• 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. Some people love winter. ___, others count the days until summer. (Firstly / For example / As a result / On the other hand) → On the other handPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?
2. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Many animals hibernate in winter. ___, hedgehogs sleep from November to March. (For example / Finally / Meanwhile / However) → For examplePrompt: 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. (For example / However / Afterwards / Therefore) → AfterwardsPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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? The museum attracted record visitors in July. ___, attendance fell sharply in August. (However / Moreover / Therefore / For example) → HoweverPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
2. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Bees communicate by dancing. ___, some ants leave scent trails to share information. (Similarly / However / For example / Therefore) → SimilarlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?

• 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.

• 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? Many desert plants store water in thick stems. ___, the saguaro cactus can hold hundreds of litres. (For example / However / Therefore / In contrast) → For examplePrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
2. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Early maps of the region were often inaccurate. ___, they showed rivers that did not exist. (In fact / Similarly / Consequently / However) → In factPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?

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