2015-08-06 Writing: transition signals

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk
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HOMEWORK: write a similar paragraph recommending why students should study at this school
(use two or three main reasons, and one or two examples for each one)
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p. 146
If I’m reading an essay, transition signals tell me how the ideas are organized. They also tell me what kind of information I’m going to read next. Without them, it’s harder to understand how all the ideas connect to each other.

First of all, second, third, … finally
*** “finally” is NOT a conclusion word, it just tells us we’re at the last reason or the last example. Usually the conclusion will be the next sentence.

First, San Jose has a pleasant climate. (“first” + sentence)
The first reason is the pleasant climate of San Jose. (“the first reason is” + noun)
The first reason is that San Jose has a pleasant climate. (or “the first reason is” + noun clause)

The first reason, another reason, additional reasons include, a final reason
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p. 148 - there are two basic ways to introduce specific examples
For example, [sentence]. As another example, [sentence].

…, such as [nouns]
…, for example [nouns]
…, for instance [nouns]

For example, Downtown Crossing station is right across the street.

There are many nearby restaurants, such as UDG, Five Guys, Falafel King, and Viga.
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AMBER Alert: a child is missing or kidnapped, and the alert usually tells you about the vehicle where they were last seen, so you can call the police if you see that car or van.
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The first reason to study at BAE is that it is in a very good location. For example, there are many good restaurants nearby, such as UDG, Five Guys, and Falafel King. It is also near several MBTA stations, such as Downtown Crossing, South Station, and State Street.
(It’s not necessary to use a new transition signal every time. I can guess that readers are smart enough to figure it out for themselves.)
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p. 150
Conclusions can almost always start with “in conclusion” or “to sum up”.

If you gave reasons in the paragraph, the conclusion can also start with “Because of [nouns]” or “For these [number] reasons”.

Because of its good location, new technology, and excellent staff, BAE is the perfect place to study English in Boston.
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Homework: p. 149 (parts A and B)