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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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