ENGLISH 8

FIRST QUARTER
MODULE NO. 4
TOPIC: Transitional Devices

I. INTRODUCTION
Coherence is important for the readers to easily grasp the thought they
read because it provides orderly sequence of ideas and its relationship to one
another. Using transitional devices gives a smooth flow of connectivity from
one sentence to the other sentences or from one paragraph to another.
This module will help you identify transitional devices. Specifically, this
will cover the different signal words to achieve coherence.

II. OBJECTIVE/S
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
• identify and use signals that indicate coherence.

III. CONCEPT SUMMARY

A good composition consists of two important things: Coherence and

Cohesion.
• Coherence derived from “cohere”, literally means “to hold together.”
This refers to the lining of ideas in a logical sequence.
• Cohesion pertains to the organization of sentences and ideas in order
to achieve unity in the paragraphs that form the composition.
• Sentences within the paragraph should be unified in a smooth
progression of ideas using signal words or transitional words.
• Transitional words or signal words used to direct readers’
attention into a right direction. These connects words in a sentence,
sentences to a paragraph, paragraph to the entire composition to
achieve coherence.

IV. BRIEF DISCUSSION

1. Concept Development/ Learning Tasks
QUICK CHECK: Spot the missing word
_______ the school district pays for half of the students’ breakfasts, there still will
be those without enough resources to pay for the remaining amount.
Which of the words
In English, signalbelow
wordscan bestin
come complete
differentthefunctions.
sentence?Study the table below
Even If Even though
that shows its uses: So that So Finally As a result

English 8 - Module 4 - Fist Quarter - Page 1 of 8

 Functions SIGNAL WORDS
Listing first, second, third, repeated, furthermore,
finally, to begin, to conclude, next
Giving Examples for example, for instance, as follows, that
is, in this case, namely
Generalizing in general, generally, on the whole, as a
rule, for the most part, in most cases
Reinforcement also, furthermore, moreover, what is
more, in addition, besides, above all, as
well as, in the same wat, not only…but
also
Result/ Consequence so, therefore, as a result, as a
consequence, accordingly, consequently,
because of this/that, thus, hence, for this/
that reason, so that, in that case, under
these circumstances
Deduction then, in other words, otherwise, this
implies that…, in that case, if so/ not
Stating the obvious obviously, clearly, naturally, of course, as
can be expected, surely, after all
Highlighting in particular, particularly, especially, mainly
Reformulation in other words, rather, to put it more
simply
Expressing an alternative alternatively, rather, on the other hand,
the alternative is, another possibility is
would be
Contrast instead, conversely, in contrast, in
comparison
Summary in conclusion, to conclude, in brief, to
summarize, overall, therefore
Concession however, even though, however much,
nevertheless, still, yet

Here is an example for you to study:

Polygyny, which is the matrimony of one man to two or more woman at the
same time, was a tradition in the African family system. However, the idea
of marriage to multiple women is now rejected in most countries because
this custom has become an economic burden to many.

English 8 - Module 4 - Fist Quarter - Page 2 of 8

 As listed above, the word “however” served to refute the first statement thus
function as concession.

Click on the link below to get more example of transitional devices:

https://www.ndu.edu.lb/Library/Assets/Files/WritingCenter/WritingHandout
s/3.4.pdf

• Let’s Practice!

A. Directions: Read the text below, then underline the most appropriate
signal word to form a sensible paragraph.
Having been accepted by the University, I started college. In high
school, my grades had been satisfactory (even though, but unfortunately,
instead) I was not prepared for the difficult period of adjustment in college.
(After all, Consequently, For instance) I soon became so discouraged with
myself and so dissatisfied with my studies (that, rather, obviously) I was not
on the point of quitting.

I think my adviser sensed this, (for instance, naturally, for) he called

me to his office and talked to me about both duties of a student and the
difficulties of first year college. That talk helped me considerably.

(To conclude, from then on, To put it more simply) I realized that
nothing was wrong with me or the school experience would not cure; (so,
for, hence) I decided to stay.

B. Directions: Read the sentences carefully and underline the correct word
signal to complete each sentence.

1. We have a mouse in the house. Unfortunately, /Therefore, we should get

a cat.

2. Megan got into a car accident. Furthermore/As a result, her insurance rate
increased.

3. Michael is very athletic and plays on the school basketball team.

English 8 - Module 4 - Fist Quarter - Page 3 of 8

 However, /In addition, his brother just stays at home and plays video
games all day.

4. There are many occupations today. Such as/For Example, you can
become a doctor, engineer, teacher, artist, athlete, musician, or chef, just
to name a few.

5. The US government has been spending its money recklessly for too long.
Furthermore/As a result, the plans that Congress proposes are destined to
put the nation at great economic risk in the future.

6. Getting a college degree is important. In conclusion/More importantly,

building a good network of friends is crucial to future success.

7. Hawaii is a beautiful place to live. In addition, /On the contrary, Siberia is

a very inhospitable location.

8. Eating well will help you live a healthier life. Moreover/As a result,
exercising every day is also highly recommended.

9. Do you enjoy completing these grammar exercises? Then/Yet, you should

be able to improve your writing skills in no time!

10. Without getting a college degree, it will be difficult to get a job.

Moreover/However, some will say, “It’s not what you know, but who you
know.”

More exciting activities upon clicking the link below:

https://www.education.com/game/transition-words-game/

2. Broadening of Concept
Let’s see how you can create connections of the lessons today…

• As students, do you often use transition words in writing? Why?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

English 8 - Module 4 - Fist Quarter - Page 4 of 8

 • God is faithful to us through His words and actions, what about you,
how can you obtain consistency in both words and actions?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

• How do you make connections with your family and relatives during this
pandemic?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
• Is connection a necessity among family members? What about among
neighbors? Why so?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

3. Integration
Transition/signal words are used in order to achieve unity of ideas. In
reality, what do you consider as an instrument to achieve unity within
your family circle? How about in your circle of friends? With your
countrymen? Cite an example.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

V. EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT
A. Directions: Choose a suitable linking word to complete the following
sentences.
1. Many smokers believe that e-cigarettes can help them quit smoking.
________________, scientific researches show that e-cigarettes are more
addictive and lethal than traditional cigarettes.
a. In addition
b. However
c. As a consequence
d. Equally important

English 8 - Module 4 - Fist Quarter - Page 5 of 8

 2. Urban planners argue that the rise of private vehicles is a leading cause of
traffic congestion. ________________, they also associate poor infrastructure
development with the problem.
a. Furthermore
b. In conclusion
c. For example
d. But

3. Many students in rural areas do not get access to quality education.

________________, they struggle to find well-paid jobs after graduating from
university.
a. Consequently
b. Moreover
c. In short
d. On the other hand

4. ________________ the impacts of global warming, Vietnam has witnessed an

increasing number of hurricanes over the past few years.
a. In spite of
b. In contrast
c. Because of
d. Until

5. Scientific researches indicate a number of negative impacts of poor sleeping

quality. _______________, the problem can lead to anxiety and depression.
a. Otherwise
b. For example
c. To conclude
d. Nevertheless
B. You probably have mastered the use of signal words for coherence. This time,
you will practice using these words in talking/conversing with your parents,
siblings or other family members. Let’s see how good you already are as you
share this experience when we will have our synchronous session next
meeting.

VI. CLOSURE/SYNTHESIS
My Treasure
Great! You have accomplished all the tasks that were assigned to you in this
module. At this part, it is your time to reflect on what are the essential things
that you have learned and what you have added to your knowledge bank.
Fill-in the details by answering the table given below.

The most meaningful lesson that I learned is…

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 The most difficult, yet manageable part of the lesson I have
encountered is…

For me, the best part of the lesson that is worth-keeping is…

VII. REFERENCES
Purdue University. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2020 from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/transitions_and_transitio
nal_devices/transitional_devices.html#:~:text=Transitional%20devices%20are%
20words%20or,jumps%20or%20breaks%20between%20ideas.

Canada's Open University (September 10 2014). Retrieved June 20, 2020 from
http://write-site.athabascau.ca/transitional-devices.php

Mai Duc Nguyen. (Nov 27, 2017). Transitional Devices. Retrieved June 20, 2020
from https://www.ieltswithmrduc.com/post/2017/11/27/multiple-choice-
questions-series-2-transitional-words-and-phrases

Learn ESL ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE. (n.d). Retrieved June 20, 2020
from https://www.learnesl.net/transition-words-exercises-with-answers/

English 8 - Module 4 - Fist Quarter - Page 7 of 8

 MY LEARNING PERFORMANCE

COMPETENCY/SKILL ASSESSMENT Score WHAT I NEED

(Formative and TO DO
Summative)

Let’s Practice in Module 4

(Seatwork)

Identify and use

signals that indicate
coherence. Evaluation in Module 4
(Assignment)

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