#19 Word Choice

January 2005
Word Choice

“Spicing Up Your Writing with Transition Words”

Tired of reading essays that list the first, second, and third reasons? FCAT Writes and Collier Writes
have set parameters that many of our students have mastered – an organizational structure (the 5-
paragraph essay) and the use of minor details to support the author’s viewpoint (the listing of the first,
second, and third reasons). Unfortunately writing to this level will usually result in the student scoring a
3.0 on the essay. As the state raises the writing standard we need to assist students in acquiring a more
vivid and description vocabulary that will “spice” up the writing, and hopefully will “spice” up the scores.

Don’t think that students need to expand their vocabulary all at once. Vocabulary expansion is a process
that will occur throughout their lives (at least we hope so). Instead, set a goal for students to replace
the use of the transition words “first, second, and third” with some of the transition words from the list
provided. Have students use the new transition words regularly and in all of their classes. The more
words they can comfortably use to say exactly what they mean, the easier it will be for them to write
exactly what they want to write.

Instructions: Most students have words they overuse – words such as “thing, stuff, then” and of course
the transition words “first, second, and third.” This exercise will help students focus on word choice
when it comes to transition words – those words used to connect and guide the reader through a piece of
writing. Good use of transition words make the writing flow and gently lead the reader through a piece of
writing. Poor use of transition words causes the reader to stumble through the writing, or even worse,
become bored with what the writer is trying to say.

1. Write down a list of transition words you like and those that you repeatedly use in your writing.

2. Once you've evaluated your own writing start to experiment with some of the other transition words
on the list provided. Which words can be substituted for one of your overused transition words? Try
some of the new transition words in your writing. Does your writing sound better? Worse? See how
“spicing” up your writing can change the feel of your paper.

3. Continue to focus on the way things sound, but now also think about meaning. Arrange your writing so
that it clearly communicates your viewpoint: an image, a story, an idea. Try to use a variety of transition
words in your writing, but don't force them if they don't fit.

4. Finally, don’t forget the use of the word “and.” Two short sentences are often best connected with
this little word. “Spice” up your writing with compound sentences rather than a bunch of simple
sentences. ☺
#19 Word Choice
January 2005
Transition words
Here is a list of words and phrases that can be used. BE CAREFUL: although grouped together, none is totally
synonymous. Their position in the sentence can also vary. This is where your reading and dictionary come in.
Listing Giving examples Generalizing

first, second, third for example in general

first, furthermore, finally for instance generally

to begin, to conclude as follows: on the whole

next that is as a rule

Reinforcement in this case for the most part

also namely in most cases

furthermore in other words usually

moreover Result/consequence Highlighting

what is more so in particular

in addition therefore particularly

besides as a result/consequence especially

above all accordingly mainly

as well (as) consequently Reformulation

in the same way because of this/that in other words

not only ... but also thus rather

Similarity hence to put it more simply

equally for this/that reason Expressing an alternative

likewise so that alternatively

similarly in that case rather

correspondingly under these circumstances on the other hand

in the same way Deduction the alternative is

Transition to new point then another possibility would be

now, in other words Contrast

as far as x is concerned in that case instead

with regard/reference to otherwise conversely

as for ... this implies that ... on the contrary

it follows that if so/not in contrast

turning to Stating the obvious in comparison

Summary obviously Concession

in conclusion clearly however

to conclude naturally even though

in brief of course however much

to summarize as can be expected nevertheless

overall surely still

therefore after all yet