SSAT Writing Independent

Writing
Opening Lines and Transitional
Phrases
 The opening of a story should normally tell the
reader:
 Where and when the story is set
 Who the characters are
 The style and mood of the story
How should I begin?

 There are many different ways to start a story. Here

are a few of them:
 Description of a character:

Once there were four children whose

names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and
Lucy.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis
Or you could begin with…
 Description of setting:

The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing

to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large,
square houses of Privet Drive.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

Or how about…
 Description of setting and character:

A thousand miles ago, in a country

east of the jungle and south of the
mountains, there lived a Firework-
Maker called Lalchand and his
daughter Lila.
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Phillip
Pullman
Or maybe…
 Action:
Peter crouched over
the fire, stirring the
embers so that the
sparks swarmed up
like imps on the rocky
walls of hell.
Count Karlstein by Phillip
Pullman
Or…
 Dialogue:
I’m going shopping in the
village,” George’s mother
said to George on Saturday
morning. “So be a good
boy and don’t get up to
mischief.”
George’s Marvellous Medicine by
Roald Dahl
How about…
 A question:

Ever had the feeling your life’s been

flushed down the toilet?
The Toilet of Doom by Michael Lawrence
Or maybe…
 A statement:
It’s a funny thing about
mothers and fathers. Even
when their own child is the
most disgusting little blister
you could ever imagine,
they still think that he or
she is wonderful.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Don’t forget!

 Your opening should also have a ‘hook’. That

is, something to keep the reader interested and
make him or her want to read more.

 Now try planning your own story opening.

1. Most people believe that it is better to have
loved and lose than to never have loved at all.
Tell about an experience that shows this
statement to be true.

2. Compare and contrast a vacation in a cold

climate and a vacation in a warm climate
Consider your body paragraphs. Do you
use any of these phrases?

 First  My first, second,

 Second third/last reason…
 Third
 One reason is…
 Lastly
 To begin with,
 To conclude,
Purpose of Transitional Terms
 Transitional words and phrases are included in
the work of successful writers to help bridge
and connect:
 Paragraphs
 Supporting Ideas
 Transitional words help your reader to follow
your writing ideas
Let’s PUMP UP our Writing!
 These common transitional phrases do not add
strength to our writing; they make our writing sound
like we are listing off our ideas rather than explaining
them.
 Good writers consider how the reader will progress
through our writing by considering sturdy
transitional words and phrases.
Where Can I Place Transitional Words and
Phrases in My Writing?
 Transitional words and phrases may be placed:
 At the beginning of paragraphs to help transition
from paragraph to paragraph
 Inside paragraphs to help transition from one
supporting detail to another
 Inside paragraphs to help elaborate upon
supporting details
Watch Out for Transition Overload!
 Be specific in the placement and application of
your transitional words and phrases. Not every
idea or sentence needs to begin with one of
these terms.
Not All Transitional Phrases Are Equal
 Transitional phrases and words are not “one
size fits all”
 Different transitional phrases and terms belong
in specific areas of writing and serve distinct
jobs
Transitional Phrases
to Indicate More Information:
 In addition
 Additionally
 In fact
 Moreover
 Also
 Together with
 Equally important
 Similarly
Transitional Phrases to Indicate an
Example
 For example,
 For instance,
 Specifically,
 To demonstrate,
 To illustrate,
 Notably,
Transitional Phrases to a Cause/Effect
Relationship
 Due to ______,
 For
 For the reason that ______,
 Since ______, then ____
 Consequently
 If…then
 As a result
Transitional Phrases to Compare or
Contrast
 Although
 However
 In comparison
 Likewise
 On the other hand
Transitional Phrases to a Cause/Effect
Relationship
 Due to ______,
 For
 For the reason that ______,
 Since ______, then ____
 Consequently
 If…then
 As a result
Transitional Phrases to Compare or
Contrast
 Although
 However
 In comparison
 Likewise
 On the other hand
Transitional Phrases to Add Emphasis
 Above all,
 Even more,
 More importantly,
Transitional Phrases to Conclude
 Therefore
 Furthermore
 Altogether
 Overall
 Finally
First you need to think about…

 The who, where, when and what!

 Who is your story about?

 Where and When is it set?

 What is going to happen?

Transitional words are used to show
how ideas are connected.
 although
 though
Copy these words on a
 the reverse
sheet of paper. When
 but we are finished, put the
 unlike list in your Writing
 while Folders. Use it as you
 however revise and edit your
 yet persuasive writing.
 unless
 in contrast
 on the other hand
EXAMPLES
 Unlike most of my classmates, I believe that
students should be given more homework.
 Families on vacation want to visit national
parts, yet many of these parks are damaged by
an overload of tourist traffic.
  Some school-board members believe that schools
 although should be in session all year around;
 though ___________ most students and many teachers
oppose the idea.
 the reverse
 The Shop-o-Rama Company plans to build
 but another mall nearby, ___________ their present
mall has many empty shops.
 unlike
 A weekend curfew for teenagers might make our
 while town quieter at night; _______________, a
curfew might violate young people’s rights.
 however
 My mom thinks billboards are an ugly sight on
 yet the landscape. ________________, my dad
believes billboards are helpful to travelers and to
 unless local businesses.
 in contrast  Students should not have to do homework
 on the other hand _____________ they haven’t completed their
work in class.
1. Sometimes lies can have serious
consequences. Describe a time when a lie had
major consequences for you

2. The first time we try something new can be

exciting, frightening, and enlightening. Tell
about an important “first” in your life and
what you learned from the experience.