If you are unsure about the precise meaning of a particular word or phrase, consult your dictionary or ask your teacher. Also, while transitions do help to connect ideas in an essay, too many transitions can make writing seen overly formal or stilted. Certain transitions such as hence, moreover, thus, and subsequently may make your writing sound too formal or artificial, which can be distracting to a reader. Formal transitions should be avoided in personal writing and used judiciously even in formal writing.

TRANSITION PRACTICE

Underline any transitional words or phrases in the following passages. Fill in the spaces below each passage with the transitions you find and identify what kind of signal they give.

I. A Chinese Housewife
In Chinese society a housewife should be thrifty in order to help her husband tosupport the family. First of all, she does her housework by herselfand doesn't hire a maid to work with her. Secondly, when she goes shopping, she only spends money on daily necessities and not on junk food. The food which she buys should be healthy food and should not cost too much money. Finally, she can't buy clothes often except when she has to go to a banquet. Mostly she makes her clothes herself and wears them at home. In this way, she saves money.

 
Transition                                      Signal
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II. A Homeless Man
One day, I saw a homeless man in the subway. He was a little bit different from other homeless people. When he came into our car, he started making a speech: how hard hehad tried to find a job, how difficult it was to do so, how hungry he was, and so on. Then he sang a song with a sad low voice. It sounded pitifully throughout the car. Moreover, his speech was so persuasive that people could not help feeling sympathy. As a result, most people there gave him some change, or even a dollar. His paper cup was filled with money in a minute.

 
Transition                                      Signal
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III. The Educational Systems
During my father's generation, the education system was very different. Back in thosedays, most schools were provided by the British. In those days, people had a bettereducation than nowadays because teachers had different ways of teaching. Most of the students were taught by British native teachers. Therefore, they spoke betterEnglish and had high standards in English. Also, they began learning English in primary school. Furthermore, all of the subjects were taught in English. The schools' rules were strictly followed, and they had punishment for every little thing. In my generation, the educational system was far different from my father's. For example, all the subjects were taught in Burmese except for English. I myself and other students from my generation started to learn English in the fifth grade. In the fourth and eighth grades, the final exams are given by the state board of education, and in the tenth grade, the exam is a nation-wide exam. In each grade, we must pass every subject. Otherwise, we must repeat that particular grade. Therefore, it is really hard to graduate from high school. After tenth grade, we can enter college. In the old days, there was no limit in choosing any major or professional field that we wanted. Things are not easy in my generation. The students have fewer opportunities to learn.

 
Transition                                      Signal
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Material adapted from Tapestry Grammar by Deakins, Parry and Viscount. Heinle & Heinle. 1994. Writing passages are from student essays which appeared in Tapestry Grammar. Back to on-line resource file
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