Transition Words and Phrases as Connectors

Writers also show connections between ideas by using transition (connecting) words or
phrases. These words help the reader to follow the logic of the writer's thinking.

Some common transition words and phrases

also especially in fact soon
as a result finally in other words such as
as well as first in particular that is
at the same time for example instead then
at this point for instance in the same way thus
at times for this reason likewise whereas
before long furthermore now
but however similarly

Example:
A. Working with another student, read the paragraph and write the main idea. Then underline the
transitions listed below.

The Transnational Corporation

The transnational corporation, or TNC, is not just a company that engages in business
abroad. It is generally defined as a firm that has a direct investment in two or more
countries. In other words, a TNC may have its headquarters in one country, its factories
in another, and it may sell its products in yet another country. For instance, Nike,
makers of sportswear, is based in the United States, but most of its shoes and clothes
are manufactured in Southeast Asia or South America. They are then shipped back to
the United States to be sold, or to Europe, Japan, or other emerging markets such as
India. Thus, the TNC can potentially influence the economies of many different
countries, especially the weaker economies of the developing world.

Main idea:

Transitions Pronouns and referents

In other words It—the transnational corporation
For instance its—the transnational corporation
Thus it—the transnational corporation
especially its—Nike, They—Nike shoes and clothes

B. Compare your work with that of another pair of students. If you disagree, look back at the
paragraph to check your work.

Understanding Paragraphs 117

EXERCISE 7

A. Working with another student, read the paragraphs and underline the transitions. Circle the
pronouns and draw an arrow from each pronoun to its referent. Then write the main idea.

Henry Ford and Fordlandia

1. In the 1920s, the Ford Motor Company bought large quantities of rubber from

Asian rubber growers for the tires of its Model A cars. However, the supply of

rubber was not always reliable and at times, while waiting for shipments, the

factory had to stop production. Henry Ford, who owned the company, could have

ensured more reliable rubber supplies by making a long-term agreement with the

rubber growers. In fact, carmakers often make such agreements now. But Henry

Ford had another idea. He decided that the best solution would be to own a rubber

supply of his own. Thus, in 1927, the company bought land in Brazil and started a

rubber plantation.

Main idea:

2. The new plantation, named Fordlandia, was situated in the jungle and covered

about 3,600 square miles (5,800 square km). A vast area of tropical forest was cut

down and replaced by rubber trees. Beside the plantation, a factory was built for

processing the rubber, and a whole town was constructed for the workers,

complete with schools, stores, churches, and even a golf course. Once the trees

were producing rubber and the factory was operating, Ford thought his rubber

supply was guaranteed. However, there were various factors in the situation that he

had not taken into account. One was the suitability of the Amazon jungle for

rubber production. In fact, the rubber trees were soon attacked by disease. Another

factor was the political climate in South America, which was not favorable for

118 Comprehension Skills

 Americans. Before long, there were problems with the local workers at the

plantation and in the factory. Finally, in 1945, Ford was forced to abandon

Fordlandia, at great loss to the Ford Motor Company.

Main idea:

3. Fordlandia is now viewed as a historical lesson for companies about the mistake

of trying to control all phases of production. In fact, the Ford Motor Company has

the opposite problem today. Whereas Henry Ford was afraid of running short of

supplies, contemporary carmakers and other companies are afraid of having too

many supplies and parts on hand. For this reason, they buy only what they need

when they need it and try to have as little inventory as possible. This so called "just

on time" system works fine as long as the parts are available when needed. However,

in recent years a number of carmakers, as well as computer and electronics

companies, have been faced with shortages. For example, soon after the Apple

Computer Company introduced its iPod music player, there was so much demand

that Apple ran out of parts and it had to suspend production, losing sales as a result.

Main idea:

B. Compare your work with that of another pair of students. If you disagree, look back at the
paragraphs to check your work.

Understanding Paragraphs 119

Thinking in English
In these exercises you will practice what you have learned so far about paragraphs. The last
sentence in each paragraph is incomplete. In order to choose the best completion, you
need to understand the main idea and how all the ideas in the paragraph are connected.

Example:
Read the incomplete paragraph and write the main idea. Then decide which ending best fits the
logic of the paragraph.

The wine industry in the Burgundy region of France has proved to be an unexpected
source of data about the history of climate change. From the Middle Ages until the
twentieth century, churches in Burgundy were central to social, cultural, and even
economic activity. They also often functioned as a bureaucratic center, holding records of
all aspects of town life, including winemaking. Thus, every year careful note was made of a
key date in the local agricultural calendar, the first day of the grape harvest. And since
grape harvest time is closely related to temperature, scientists have been able to reconstruct
a. the medieval churches in northeastern Burgundy.
b. medieval winemaking methods in Burgundy.
c. climate data for Burgundy for the years after 2003.
d. summer temperatures in Burgundy from 1370 to 2003.

Main idea: The wine industry in the Burgundy region of France has proved to be
an unexpected source of data about the history of climate change.

Which ending is best and why?

Ending d is the best ending because it refers to the main idea and the dates fit in with
the information in the paragraph. All other endings are not relevant to the main idea
or are not logical.

120 Comprehension Skills