Transitional Words - Writing a postcard

A Paragraph Expressing Opinion 01/08/2021

Transitional Words

Listing/ Adding points:

Addition transition words add important information to the topic discussed in your academic paper-
factual essay, argumentative essay, abstract.

Firstly, besides, to begin / start with, secondly, furthermore, in addition, moreover, in other words,
equally important, first of all, apart from that, finally, also, lastly, last but not least

For example,

The little girl put on her yellow mechanical pencil and blue pen into her pencil box.

Daniel is the representative for the basketball team this semester at Plymounth School for the Deaf.
In addition, he is on the debate team.

It is equally important to explore your own counter-transference in these situations.

First of all, you need to pour a half-cup of milk in the bowl. Second, you need to add two eggs and
stir the mixture accordingly.

I admire Susan because she is the single mother who is capable to accompany her children despite
that she is the sole breadwinner in the family. Besides that, I admire her because she is a great
friend. Furthermore, she is a dedicated person. All in all, there is not much to dislike about the
woman, except she is too perfect!

Christopher likes windsurfing. Besides, Christopher is an experienced hiker.

Texas School for the Deaf is perfectly located. Moreover, it has a strong academic program. For
example, the school has a preschool program where both deaf and hearing children learn together.

Expressing contrast:

Contrastive transition words point out differences.

however, but, although, while, on the one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary,
notwithstanding, nonetheless, nevertheless

For example

On the one hand, a career in the military earns one a lot of respect from everyone. On the other hand,
soldiers need to bear with health complication like they have the tendency to experience severe
depression commonly.

Both vegans and vegetarians avoid the consumption of meat. However, the former also avoids all
animal products in all instances.

Bibiana loves to go to parties. In comparison, Sue, Bibiana’s younger sister loves to stay at home
with her family.
Feminism is on the rise now but so is resistance to it.
Notwithstanding the shortness of their limbs, they run with rapidity.
I am not able to go to Thailand with you. Nevertheless, thanks for asking me.
The Legend was great, nonetheless, I was sick of playing it after the fourth time.
Amber, Sharon, and Megan went to Batu Ferringhi for the day. In spite of the hot weather, they
enjoyed themselves.

Giving Examples:
Transitional words add emphasis or introduce evidence.
For instance, for example, such as, to illustrate, namely, specifically
Not all birds eat berries. For example, vultures eat dead animals.

Jeffery is an interesting person to know. To illustrate, he knows a lot about the history of the
Singapore.

There are four sections in the game, namely, drawing, guarding, trailing and driving.

There are things that need to be done to improve the organisation of our company. For instance, we
can begin by organising the files.

I have a few things to take care of such as paying bills, cleaning the house, and going to the post
office.
Mesophytes - These are plants which live in localities which are neither specially dry
nor specially wet nor specially salty.

Giving Opinion:
These phrases are suitable for language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS (speaking assessment).
In an academic essay, these phrases will probably be too informal because they are too personal.
The way I see it, personally, I believe, in my opinion/ view, from my point of view
In my opinion, a good education is more important than a good car.
“In my point of view, no-one should have to pay for medical care.”
The way I see it, schools should encourage students to walk or cycle to school rather than drive.
Cited from https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/
Cited from https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/cohesion/transitions/
Cited from https://7esl.com/transition-words/

A. Underline the correct words.
1. I’ve got three sisters as well / as well as a brother.
2. We’re making a cake because / and it’s my best friend’s birthday.
3. Tell me more about your family. For example / Such as, where does everyone live?
4. I’m going to art college like / since painting and sculpture are my favourite pastime.
5. They went to Peru in 2010 and / too again in 2012.
6. Activities also / like ice hockey, skiing and snowboarding are very popular in Canada.
7. Aunt Meg will help us as / for instance she’s very reliable.
8. They invited their relatives and their in-laws as well / because to the party.

B. Read the writing task below and then answer the questions about it in your notebook.

You are on holiday with your family. Write a postcard to your friend Jo in America.
In your card you should:

• tell Jo about your holiday
• say what you are going to do tomorrow
• ask Jo about his holiday
Write 35-55 words

1 What will you write? – Vacation trip
2 Who will read it? - Jo
3 What information should you include? – scuba diving, windsurfing, free diving
4 What question do you need to include? – ask Jo about his vacation trip
5 How many words do you have to write? 55 words

Sampled Answer 1
Dear Jo,

How are you? I hope you are fine. I’m fit as fiddle. My family and I went to Pulau Sipandan for
our summer vacation.

I had experienced free diving to explore the coral reef. Besides, I also found an experience
instructor to assist how to surf with the wind. It was fun and thrilled. In addition, my family and I also
tried the local cuisines in local tavern.

How about your holiday trip? Please share with me. Looking forward from you soon.

Chen

Sampled Answer 2
Dear Edward,

How are you? We’re on holiday in France. The hotel was lovely.

We’ve done some sightseeing. We’ve been to the Eiffel Tower and tomorrow we’re going to
Disneyland.

When are you going on holiday? Send me a postcard!

See you soon!
Jo

Sampled Answer 3

Dear Ed,
How are you? The summer break is around the corner. My family and I went to Cameron Highland.

We visited Bharat tea plantation and strawberry farm. We were given chances to pick the fresh
strawberries at the site. Next, we are going to visit the largest beehive in Brinchang, Cameron.

When are you going on holiday? Send me a postcard! Looking forward from you.

See you soon!

Tan

C. Read the example postcard and circle the linking words and phrases that Luke has used.

D. Read the example postcard again and tick the things the writer has done.
E. Read the Exam Task below. Then work with a partner and complete the sentences with your

ideas.
F. Now read the Exam Close-Up and complete the Exam Task. Remember to check your

postcard when you have finished.