TRANSITIONS EXERCISE

Transitions are words and phrases that show the relationship between one point and the next point. Different types of transitions:

• Show a time relationship: first, second, third

• Give an example: Also, another, for example, similarly, for instance, additionally, in addition

• Show contrast: although, but, however, instead, on the other hand, in contrast

• Show a cause and effect relationship: as a result, because, since

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the most suitable transitions from the list below (in blue). Some transition words will be used more than once and some will not be used at all.

This, Then, First, Second, For example, A further, They, The final, Indeed, Finally, Rather

I.

A child may leave home for a number of reasons, but three seem to be more common than any others. 1- __________, a child may leave home because of lack of parental affection, which can leave the child with emotional scars. When parents are cold and uncaring, a child senses 2- __________ and feels that s/he does not belong in the home. The child will 3- __________ leave, seeking a home where s/he at least feel s wanted and a part of a family. 4- _________, when a child feels that s/he is not given just recognition as a person and as an individual, s/he may feel frustrated enough to leave home-especially if he parents do not stop what they are doing long enough to really listen to him/her or at least to respect some of the childs opinions. 5- __________, severe punishment by a childs parents, which does not suit the childs misconduct, may cause him/her to leave home. 6- __________, severe punishment is child abuse, and a child will normally feel that s/he is not safe in such a home. 7- __________ for his/her own protection and for affection s/he may leave home.

II.

When, At the beginning, Eventually, However, First, Then, At the end, And, For instance

El Norte is an excellent and disturbing film about two immigrants to the United States. 1- __________ of the film, we meet a family in Guatemala mother, father, son and daughter. 2- __________the father is killed and the mother is taken to the prison, the son and the daughter decide to go to El Norte the United States- by way of Mexico. At 3- __________, they have trouble finding someone to take them across the Mexican border, but 4- __________, they find a way across and end up in Los Angeles. 5-__________, life in the U.S. is not as easy as they thought it would be. 6- _________