Effective Transitions
Which transition best connects these sentences?
“Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago. ________, scientists still study their fossils today.”
"However," "Still," or "Even now"
Etc.
Question: Which controlling idea is stronger?
A) “Sharks are interesting.”
B) “Sharks have unique physical features that help them survive in the ocean.”
Answer: B — it is specific and focused.
Latin Root: spect (to look)
“The scientist used a powerful tool to inspect the tiny fossils.”
Question: Using the Latin root spect, what does inspect mean in this sentence?
To look at something closely.
(or similar)
What should you start your ECR by doing what?
Restating the question and answering it!
What does this sentence need to be considered grammatically correct?
The Spinosaurus hunted in the water it also chased prey on land.
A period!
The Spinosaurus hunted in the water. It also chased prey on land.
Question: Replace the weak transition in this sentence with a stronger one:
“The T. rex had powerful jaws. Also, it had strong legs for running.”
"Additionally," "Furthermore," or "Moreover."
Question: Improve this controlling idea to make it more focused:
“Dogs are cool pets.”
Answer: Answers vary, but should be specific, such as:
“Dogs make great pets because they are loyal and easy to train.”
As long as it is specific, it will be considered correct.
Latin Root: dict (to say or tell)
“The judge will predict what might happen next based on the evidence.”
Question: Using the Latin root dict, what does predict mean in this sentence?
To say what will happen before it happens.
(or similar)
How many pieces of text evidence should you have?
Two pieces of text evidence!
What does this sentence need to be considered grammatically correct?
Dinosaurs were very large they roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
A period! It's two run-on sentences!
Dinosaurs were very large. They roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
What is the purpose of the transition in this sentence?
“For example, some dinosaurs traveled in herds.”
It introduces an example.
Question: Create a controlling idea that best matches these supporting details:
Stegosaurus used its plates for display
Its tail spikes helped defend it
Its size warned predators
Answer: Stegosaurus had several features that helped protect it.
(or similar)
Latin Root: port (to carry)
“The hikers had to transport their supplies up the mountain.”
Question: Using the Latin root port, what does transport mean?
To carry something from one place to another.
What should you do at the end of your ECR?
What does this sentence need to be considered grammatically correct?
Although the volcano erupted suddenly the villagers managed to escape safely
A comma between the dependent and independent clause!
Although the volcano erupted suddenly, the villagers managed to escape safely
Add an effective transition to combine these ideas clearly:
“Spinosaurus could swim. It could also hunt on land.”
Answer: “Not only could Spinosaurus swim, but it could also hunt on land.”
(Any accurate transition showing addition or comparison is acceptable.)
Write a controlling idea that could guide a paragraph using these details:
Spinosaurus had a long crocodile-like snout
It could swim to catch fish
Its sail may have helped it move or stay warm
A strong example:
“Spinosaurus had special adaptations that helped it survive both in water and on land.”
(Any accurate, unifying controlling idea earns points.)
Latin Root: tract (to pull or drag)
“The sticky glue will attract dust if the lid is left open.”
Question: Using the Latin root tract, what does attract mean?
To pull something toward something else.
(or similar)
What goes immediately after your transition word(s)?
A comma!
What does this sentence need to be considered grammatically correct?
Ran quickly through the forest, avoiding the falling rocks.
A subject!
Example:
She ran quickly through the forest, avoiding the falling rocks.
Question: Add an effective transition to clarify the relationship between these ideas:
“Stegosaurus had bony plates along its back. Scientists believe the plates helped it stay cool.”
“Stegosaurus had bony plates along its back. Because of this, scientists believe the plates helped it stay cool.”
(Any cause-and-effect transition is acceptable: “As a result,” “For this reason,” etc.)
Write a controlling idea that could guide a paragraph using these details:
Maiasaura cared for its young in nests
Fossils show adults brought food to hatchlings
Young Maiasaura stayed in the nest for weeks
A strong example:
“Maiasaura was a nurturing dinosaur that took careful care of its young.”
(Any controlling idea that unifies the details around parental care is acceptable.)
Latin Root: scrib/script (to write)
“The archaeologist tried to transcribe the markings on the ancient stone.”
Question: Using the Latin root scrib/script, what does transcribe mean?
To write something down from another form (copy or record).
(or similar)
Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced.
What does this sentence need to be considered grammatically correct?
The T. rex a massive meat-eating dinosaur had incredibly powerful jaws.
Commas around the appositive!
The T. rex, a massive meat-eating dinosaur, had incredibly powerful jaws.