If you are confident in your structure, but find yourself stuck on what might make a good transition, try repeating key words from the previous paragraph and progressing the idea. If that doesn’t work, try this list of common transitions as your last resort:

If you are adding additional facts or information:

as well, and, additionally, furthermore, also, too, in addition, another, besides, moreover

If you are trying to indicate the order of a sequence of events:

first of all, meanwhile, followed by, then, next, before, after, last, finally, one month later, one year later, etc.

If you are trying to list things in order of importance:

first, second etc., next, last, finally, more importantly, more significantly, above all, primarily

If you are trying to connect one idea to a fact or illustration:

for example, for instance, to illustrate, this can be seen

To indicate an effect or result:

as a result, thus, consequently, eventually, therefore,

To indicate that one idea is the opposite of another:

nonetheless, however, yet, but, though, on the other hand, although, even though, in contrast, unlike, differing from, on the contrary, instead, whereas, nevertheless, despite, regardless of

When comparing one thing to another:

In a different sense, similarly, likewise, similar to, like, just as, conversely.

Connect the following sentences using an effective transition, when needed. (In some cases, the two sentences will be able to stand without a transition.)

1. Ordinarily, I took my responsibility seriously and would write down classmates' names to preserve the silence and decorum of the school environment.  

   When a different teacher walked in, a teacher known to punish too hard and painfully, I decided to save my friends from his hard strokes, and I erased all the names.

    

2. Despite the windy conditions and below freezing temperatures, I could not tear myself away from the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.

   Despite the frustration and difficulties inherent in scientific study, I cannot retreat from my goal of universal understanding.

    

3. But the sadness with which she responded, stating, "He died when he was a baby,” convinced me that it was true.

   It affected me as nothing ever would again.

    

4. Finishing the test in an unspectacular six minutes and five seconds, I stumbled off the erg more exhausted than I had ever been. That night, I went home and caught a cold.

   Had I followed my survivalist and rationalist instincts, I would have quit rowing then and there;

    

5. Immediately, I realized that I must dedicate my life to understanding the causes of the universe's beauty.

   The hike taught me several valuable lessons that will allow me to increase my understanding through scientific research.

    

6. After my grandfather’s death, I began to understand and follow his sage advice.

   I pulled out a picture of my grandfather and me at Disneyland.

    

7. Often, she had to work from dusk to dawn living a double life as a student and a financially responsible adult.

   My mother managed to keep a positive disposition.

    

8. In addition to working and studying, she found time to make weekly visits to terminally ill and abandoned children in the local hospital.

   My mother developed the value of selflessness.

    

9. My mother made me learn Indonesian, the official language of our country.

   Also, she wanted me to develop interests in various academic and extracurricular fields.

1) However; 2) Similarly; 3) The shock of this revelation at such a tender age; 4) That was three seasons ago. 5) In addition; 6) To cope with his passing; 7) Despite the burdens she faced; 8) From her experiences during college; 9) My mother did not only want me to have a broad knowledge of languages. 

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