TRANSITION WORDS FOR THE TOEFL READING SECTION

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THE ALL IMPORTANT TRANSITION WORDS. COMMENTS # 5.

These words and expressions are used to connect ideas between sentences or paragraphs.

Understanding how sentences and ideas are linked throughout a passage or a complete text will definitely help your comprehension very much.

Each passage or text contains major points, facts and details that are connected in some way. Being able to follow these connections allows you to follow the flow of ideas and will greatly contribute to your comprehension of complex passages.

The all important “linking words” are called “transitional expressions” or “transition words”.

There are quite a number of these transition words and phrases, and I will not be able to include them all in this post, which will be more of a general overview than an in-depth study.

Transition words and expressions act as signals and are usually presented as lists.

LISTS OF TRANSITION WORDS

•  Transition words that signal “additional information” - In addition, also, and then, as well as, furthermore, likewise, what is more.

• Transition words that signal for “specific examples” – For example, for instance, namely, in particular, as an illustration, such as.

• Transition words that signal that the information “will be clarified” – I mean, that is to say, in other words, to put it another way.

• Transition words that signal an “emphasis” of the information – More importantly, most importantly, definitely, above all, obviously, undeniably, without a doubt, without reservations.

• Transition words that signal “cause-and-effect” – As a result, because, because of, consequently, as a consequence, for this reason, due to, accordingly.

• Transition words that signal “contrast” – On the other hand, unlike, in contrast, on the contrary, while this is true, instead.

• Transition words that signal “comparison” – In the same way, like, similarly, in comparison, likewise, by comparison, equally important.

• Transition words that signal “a time relationship” – After, after a while, afterwards, during, finally, initially, in the first place, in the end, last, later, next, previously, soon, soon after, at the same time, in the end.

• Transition words that signal “concession” or “compromise” – Although, of course, after all, even though, in the event that, I admit that, however.

• Transition words that signal “a condition” – Although, as long as, on condition that, only if, provided that, unless, if.

• Transition words that signal “a summary or a conclusion” – As a result, finally, in conclusion, to conclude, at last, in summary, to sum up, in short, to summarize

SOME EXAMPLES.

•  Ann is a loving mother; in addition, she is a talented teacher

• John neglected to wear his seat belt; as a result he was severely injured in an accident

• First, finish your research; then, write your paper!

• Rules in the work place usually dictate proper actions; in fact, failure to obey rules can cause an employee to loose his job.

• First of all, employees have to be respectful and courteous to each other.

 

USES OF THE TRANSITION WORDS AS APPLIED TO THE TOEFL.

Transition words will help you to understand the ideas included in a Reading passage.

Some Reading questions can refer specifically to the correct use of a transition phrase in the context of the ideas included in the reading passage. In other words, you may have to choose the alternative that includes the correct transition phrase. 

For example, in the Reading passage, the author could be presenting two contrasting ideas. Then in the various answer choices of the question, you will be faced with several alternatives that include various transitions. The correct answer will include the contrast, and the rest of the “distracters” will be designed to confuse you. 

In this way, the questions in the test will be checking not only your ability to comprehend the original Reading passage, but your knowledge of the various types and meanings of the commonly used transition words in the English language.

Transition words can also help when answering an “insert the sentence” type of question. There is an example of this included in my previous post on “Insert the sentence”.

FINAL WORDS.

When preparing for the TOEFL, it is always a good idea to keep in mind that this test is a “Test of English”.  It is not enough to grasp a general understanding of the ideas included in the Reading Section. You will also need to know certain specific terms and phrases. This is the case of the “transition words”.

So keep a list of them handy, and review them constantly!

See you on my next post!

© 2013  joveron  (Joan Robertson)

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