.
.
STEPS TO BETTER WRITING 29: ADDING OTHER CONNECTIONS
In addition to transitions there are several other means of connecting the specifics in your paragraphs. Here are three of the most useful.
| METHOD | EXAMPLE |
| Use pronouns which refer to words in preceding sentences. In the following example, he refers to Terry and one refers to pencil. Such references, through the use of a pronoun, helps tie the two sentences together. | I handed a pencil to Terry, the boy who sits behind me in math. He had forgotten to bring one ad was desperate because a pop quiz had been announced. |
| Use demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those, such) which refer to earlier words or ideas. In the example, this refers to shy in the preceding sentence and connects the two sentences. | Bill Treadway had always been very shy. This shyness kept him from enjoying social activities. |
| Use a word or phrase that has the same meaning or relates to the same thing as a word or phrase in a preceding sentence.** In the example, the little devil refers to Chris and helps to link the two sentences. | My little brother Chris is a holy terror. The little devil is constantly in trouble at school and is almost impossible to live with at home. |
For each sentence given below, you have a choice of two sentences which could follow it. Circle the letter of the one which is best connected to the first sentence. Look for the various types of connecting techniques discussed above. Look for transition words, too. Underline the connector that caused you to make your choice.
| 1 | Most girls are sensible about how much make up they use. |
| A | But there are also those who think that the more they use, the better they look. |
| B | There are some girls who think that the more make up they use, the better they look. |
| 2 | I forgot to bring the money for my bus ticket. |
| A | I could not accompany my class on a field trip. |
| B | Consequently, I could not accompany my class on a field trip. |
| 3 | My father’s way of punishing me when I was a child was to make me stand in a corner. |
| A | Ever since that time, I have had a deathly fear of corners. |
| B | I am deathly afraid of corners now. |
| 4 | Most high school students feel free to talk to their counselors about problems they encounter in school. |
| A | However, others feel uncomfortable talking to any adult representing school administration. |
| B | Therefore, others feel uncomfortable talking to any adult representing school administration. |
| 5 | Disrupting a class is not difficult. One method is to make wisecracks about what the teacher is saying. |
| A | You can throw spitballs at the girl sitting in the front row. |
| B | Another is to throw spitballs at the girl sitting in the front row. |
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.