ADVANCED READING 2B

Language Strategy

Identifying Transition Words

It is very important to know about transition words and how they show the relationship
between ideas. A good understanding of transition words can improve your understanding
and reading speed.

Practice
A. Scan the letter on page 5 to find the transition words or phrases in the box.

likewise in fact additionally that’s why

furthermore for instance on the other hand

B. Write the transition word or phrase next to their use. Some may have more than
one use.
1. to show a result __________________________________
2. to give more information __________________________________
3. to show that something is the same __________________________________
4. to show that something is different __________________________________
5. to give examples __________________________________

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 ADVANCED READING 2B
C. Look at this chart of different relationships between ideas, and the transition
words that show the relationships.

Relationships Transition words

show a result thus, therefore, that’s why

give more information in addition, additionally, furthermore, in fact

compare likewise, similarly

contrast in contrast, on the other hand, however

give examples for example, for instance

D. Complete the following sentences with the transition words from C. There may
be more than one correct answer for each question.
1. That country has many unusual customs; _____________________, when people meet
someone, they hit the person on the head.
2. I was so embarrassed that my picture appeared in the newspaper without my
permission; _____________________ I have written a letter to the newspaper asking
them to apologize.
3. I always write in my travel journal when I was on vacation; _____________________ my
sister has a notebook in which she writes down everything we do on my vacation.
4. I spend all the money I earn very quickly and never save any; _____________________,
my brother sticks to a budget and save a lot of money every month.
5. I’ve borrowed more money than I can pay back. I owe $100 to Sergio, $50 to Simon, $75
to Ryoko, and %500 for the rent; _____________________, I owe $700 in income taxes
this year!
6. I’ve been wearing second-hand clothes all my life, and I’m tired of it.
_____________________ I’m going shopping for new clothes this weekend!
7. I’m naturally a curious person; _____________________ my mother is always asking
questions and wants to know everything.