Transitions
Transitions and Organizational Patterns
Part 1
Writers don’t let their thoughts wander aimlessly. They think logically. They organize details in patterns. In the written language these patterns help you follow ideas more easily and, therefore, improve your understanding of the text. Authors use transition words and phrases to create patterns within their writing. The following are common patterns of organization and transitions used in writing. Time Order/Process Pattern Ideas or events are presented in the order they occur. Sequences are told through dates, times, or numbers. Processes are explained through steps or stages. Time Order/Process Transition Words: first, second, later, next, as soon as, after, then, finally, meanwhile, last, during, when, by the time, over time, until, step, stage, method, procedure, how to Example: When Althea first began to drink, she just did not realize the risks she faced. Over time, her drinking slowly but surely took total control of her life. The transition words when, first, and over time indicate a sequence in Althea’s life. Listing Pattern Items are named or listed as the details, and the order of the details is not important. Listing Transition Words: first, second, third, another, also, too, finally, several, numerals (1,2,3 ), letters (a,b,c) Example: One way to overcome boredom is by turning on the television. Another way is to read a good book. The author is presenting a list of two ways to overcome boredom. The transition words one and another indicate the two ways. Addition Pattern This pattern is actually a form of listing. Changing the order of the details does not change their meaning. Transitions of addition indicate that the writer is using a second idea along with the first one. The writer presents an idea and then adds other ideas to deepen or clarify the first idea. Addition Transition Words: furthermore, additionally, also, besides, further, in addition, moreover, again, and, final, first of all, first,
Part 1
Writers don’t let their thoughts wander aimlessly. They think logically. They organize details in patterns. In the written language these patterns help you follow ideas more easily and, therefore, improve your understanding of the text. Authors use transition words and phrases to create patterns within their writing. The following are common patterns of organization and transitions used in writing. Time Order/Process Pattern Ideas or events are presented in the order they occur. Sequences are told through dates, times, or numbers. Processes are explained through steps or stages. Time Order/Process Transition Words: first, second, later, next, as soon as, after, then, finally, meanwhile, last, during, when, by the time, over time, until, step, stage, method, procedure, how to Example: When Althea first began to drink, she just did not realize the risks she faced. Over time, her drinking slowly but surely took total control of her life. The transition words when, first, and over time indicate a sequence in Althea’s life. Listing Pattern Items are named or listed as the details, and the order of the details is not important. Listing Transition Words: first, second, third, another, also, too, finally, several, numerals (1,2,3 ), letters (a,b,c) Example: One way to overcome boredom is by turning on the television. Another way is to read a good book. The author is presenting a list of two ways to overcome boredom. The transition words one and another indicate the two ways. Addition Pattern This pattern is actually a form of listing. Changing the order of the details does not change their meaning. Transitions of addition indicate that the writer is using a second idea along with the first one. The writer presents an idea and then adds other ideas to deepen or clarify the first idea. Addition Transition Words: furthermore, additionally, also, besides, further, in addition, moreover, again, and, final, first of all, first,