DTW GED PREP

Using Transitional Words and Expressions for Clarity and Coherence

Transitional words and expressions are essential tools for creating clear, organized writing. They help readers follow your ideas by showing the relationship between sentences or parts of a paragraph. On the GED® Reasoning Through Language Arts test, using transitions appropriately can strengthen both your editing and extended response writing skills.

Below is a guide to common types of transitions and how they function in writing.

1. Transitions That Show Time or Order

These transitions signal when something happens or the sequence of events.

Examples:
first, then, next, when, meanwhile, at last, finally, lastly, so far

Example Sentence:

• It was a four-hour hike; finally, we reached the lake.

2. Transitions That Show Contrast or Comparison

These transitions highlight differences or similarities between ideas.

Examples:
but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, similarly, unlike

Example Sentence:

• We were late to the concert, but Jimmy and Bernard were early.

3. Transitions That Show Cause and Effect

These helps explain reasons or results.

Examples:
because, since, as a result, therefore, thus, consequently

Example Sentence:

• The grill was out of gas; consequently, we did not have a cookout.

4. Transitions That Provide Examples or Emphasis

These introduce specific examples or place emphasis on a point.

Examples:
for example, for instance, specifically, in fact, of course, that is

Example Sentence:

• The fish were really jumping; for example, I caught one in two minutes.

5. Transitions That Add Information

These are used to expand on an idea or add another point.

Examples:
also, in addition, additionally, furthermore, besides

Example Sentence:

• This product is an effective cream; additionally, it is affordable.

1.12 TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

Directions: Complete each sentence by choosing an appropriate transition word or phrase from the list below.

Word Bank:
As a result, However, For example, In addition

1. My French teacher speaks Portuguese and Italian; __________ she can read Spanish.
2. Science was a difficult subject for me in high school; __________ I avoided science courses in college.
3. Rome has many interesting buildings; __________, the Colosseum is a huge ancient arena.
4. Sam wanted some ice cream; __________, the store was out of it.

1.12 TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

Word Bank:

• As a result
• However
• For example
• In addition

1.Sentence: My French teacher speaks Portuguese and Italian; in addition, she can read Spanish.
Explanation: “In addition” adds another related fact. The sentence lists multiple languages the teacher knows.

2.Sentence: Science was a difficult subject for me in high school; as a result, I avoided science courses in college.
Explanation: “As a result” shows cause and effect. Difficulty in high school led to avoiding it in college.

3.Sentence: Rome has many interesting buildings; for example, the Colosseum is a huge ancient arena.
Explanation: “For example” introduces a specific case to support the general statement about Rome’s buildings.

4.Sentence: Sam wanted some ice cream; however, the store was out of it.
Explanation: “However” signals contrast between what Sam wanted and what was available.