Back to the lesson plan builder
Lesson length30 min45 min60 min

Print the plan for yourself; the student sheet prints on its own page after it.

English lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 60 minutes

Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly

Writing & Editing

CCSS W.5.2.CCCSS W.5.1.CEngland: Y5/6 Writing (cohesion)England: Y5 GPS (adverbials)

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly.

  • 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 words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result

Leads to: the next skill in this area.

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

Warm-up · 6 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Foxes eat many different foods. ___, they will eat berries, worms and even leftover pizza. (In addition / For instance / In other words / As a result) → For instancePrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
  2. The hedgehog is nocturnal. In other words, it is active at night. What job does "In other words" do? (adds another point / gives an example / shows a result / explains in other words) → explains in other wordsPrompt: Read what comes straight after the linking phrase.
  3. Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Penguins are flightless. ___, they cannot fly. (Furthermore / For example / Consequently / In other words) → In other wordsPrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?

Hook · 6 min

  • Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
  • Share the objective: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 12 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Choose the transition that fits best. Cheetahs are incredibly fast. ___, they get tired after a short sprint.
  • Step 1: Transitions show the reader how the next idea relates to the last one.
  • Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Cheetahs are incredibly fast. However, they get tired after a short sprint."
  • Step 3: So the answer is: However
  • Answer: However
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 12 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. Choose the transition that fits best. The test was very hard. ___, everyone in the class passed. (Nevertheless / Similarly / In addition / For example) → NeverthelessPrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?
  2. Dogs need daily walks. However, cats are happy indoors. What does "However" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → contrastPrompt: Read the sentences before and after the transition.

You do: independent practice · 17 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 · 7 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Trains are fast. On the other hand, buses stop closer to home. What does "On the other hand" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → contrastPrompt: Read the sentences before and after the transition.
  2. Choose the transition that fits best. Plastic is cheap and useful. ___, it can harm wildlife for hundreds of years. (For instance / However / In addition / Similarly) → HoweverPrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?

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 words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result.
  • 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

  • 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-5.

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

eurekami

Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly

Name

Date

Score/ 8

  1. Question 1

    Choose the transition that fits best. Some birds cannot fly. ___, penguins and ostriches stay on the ground.

    • A. For example
    • B. Nevertheless
    • C. Likewise
    • D. However
  2. Question 2

    To sum up, sleep matters for learning. What does "To sum up" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up
  3. Question 3

    Choose the transition that fits best. Cheetahs are incredibly fast. ___, they get tired after a short sprint.

    • A. For instance
    • B. However
    • C. Similarly
    • D. In conclusion
  4. Question 4

    Trains are fast. On the other hand, buses stop closer to home. What does "On the other hand" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up
  5. Question 5

    In conclusion, recycling helps everyone. What does "In conclusion" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up
  6. Question 6

    Choose the transition that fits best. Plastic is cheap and useful. ___, it can harm wildlife for hundreds of years.

    • A. Similarly
    • B. In addition
    • C. However
    • D. For instance
  7. Question 7

    Choose the transition that fits best. Many animals change colour with the seasons. ___, the Arctic fox turns white in winter.

    • A. Nevertheless
    • B. In conclusion
    • C. For instance
    • D. However
  8. Question 8

    Dogs need daily walks. However, cats are happy indoors. What does "However" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up

Free from eurekami.com

for the adult only

Answer key: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly

  1. 1. A. For example

  2. 2. D. summing up

  3. 3. B. However

  4. 4. A. contrast

  5. 5. D. summing up

  6. 6. C. However

  7. 7. C. For instance

  8. 8. A. contrast