sábado, enero 13, 2007

Some connectors for your essay

Here is a chart of the transitional devices (also called conjunctive adverbs or adverbial conjunctions) accompanied with a simplified definition of function (note that some devices appear with more than one definition):
addition
again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, last, moreover, next, second, still, too
comparison
also, in the same way, likewise, similarly
concession
granted, naturally, of course
contrast
although, and yet, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though, yet
emphasis
certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
example or illustration
after all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in conclusion, indeed, in fact, in other words, in short, it is true, of course, namely, specifically, that is, to illustrate, thus, truly
summary
all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in particular, in short, in simpler terms, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to put it differently, to summarize
time sequence
after a while, afterward, again, also, and then, as long as, at last, at length, at that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, formerly, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, in the past, last, lately, meanwhile, moreover, next, now, presently, second, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, still, subsequently, then, thereafter, too, until, until now, when

A word of caution: Do not interlard your text with transitional expressions merely because you know these devices connect ideas. They must appear, naturally, where they belong, or they'll stick like a fishbone in your reader's craw. (For that same reason, there is no point in trying to memorize this vast list.) On the other hand, if you can read your entire essay and discover none of these transitional devices, then you must wonder what, if anything, is holding your ideas together. Practice by inserting a tentative however, nevertheless, consequently. Reread the essay later to see if these words provide the glue you needed at those points.

For further information go to http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/transitions.htm , http://hs.houstonisd.org/ReaganHS/Organizations/Resources/Essay%20Transitions.htm , http://www.powa.org/organize/links.html and http://www.ssdd.uce.ac.uk/learner/writing/transex.htm

You should also do the exercises on http://www.ssdd.uce.ac.uk/learner/writing/transiti.htm

About connectors

http://international.ouc.bc.ca/chalkntalk/cohesiveconnectors/

jueves, diciembre 14, 2006

Lab Activity


Do the exercises on the web pages created by each group and send the results to your professor.(adrianarrioja@yahoo.com). If you disagree with an answer, write the comment clicking on the comment link. You can also use the same link to correct the grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc. of your page or any other.


These exercises will be available until your first Reading and Writing class of 2007. Merry Christmas everyone :-D





jueves, noviembre 23, 2006

viernes, noviembre 10, 2006

The thesis statement

Click on the numbers and do the exercises. Send the answers to your professor.
1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9

viernes, noviembre 03, 2006

What do you know about the essay?

Click here and do the exercises. Then copy and paste the answers on your blog.

martes, octubre 31, 2006