“Fancy Transitional Friday”

“Fancy Transitional Friday” British Literature Ms. Matthews 3.28.08

Objectives Students will: • use transition words in their essay • focus on writing a “good” conclusion

Agenda • Bell Ringer/Thumb Rule and Transitions • Using Transitions in the ACT Essay • Writing a good conclusion • Homework

Transitions Transition questions fall under the category of Rhetorical Questions on the ACT English section; you should also use transitional words in your own writing as to support a clear argument. The transition words are used to connect one idea to the next, and they are typically words that you already use in your writing and speaking.

As an ACT test taker, you must make decisions regarding which transitions are most effective. As a writer, you too, must make decisions on how to move your reader from one idea to the next in a logical and clear manner. “Most transitions reflect the writer’s logic and are usually integrated into the essay”

Identifying Transitional Words 1. Identify the relationship between the ideas being linked by the transitional word. ~The transitional word is non- essential, so you can cover it with your thumb to identify the relationship. 2. Identify the BEST transition for the relationship in question. USE POE!!!

for example not only/but also most important on the other hand likewise in addition therefore first next finally however another in spite of similarly as a result for this reason since Transitional Words

Examples of Transitions • Although Steven was extremely tired, he washed the dishes. • The play was great, nonetheless, I am sick of seeing it for the fourth time.

Fill-In the Transition • Amber, Sharon, and Megan went to Busch Gardens for the day. the cold weather, they enjoyed themselves. • _____Missy was driving to work, she saw a deer by the roadside. She slowed down to watch the deer for a short time,__continued on her way to work. • There are things that need to be done to improve the company. ____, we can begin by organizing the files.

Answers • Amber, Sharon, and Megan went to Busch Gardens for the day. In spite of the cold weather, they enjoyed themselves. • While Missy was driving to work, she saw a deer by the roadside. She slowed down to watch the deer for a short time, then continued on her way to work. • There are things that need to be done to improve the company. For instance, we can begin by organizing the files.

Conclusion A. Summary of main points or reasons B. Restate thesis statement C. Personal comment or a call to action

CONCLUSIONWith such high demands placed on the youth of our nation, it seems only fair that they are given more time. They are only young once. Teens should not be forced to grow up at such a fast pace. An extra year of high school will allow students to enjoy their education by giving them the gift of time, time to relax, time to take classes at their own pace and maintain a healthy lifestyle, time to discover the fun and interest in school. More time in high school will benefit students now and in the future.

Writing Prompt Many high school libraries use some of their limited funding to subscribe to popular magazines with articles that are interesting to students. Despite limited funding, some educators support this practice because they think having these magazines available encourages students to read. Other educators think school libraries should not use limited funds to subscribe to these magazines because they may not be related to academic subjects. In your opinion, should high school libraries subscribe to popular magazines?

Homework • Due Tuesday: Revise ACT Essay -Add 6 “new” transitions to your essay -Revise your conclusion 2. Due Monday: score/grade ACT packet for complete credit.

“Fancy Transitional Friday”