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English lesson plan · 8th grade (Year 9 in England) · 30 minutes

Transitions (SAT/ACT)

Writing & Editing

CCSS W.8.2.CCCSS W.8.1.CEngland: SAT Reading and Writing (Transitions)England: ACT EnglishEngland: GCSE English Language Paper 2 Q5

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Transitions (SAT/ACT).

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Linking ideas across paragraphs (cohesion)

Leads to: Organisation: sentence placement and logical order; Transitions in academic texts (SAT, advanced)

Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Linking ideas across paragraphs (cohesion)). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Sharks have several rows of teeth. ___, they can lose a tooth and quickly replace it. (Firstly / Consequently / For example / However) → ConsequentlyPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?
  2. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Mix the flour and butter. ___, add the sugar. (Next / For instance / In conclusion / However) → NextPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?
  3. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. We visited the castle in the morning. ___, we explored the woods. (Afterwards / Therefore / However / For example) → AfterwardsPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?

Hook · 3 min

  • Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
  • Share the objective: Transitions (SAT/ACT). Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The team expected the survey to show support for the plan. ___, most respondents opposed it.
  • Step 1: A transition must show the real logical relationship between ideas.
  • Step 2: The second sentence contrasts with or goes against the first.
  • Step 3: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The team expected the survey to show support for the plan. Instead, most respondents opposed it."
  • Step 4: So the answer is: Instead
  • Answer: Instead
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Solar panels have become far cheaper since 2010. ___, more households are installing them. (For instance / However / Consequently / Nevertheless) → ConsequentlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
  2. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Chess requires memory and planning. ___, studies suggest it may improve pupils' concentration. (Previously / Accordingly / In contrast / Nevertheless) → AccordinglyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Bees communicate by dancing. ___, some ants leave scent trails to share information. (Therefore / However / Similarly / For example) → SimilarlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
  2. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Solar panels have become far cheaper since 2010. ___, more households are installing them. (Consequently / However / Nevertheless / For instance) → ConsequentlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?

Watch out for

  • Writing everything at once without planning.
  • Editing only spelling and not whether the writing makes sense.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Linking ideas across paragraphs (cohesion).
  • Use concrete materials: a model text.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Organisation: sentence placement and logical order; Transitions in academic texts (SAT, advanced).
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-8.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Transitions (SAT/ACT)

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Many desert plants store water in thick stems. ___, the saguaro cactus can hold hundreds of litres.

    • A. However
    • B. Therefore
    • C. In contrast
    • D. For example

  2. Question 2

    Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The author grew up in a fishing village. ___, many of her novels are set by the sea.

    • A. Unsurprisingly
    • B. In contrast
    • C. However
    • D. Nevertheless

  3. Question 3

    Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The first printing presses were slow and costly. ___, books became cheaper as the technology improved.

    • A. Similarly
    • B. For example
    • C. In contrast
    • D. Over time

  4. Question 4

    Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Bees communicate by dancing. ___, some ants leave scent trails to share information.

    • A. Therefore
    • B. However
    • C. Similarly
    • D. For example

  5. Question 5

    Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The first experiment produced no results. ___, the second experiment confirmed the hypothesis.

    • A. By contrast
    • B. Thus
    • C. Similarly
    • D. For example

  6. Question 6

    Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The museum attracted record visitors in July. ___, attendance fell sharply in August.

    • A. Moreover
    • B. Therefore
    • C. For example
    • D. However

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Answer key: Transitions (SAT/ACT)

  1. 1. D. For example

  2. 2. A. Unsurprisingly

  3. 3. D. Over time

  4. 4. C. Similarly

  5. 5. A. By contrast

  6. 6. D. However