EXERCISE I.
Circle the letter that correctly identifies the nature of the underlined
transition in each of the following sentences.
1. A water main downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no water
for hours.
a. addition
b. time
c. comparison
d. cause and effect
2. Even though most Americans are primarily concerned about AIDS as it exists in
the U.S., it should be remembered that it is now nearly a worldwide disease.
a. addition
b. time
c. contrast
d. comparison
3. Larry will probably be a late bloomer socially, just like his older brothers.
a. time
b. contrast
c. comparison
d. cause and effect
4. There are ways you can make boring tasks more pleasant. For instance, bring
a portable radio and listen to music on the earphones while you work.
a. contrast
b. comparison
c. illustration/example
d. cause and effect
5. The lazy checkout clerk forced the six-pack of cola into the bottom of the bag, tearing
it. Then she shrugged her shoulders and said, “I guess you’ll have to carry the bag
from the bottom.”
a. time
b. contrast
c. comparison
d. illustration/example
TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES
SHOWING RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND BETWEEN SENTENCES
6. Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke correctly predicted that satellites would be used
for communication. Moreover, in 1947 he correctly predicted that 1959 would be the
year the first rocket to the moon was launched.
a. addition
b. time
c. contrast
d. cause and effect
7. Some people in New Jersey built their houses very close to the shoreline. Consequently,
they have had to spend a lot of money trying to protect their property from the sea.
a. addition
b. contrast
c. illustration/example
d. cause and effect
8. Running can make people more aware of their physical surroundings, such as
the scent of honeysuckle or the changing moods of the trees.
a. addition
b. contrast
c. illustration/example
d. cause and effect
9. Residents complain bitterly about potholes in the streets and sloppy trash pick-up, yet
these same people resist paying higher taxes for the improvement of these services.
a. time
b. contrast
c. comparison
d. illustration/example
10. Telephone interviewing allows for a large number of responses in a short time and
at relatively low cost. Moreover, the method permits interviewers to reach
respondents at specific times of the day; this is an important consideration in the study of
radio and TV listening habits.
a. addition
b. time
c. contrast
d. comparison
TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES
SHOWING RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND BETWEEN SENTENCES
EXERCISE II. Circle the letter of the word that correctly identifies the appropriate
transition word or phrase. Then underline the kind of
Transition you have used.
1. __________ the invention of television, people probably spent more of their leisure time
reading.
a. Nevertheless
b. Because
c. Before
The transition word indicates: addition cause and effect time
2. If you’re having company for dinner, try to get as much done in advance as possible.
__________, set the table the day before.
a. For instance
b. In contrast
c. Similarly
The transition word indicates: illustration/example comparison contrast
3. __________ I’m very allergic to flowers, my boyfriend bought a bouquet of roses.
a. Until
b. Because
c. Even though
The transition word indicates: time contrast addition
4. My grandfather loves to say, “You’re as nervous __________ a long-tailed cat in
a roomful of rocking chairs.”
a. after
b. as
c. as a result
The transition word indicates: cause and effect time comparison
5. __________ Manny’s car stereo was on full blast, I could see his lips moving, but I had
no idea what he was saying.
a. Moreover
b. Because
c. Just as
The transition word indicates: comparison addition cause and effect
