English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Transitions with conjunctive adverbs
Transitions with conjunctive adverbs
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify common conjunctive adverbs and their functions.
Explain how conjunctive adverbs create logical connections between independent clauses.
Correctly punctuate sentences that use conjunctive adverbs to link independent clauses.
Choose the most appropriate conjunctive adverb to show specific relationships (e.g., contrast, cause/effect, addition) between ideas.
Revise and improve the flow and coherence of their own writing by incorporating effective conjunctive adverb transitions.
Use conjunctive adverbs to strengthen argumentative claims and connect evidence in their writing.
Ever read something that just jumps from one idea to the next, making it hard to follow? 🤯 How can we make our writing flow smoothly and logically?
In this lesson, you'll...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Conjunctive AdverbA word that connects two independent clauses and shows a specific logical relationship between them, such as cause and effect, contrast, or addition.Common conjunctive adverbs include: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, furthermore, meanwhile.
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.She loves to read. (This is an independent clause.)
TransitionA word, phrase, or sentence that connects one idea to another, helping the reader move smoothly from one point to the next and understand the relationship between them.Using 'however' to show a contrast is a type of transition.
CoherenceThe quality of writing that makes it easy to...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Semicolon-Conjunctive Adverb-Comma Rule
Independent Clause; conjunctive adverb, Independent Clause.
When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses, a semicolon (;) must come before the conjunctive adverb, and a comma (,) must come after it. This is the most common way to use them to link two complete, related thoughts.
Conjunctive Adverb at the Beginning of a Sentence
Independent Clause. Conjunctive adverb, Independent Clause.
A conjunctive adverb can also start a new sentence to show a relationship with the previous sentence. In this case, it is followed by a comma.
Choosing the Right Conjunctive Adverb
Match the conjunctive adverb to the specific logical relationship you want to convey between your ideas.
Different conjunctive adverbs signal differe...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A student argues that schools should start later in the day. Which revision most effectively uses a conjunctive adverb to strengthen the connection between the evidence and the claim?
Evidence: 'Studies show that teenagers' brains are naturally wired to stay up later and wake up later.'
Claim: 'Schools should start at 9:00 a.m.'
A.Studies show teenagers' brains are wired to wake up later; however, schools should start at 9:00 a.m.
B.Studies show teenagers' brains are wired to wake up later; in addition, schools should start at 9:00 a.m.
C.Studies show teenagers' brains are wired to wake up later; for instance, schools should start at 9:00 a.m.
D.Studies show teenagers' brains are wired to wake up later; consequently, schools should start at 9:00 a.m.
Challenging
In the sentence, 'The author presents data from three separate studies; moreover, he shares a moving personal story to appeal to the reader's emotions,' how does the conjunctive adverb 'moreover' contribute to the author's purpose of being persuasive?
A.It signals that the personal story is less important than the data.
B.It shows a contrast between the data and the personal story.
C.It indicates that the personal story is an additional, powerful layer of support for his argument.
D.It proves that the data from the studies is incorrect.
Challenging
Which pair of conjunctive adverbs best completes the sentences to create a logical argument?
'The city should build more bike lanes. (1)__________, doing so would reduce traffic congestion. (2)__________, the project would be very expensive to complete.'
A.(1) For example; (2) Similarly
B.(1) First; (2) However
C.(1) Consequently; (2) Therefore
D.(1) Indeed; (2) Otherwise
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Transitions with conjunctive adverbs is a Grade 6 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
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Transitions with conjunctive adverbs
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This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.