Transition Words Guide and Practice for ESL Writers
A bilingual anchor chart and graded practice set for high school ESL students that introduces transition words in three categories (addition, contrast, and cause and effect) with English-Spanish support and images. Students move from choosing the correct word in fill-in-the-blank items to writing full sentences and finally a paragraph in essay format, building both vocabulary and academic writing skills.
“Create an ESL adapted anchor chart for high school students. Include images and occasional translations in Spanish. Include a transition words practice activity that increases in rigor from selecting the correct word to fill in the blank to creating full sentences in essay format.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use the anchor chart as a whole-class reference at the start of a writing unit, pointing out the three categories and having students repeat the Spanish translations aloud.
- Discussion question: Which transition word would you use to add a second reason to an argument, and how is that different from one that shows a contrast? Why does the choice change the meaning of your sentence?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a word bank with the Spanish equivalents and allow students to complete the fill-in-the-blank tier with a partner before moving to sentence creation.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to revise a short paragraph by replacing repeated transitions with more varied and precise options, explaining each change.
- Estimated time: About 45 minutes for the anchor chart review and fill-in-the-blank tier, plus an additional 30 to 45 minutes for the sentence and essay-format tiers.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free“Create an ESL adapted anchor chart for high school students. Include images and occasional translations in Spanish. Include a transition words practice activity that increases in rigor from selecting the correct word to fill in the blank to creating full sentences in essay format.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use the anchor chart as a whole-class reference at the start of a writing unit, pointing out the three categories and having students repeat the Spanish translations aloud.
- Discussion question: Which transition word would you use to add a second reason to an argument, and how is that different from one that shows a contrast? Why does the choice change the meaning of your sentence?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a word bank with the Spanish equivalents and allow students to complete the fill-in-the-blank tier with a partner before moving to sentence creation.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to revise a short paragraph by replacing repeated transitions with more varied and precise options, explaining each change.
- Estimated time: About 45 minutes for the anchor chart review and fill-in-the-blank tier, plus an additional 30 to 45 minutes for the sentence and essay-format tiers.
Transition Words Guide and Practice for ESL Writers
A bilingual anchor chart and graded practice set for high school ESL students that introduces transition words in three categories (addition, contrast, and cause and effect) with English-Spanish support and images. Students move from choosing the correct word in fill-in-the-blank items to writing full sentences and finally a paragraph in essay format, building both vocabulary and academic writing skills.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free