English lesson plan · 8th grade (Year 9 in England) · 45 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 · 5 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.
- Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. It rained all week. ___, the river burst its banks. (Meanwhile / For example / In contrast / As a result) → As a resultPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?
- Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Penguins cannot fly. ___, they are excellent swimmers. (For instance / However / Firstly / Therefore) → HoweverPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?
- Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. We visited the castle in the morning. ___, we explored the woods. (For example / Therefore / Afterwards / However) → AfterwardsPrompt: How does the second sentence relate to the first: time, contrast, example or result?
Hook · 5 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 · 10 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 · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Solar panels have become far cheaper since 2010. ___, more households are installing them. (However / Nevertheless / For instance / Consequently) → ConsequentlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
- Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Bees communicate by dancing. ___, some ants leave scent trails to share information. (Therefore / For example / However / Similarly) → SimilarlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
You do: independent practice · 10 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 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Bees communicate by dancing. ___, some ants leave scent trails to share information. (Therefore / Similarly / However / For example) → SimilarlyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
- 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. (Similarly / For example / In contrast / Over time) → Over timePrompt: 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