Looking at Sentence Relationships

How can you be sure you

understand what a writer is trying

to say?

Writers use transition words or transition phrasesto connect sentences and ideas.

We’re going to look at some of these transitions.

One way is to look at how ideas, people, or events relate to each other.

Addition – the writer adds information.

Furthermore, also, moreover, additionally, besides, next, too,in addition, as well

Many people watch fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Additionally, some people have picnics with their family and friends.

Contrast – presents different ideas about related subjects.

On the other hand, in contrast, despite, however, except,Nevertheless, but

Many people watch fireworks on the Fourth of July.

On the other hand, some people prefer to stay home and have a quiet evening.

Repetition – restates original sentence

To repeat, as was previously stated, to recapitulate

Large dogs are much more relaxed than small dogs.

Small dogs are excitable and find it hard to stay calm.

Examples - illustrates the previous sentence or the main idea.

For example, for instance, in fact, specifically

Even young children can do household chores.

For instance, they can help set the table or help fold the laundry.

Comparison – shows how two ideas relate to each other

As big as, as complicated as, as _____ as, similarly, compared to,in the same manner, the same as, likewise

Playing chess is a complicated game of skill and strategy. Many people think that football is a game that requires similar skills.

Time and sequence – puts things in order

Later, as soon as, then, during (the 20th century, the past week)First, next, second, finally, before, after, subsequently

During colonial times, the British taxed the American colonists without their consent.

After the Revolutionary War, the former colonists paid taxes to their own government, not to the British.

Cause and effect – tells why something happened.

Because, as a result, therefore, so, for this reason, on account of, accordingly, thus, consequently, so

He stayed up late playing videogames the night before hisAccuplacer test.

As a result, he did really badly on the test.

Tone – tells us about the writer’s feelings, judgments, and attitudes.

Happy, angry, bitter, amused, sarcastic, ashamed, excited, sad, surprised, confused, upset, depressed, anxious, worried, concerned.

Let’s look at some sentences. Each has the same topic but a different tone.

I love working at Burger Barn. I meet interesting people, earn extra money, and get to eat all the chicken nuggetsI want when I take a break.

The tone is enthusiastic and positive.

I have no doubt that flipping burgers and making fries will prepare me for a top position on Wall Street.

The tone is sarcastic and mocking.

I hate this job. The customers are rude, the managers are idiots, and the food stinks.

The tone is bitter and angry.

Review of types of sentence relationships

Addition – adds additional ideasContrast - shows differencesRepetition - restates central ideaExamples – illustrates an ideaComparison – shows similaritiesTime and sequence – when? In what order?Cause and effect – why? What are the results?

Paragraph organization

Tone – shows the writer’s attitudes and feelingsCompare and contrast – show similarities and differences

Review of transition words

• Addition - furthermore, also, moreover, additionally, besides, next, too, in addition, as well• Contrast - on the other hand, in contrast, despite, however, except, nevertheless, but• Repetition - to repeat, as was previously stated, to recapitulate, to restate• Examples – for example, for instance, in fact, specifically• Comparison – as big as, as complicated as, as _____ as, similarly, compared to, in the same manner, the same as, likewise• Time and sequence – later, as soon as, then, during (the 20th century, the past week), first, next, second, finally, before, after, subsequently• Cause and effect – because, as a result, therefore, so, for this reason, on account of, accordingly, thus, consequently, so

THE END