Transition Words
What transition word or phrase shares comparison:
A. Therefore,
B. Thus,
C. Similarly,
C. Similarly,
What is a counterargument?
An opposing viewpoint that challenges your claim.
What three parts should an introduction include?
Hook, background/context, and thesis statement.
Name two words or phrases you can use to transition into your conclusion.
In summary,
To sum up,
Thus,
Therefore,
As you can see,
Finally,
Lastly,
All in all,
What is considered evidence in an academic essay?
Facts, data, quotes, examples, or expert opinions.
Which transition shows contrast:
A. Furthermore
B. However
C. In addition
B. However
Why include counterarguments in an essay?
To show you understand multiple perspectives and strengthen your argument.
Define a thesis statement.
The main claim or central argument of your essay.
Name one thing you should not include in a conclusion.
New evidence or arguments.
What must you always include after a quote?
Analysis or explanation connecting it to your argument.
Fill in the blank:
Some people prefer working in a traditional office environment ___ others thrive in a remote work setting.
A transition word used to show contrast.
SAMPLE: Some people prefer working in a traditional office environment whereas others thrive in a remote work setting.
What transition phrase could be used to insert a rebuttal after a counterargument?
Transition terms that illustrate contrast.
SAMPLE: Some may argue that implementing stricter environmental regulations could harm economic growth by increasing production costs. However, investing in sustainable practices can actually stimulate innovation and create new industries, leading to long-term economic benefits.
Counterargument: Some may argue that implementing stricter environmental regulations could harm economic growth by increasing production costs.
Rebuttle: However, investing in sustainable practices can actually stimulate innovation and create new industries, leading to long-term economic benefits.
Name one strategy you can use to develop an attention-grabbing hook.
--an intriguing example
--a provocative question
--a puzzling scenario
--a vivid, powerful, or unexpected anecdote
--a thought-provoking statistic, fact, or quotation
--definitions can be effective if they are based on your own creative or thoughtful
commentary rather than a simple quotation from Webster’s Dictionary.
Reference: Introduction worksheet on Canvas
Name one strategy that could be used in a conclusion paragraph?
- "So What" method
- Return to the theme or themes in the introduction
- Synthesize, don’t summarize
- Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study
- Point to broader implications
Reference: Conclusions handout on Canvas
What does an MLA in-text citation include?
Author’s last name and page number. Example: (Smith 22).
On the whiteboard:
Create a sentence that uses a transition showing cause and effect.
SAMPLE:
“The study was incomplete; therefore, the results were inconclusive.”
What should you do after introducing a counterargument?
Refute or respond to it with evidence supporting your own position.
On the whiteboard:
Revise this weak thesis: “Pollution is bad for the environment.”
Sample: “Pollution is bad for the environment because it damages ecosystems and threatens human health."
Explain one of the strategies for a conclusion.
SAMPLE:
Play the “So What” Game. If you’re stuck and feel like your conclusion isn’t saying anything
new or interesting, ask a friend to read it with you. Whenever you make a statement from
your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So what?” or “Why should anybody care?” Then
Like 12 people like this. Then, ponder that question and answer it
Which is better: dropping a quote or integrating it?
Integrating it smoothly into your own sentence.
Fill in the blank:
Many companies are adopting more sustainable practices; ___, Patagonia has made environmental responsibility a core part of its brand.
A transition word used to give an example.
SAMPLE: Many companies are adopting more sustainable practices; For instance, Patagonia has made environmental responsibility a core part of its brand.
On the whiteboard:
Write a sentence that introduces and refutes a counterargument.
Sample: “Some may argue that social media improves communication; however, it often leads to superficial connections.”
True or False: Your thesis statement should provide direction and focus for topic sentences and body paragraphs.
True
Identify the error in this conclusion statement and explain why:
“In conclusion, addressing climate change requires global cooperation and a shared commitment to protecting our planet’s future.”
"In conclusion"
The phrase, "in conclusion," is not favored in academic writing due to its redundancy and dullness. A better terms would be "Ultimately" or "As a result"
What are the three components of effective quote integration in an analytical paragraph?
The three components of effective quote integration are introduction (signal phrase), quotation (and citation), and explanation.
SAMPLE:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus emphasizes the importance of empathy when he tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (24). This passage shows that Atticus wants Scout to learn compassion and avoid judging others too quickly.