4/3/12 5:26 PM
Copyright © 2012 Study Island - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 03/18/2012
Generated By: MORRIS BEERS
Appropriate Transitions
You may have seen little ceramic or plastic creatures with pointed hats and beards in the gardens
around your neighborhood. Those tiny, humanlooking figures are called garden gnomes.
Gnomes were first shown in European mythology. _______ their attributes are different depending
on the story and the storytellers, gnomes are consistently described as having humanlike features.
They also live underground. Myths about gnomes say they can walk through solid earth as easily as
humans move through air. In several countries, people have reported seeing real gnomes.
Today, garden gnomes are used for decoration. They originated in Germany during the 1800s. They
became popular with gardeners around the world. Some myths say that they come to life and help care
for gardens when no one is around. Their magic powers help the flowers bloom and the leaves change
color.
People sometimes steal gnomes and attempt to "return them to the wild." They say the gnomes
should not be forced to work in gardens. The "kidnapped" gnomes are often taken on trips around the
world. They are photographed at famous landmarks. The pictures are sent to their owners. This
traveling gnome prank has been used in movies and video games.
1. What word is used as a transition in paragraph 3?
A. around
B. consistently
C. Myths
D. Today
2. Choose the word or phrase that best connects these sentences from the passage.
Myths about gnomes say they can walk through solid earth as easily as humans move through
air. People in several countries have reported seeing real gnomes.
A. Nevertheless,
B. In addition,
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 1 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
C. In this case,
D. Aside from,
3. Read the following sentences from the passage.
The "kidnapped" gnomes are often taken on trips around the world. They are photographed at
famous landmarks.
Which linking word could be used to better connect these two sentences?
A. Previously,
B. Finally,
C. Then,
D. Although,
4. Choose the sentence that best connects paragraphs 3 and 4 of the passage.
A. In 2008, a 53-year-old Frenchman was accused of stealing 170 garden gnomes.
B. Italy's Garden Gnome Liberation organization owns the European Gnome Sanctuary.
C. As gnomes became more popular, they also became the victims of pranks.
D. The Garden Gnome Liberation Front has offices in France, Italy, and London.
5. Read the following sentence from the passage.
_______ their attributes are different depending on the story and storytellers, gnomes are
consistently described as having human-like features.
Choose the linking word that best fits the blank.
A. Similarly
B. Consequently
C. Besides
D. Although
6. Read the following sentences from the passage.
They originated in Germany during the 1800s. They became popular with gardeners around the
world.
How should these sentences from the passage be combined to improve clarity?
A. They originated in Germany during the 1800s, as a result became popular with gardeners around
the world.
B. They originated in Germany during the 1800s and became popular with gardeners around the
world.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 2 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
C. They originated in Germany during the 1800s, for example, became popular with gardeners
around the world.
D. They originated in Germany during the 1800s, likewise they became popular with gardeners
around the world.
7.
All things considered, I hope Kara and I will be able to make up before it is too late.
How is the underlined linking phrase used in this sentence?
A. to illustrate
B. to compare and contrast
C. to show cause and effect
D. to summarize
8. Choose the sentence below that uses a linking word or phrase to signal cause and
effect.
A. The best thing about being an only child is that I never have to share any of my toys!
B. For the most part, we like to hang our clothes out to dry instead of using the dryer.
C. Time has a way of escaping you; nevertheless, I plan to make the best of my days.
D. Since Robin has to work this Saturday, would you like to reschedule our lunch?
9.
Sam's feet hurt! He had been walking around the mall for nearly an hour trying to find the
perfect outfit.
The Eighth Grade Formal is the most important event of the year, he thought. First, Sam
looked at his favorite store. They didn't have the pants he wanted in his size. The second store
Sam went to was not his style. Next, he went to a department store but was ready to leave
immediately after a saleswoman sprayed him with stinky cologne. His search ended when he
went to the last store on the second floor.
How do the underlined linking words move this paragraph along?
A. They introduce several examples.
B. They show a sequence of events.
C. They compare similar events.
D. They conclude the author's point.
10.
Without a doubt, we would never have known about her suspicious behavior if it had not
been for you.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 3 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
What role does the underlined linking phrase in this sentence play?
A. It draws the sentence to a complete conclusion.
B. It shows the reader comparison in the sentence.
C. It emphasizes the point made in the sentence.
D. It helps introduce examples of suspicious behavior.
Apartheid was a system in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It takes its name from an Afrikaans word
that means "apartness." People were separated on the basis of race. They were divided into four racial
groups: black, white, coloured, and Indian. Race was used to decide where people could live.
South African whites had access to the best of every public resource. Education, medical care, and
other public services provided to black people were not as good as the ones available to
whites. _______, this discrimination was extended to the coloured and Indian residents over the next
decades.
11. Choose the linking word or phrase that best fits the blank.
A. Eventually
B. However
C. For example
D. Again
12. Which linking word or phrase could be added to the beginning of this sentence to
make the passage flow more smoothly?
Education, medical care, and other public services provided to black people were not as good
as the ones available to whites.
A. Then,
B. Until,
C. However,
D. Including,
13. Which sentence could be added to the beginning of paragraph 2 to improve the
flow of the passage?
A. Similarly, South Africa is still recovering from a civil war.
B. However, this separation was not limited to housing.
C. Consequently, the people fought this prejudiced system.
D. At any rate, apartheid still has leftover negative effects.
14.
Not all large creatures are meat eaters. _______ the elephant is vegetarian.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 4 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
Choose the linking word or phrase that best fits in the sentence above.
A. However,
B. Likewise,
C. For example,
D. As a result,
After more than 30 minutes of sitting in the sun waiting for a tow truck to come, Dawn was tired and
frustrated. I'm tired of just sitting here waiting. She thought that maybe since she'd spent so much time
in mechanic shops, some of their repair skills had rubbed off on her.
First, Dawn figured out how to open the hood. That was quite the accomplishment for someone who
had never so much as held a screw driver. "Okay, I've got this under control," she said to herself.
Next, Dawn tried to figure out where the smoke she saw may have been coming from. "I have no
clue what any of this stuff under here is; nevertheless, I am pretty sure I can figure it out."
Then, she burned her hand on one of the hot metal pieces near what she thought might be the
engine.
"I can't take it anymore!" Dawn screamed and slammed the hood of her car down. "This piece of a car
has broken down on me for the last time."
"I looked at so many cars before I decided on this one. I can't believe I got stuck with a lemon!"
She thought back to the day she first saw the car online. It had seemed so perfect, Dawn thought.
The whole way to the car dealership she had prayed it would be as nice as the pictures online.
For the most part, the cars she had seen up until then had been complete junkers. It hadn't taken
her a minute to make up her mind not to buy them. Thus, it was a major surprise for her to see that the
car looked even better than its pictures. The car was in her price range, too. After all the trouble Dawn
had gone through, this car seemed too good to be true.
Also, she never test drove the car for herself. Maybe that's where I went wrong? Dawn thought. The
next day after she bought the car, it started acting weird. It jerked every time she tried to press the gas
and acted like it was going to stop.
Finally, the tow truck arrived, and she was snapped out of her memories. Dawn was once again
transported to her mechanic. All in all, I guess dealing with this car situation has taught me patience
and perseverance, Dawn thought.
15. Which sentence from the passage uses transition to indicate sequence or time ?
A. Dawn was once again transported to her mechanic.
B. "I can't take it anymore!" Dawn screamed and slammed the hood of her car down.
C. Then, she burned her hand on one of the hot metal pieces near what she thought might be the
engine.
D. After all the trouble Dawn had gone through, this car seemed too good to be true.
16. Which sentence could be added to the passage to better connect the last two
paragraphs?
A. Dawn had been searching for a reliable car because she needed to get to her mechanic's shop
safely.
B. Board cars are well known for breaking down, and they have too many recalls on faulty parts to
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 5 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
count.
C. From that day forward, Dawn had been faced with more car trouble than she cared to remember.
D. The owners of the car dealership seemed a bit untrustworthy; Dawn should have followed her
instincts.
17. Read the following sentence from the passage.
Also, she never test drove the car for herself.
What is the purpose of the linking word also in this sentence from the passage?
A. to indicate a sequence
B. to summarize an event
C. to add more information
D. to give an illustration
18. Read the following sentence from the passage.
All in all, I guess dealing with this car situation has taught me patience and determination,
Dawn thought.
Which word or phrase in the sentence above is used as a transition?
A. has taught
B. dealing
C. determination
D. All in all
19. Read the following sentence from the passage.
Thus, it was a major surprise for her to see that the car looked even better than its pictures.
What is the purpose of the linking word Thus in this sentence from the passage?
A. to provide an illustration
B. to indicate a sequence
C. to show cause and effect
D. to summarize an event
20. Read the following sentence from the passage.
"I have no clue what any of this stuff under here is; nevertheless, I am pretty sure I can figure it
out."
Which word from the sentence above is used as a linking word?
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 6 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
A. nevertheless
B. figure
C. clue
D. I
21. Read the following sentence from the passage.
For the most part, the cars she had seen up until then had been complete junkers.
What is the purpose of the underlined phrase in this sentence?
A. to show that this sentence refers to an illustration
B. to link this sentence to the paragraph it introduces
C. to indicate a contrast with the previous paragraph
D. to link this sentence to the previous paragraph
22. Choose the sentence that uses a linking word or phrase to signal cause and effect.
A. To summarize, we must act quickly to save the library.
B. Therefore, they were both kicked out of school.
C. Marvin and Ty passed the chemistry exam as well.
D. Chris had already washed his clothes earlier that day.
23. Which of these transition words would be appropriate for indicating time?
A. during
B. furthermore
C. besides
D. again
24.
Immediately, I recalled that I had left the wallet on top of my car.
How is the underlined linking word used in this sentence?
A. to show an addition
B. to give an illustration
C. to indicate time
D. to show comparison
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 7 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
Its official name is "Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress," but the castle has historically been
called "The Tower" or "London Tower." In the past, it served as a royal palace, a place of execution
and torture, and a zoo. However, it is most famous for being a prison.
Many well-known figures spent time behind bars at London Tower. Queen of England Anne Boleyn,
Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I, and Sir Walter Raleigh are just a few. In fact, The Tower is said to
be the most haunted building in England. _______ Anne Boleyn's ghost has been seen by those
guarding it.
There is a superstition that if there are less than six ravens kept at The Tower, the kingdom will fall.
The British government pays for ten ravens to be kept there at all times. Although no royalty currently
resides there, The Tower is guarded.
25. Which of these sentences should be added to the first paragraph to improve the
flow of the passage?
A. The Hampton Court Palace is located on the Thames River in south London.
B. The Tower of London is one of the most famous monuments in England.
C. Other famous English castles include The White Tower and Tintagel Castle.
D. Historic Royal Palaces is a charity that takes care of Great Britain's palaces.
26. Which linking word or phrase best fills in the blank?
_______ Anne Boleyn's ghost has been seen by those guarding it.
A. As a result,
B. Instead,
C. First of all,
D. For instance,
27. Read this sentence from the passage.
However, it is most famous for being a prison.
Which of these answer choices could replace the underlined transition?
A. Nevertheless
B. Afterward
C. Because
D. Including
28. Read this sentence from the passage.
Although no royalty currently resides there, The Tower is guarded.
Which word is used as a transition in this sentence?
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 8 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
A. Although
B. currently
C. there
D. resides
29. Which linking word or phrase could be added to this sentence from the passage to
improve its flow?
The British government pays for ten ravens to be kept there at all times.
A. Just in case,
B. First of all,
C. In contrast,
D. Chiefly,
30. Choose the linking word that could be used to show that a comparison is being
made.
A. similarly
B. including
C. however
D. afterward
Art started out as a hobby for me. I had always been interested in painting. I didn't think I had the
ability to do it well.
________, I couldn't draw a straight line. _______ I'm still not sure that I can draw one now. First, I
signed up for a beginner's painting class. _______ I found out I loved painting and was actually pretty
good at it.
31. Which word best fills in the blank?
_______ I found out I loved painting and was actually pretty good at it.
A. As a result,
B. On the other hand,
C. Also,
D. Since,
32. Which word could best combine these two sentences from the passage?
I had always been interested in painting. I didn't think I had the ability to do it well.
A. because
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 9 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
B. but
C. since
D. and
33. Which linking word or phrase best fills in the blank?
_______, I couldn't draw a straight line.
A. Until
B. On the other hand
C. In conclusion
D. Previously
34. Which linking word or phrase best fills in the blank?
_______ I'm still not sure that I can draw one now.
A. In fact
B. Especially
C. Besides
D. In any event
35.
My parents have taught me many valuable life lessons, such as how to be responsible and
manage my time effectively. _______ I am now prepared to enter high school next year.
Choose the linking word or phrase that best fits in the sentence above.
A. For example,
B. However,
C. As a result,
D. Otherwise,
36. Which linking word or phrase could be used to signal that more information is being
introduced?
A. now
B. until
C. in contrast
D. in addition
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 10 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
37. Choose the sentence below that uses a transition word or phrase to indicate a
contrast.
A. such as
B. This winter was unexpectedly cold; yet, I cannot recall the last time I had so much fun.
C. We have not forgotten what happened here; therefore, let us create a memorial.
D. I think you should remember that you are addressing your parent and act accordingly!
38. Which linking word or phrase could be used to show an example or illustration?
A. because
B. yet
C. just as
D. such as
39.
Because Alicia forgot her racket at home, she wasn't able to practice with the rest of the
tennis team.
How is the underlined linking word used in this sentence?
A. to illustrate a comparison
B. to signal additional information
C. to indicate time or sequence
D. to show cause and effect
40.
Harolyn woke up late this morning. _______, she missed her bus.
Choose the linking word or phrase that best fits in the sentence above.
A. Earlier
B. Finally
C. For example
D. Consequently
41.
Many people think recycling is pointless; however, there is proven evidence of its positive
impact on the environment.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 11 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
How is the underlined linking word used in this sentence?
A. to show contrast between two ideas
B. to signal a closing to the sentence
C. to demonstrate cause and effect
D. to indicate additional information
42.
Not long after we left I began to notice a knocking sound in my car. _______, there had
only been the purr of the motor.
Choose the word that best completes the sentence.
A. Before
B. Generally
C. Another
D. Similarly
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 12 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
Answers
1.
D
2.
B
3.
C
4.
C
5.
D
6.
B
7.
D
8.
D
9.
B
10. C
11. A
12. C
13. B
14. C
15. C
16. C
17. C
18. D
19. C
20. A
21. D
22. B
23. A
24. C
25. B
26. D
27. A
28. A
29. A
30. A
31. A
32. B
33. D
34. A
35. C
36. D
37. B
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 13 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
38. D
39. D
40. D
41. A
42. A
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 14 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
Explanations
1.
Transitions, or linking words, help make connections. In this case, using the word "Today" as a
linking word helps the reader transition from the history and mythology of gnomes in the second
paragraph to the modern-day use of garden gnomes in the third.
2.
Read the two sentences again. The second sentence adds additional information to the first. The
appropriate connecting word would indicate the addition of more information. In addition is the best
answer choice to use here.
3.
A linking word that shows the order in which things happened would best connect these two
sentences. Think of it this way. First, the kidnapped gnomes are taken on trips around the world.
Then, they are photographed at famous landmarks.
4.
Paragraph 3 mentions that garden gnomes became popular with gardeners around the world.
Paragraph 4 discusses the traveling gnome prank. This answer choice best helps tie the two
paragraphs together.
5.
From this sentence, the reader can tell the appropriate linking word to use here would indicate
contrast. Although is the correct answer choice to use here.
6.
The best way to combine these sentences would be to choose a word that indicates additional
information. And is the best answer choice to use here.
7.
Phrases like all things considered, in conclusion, and in summary are used to summarize
previous points or to signal a closing or ending.
8.
This sentence says that Robin has to work on Saturday. As a result, or effect, lunch may have to be
rescheduled.
9.
Linking words help make connections. In this case, the underlined words show a sequence of events.
10. Other linking words and phrases that can be used to intensify a sentence include "indeed," "by all
means," and "certainly."
11. The word "over the next decades" in this sentence gives the reader a hint that an appropriate linking
word to use here might signal time. Eventually is the only answer choice that relates to when
something happened.
12. "However" is the correct word to use because it shows contrast. The first sentence of paragraph 2
states that white South Africans had access to the best public resources. The second sentence,
however, states that black South Africans received lower quality services.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 15 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
13. This sentence would help tie paragraphs one and two together. It reminds the reader of the
separation that was mentioned in paragraph 1 and introduces paragraph 2.
14. The first sentence tells readers that not all animals eat meat. Elephants are large animals that are
vegetarians. This linking phrase tells readers that an example follows it.
15. This sentence uses the linking word then to indicate another event in the passage's sequence. Read
the passage again. Notice words like first, next and finally.
16. This is the best sentence to connect the two paragraphs because it summarizes Dawn's car troubles.
17. Linking words help make connections. In this case, the word Also is used to add information about
how Dawn never test drove the car before she purchased it.
18. In this sentence, the phrase all in all is used to indicate a conclusion to the passage.
19. Linking words help make connections. In this case, the word Thus is used to show the effect of the
previous sentence. Readers learn that the cars Dawn saw before she purchased her car were all bad.
As a result, she was very surprised to see that the car she bought looked better than its pictures.
20. In this sentence, nevertheless is used to indicate a contrast. Dawn admits that she has never seen
the inside of a car's hood before; however, she is sure that she can figure it out.
21. This sentence from the passage is a continuation of the story about Dawn's car search that is
introduced in the previous paragraph.
22. The word therefore tells the reader that whatever follows it is the result of, or the effect of,
something else. It is used to show cause and effect.
23. A good way to select a linking or transition word that signals time is to ask yourself which word
would tell you when something happened. During is the only answer choice that indicates time.
Other examples can include first, finally, while, and earlier.
Example: During the week, you can leave donations at Ronald's desk.
24. Read the sentence again. It tells the reader when the speaker remembered the forgotten wallet:
immediately.
25. This sentence could help introduce the first paragraph. As it is now, the reader has no idea what "it"
refers to until later in the paragraph. The Tower of London should be introduced at the beginning of
the passage.
26. This sentence gives an example of a ghost that is said to be haunting the Tower of London. For
instance is the linking phrase that best indicates that an example or illustration follows it.
27. The transition word However is used to signal contrast here. Nevertheless is another example of a
linking word that can be used to indicate contrast.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 16 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
28. This word is used to signal contrast. No royalty resides in The Tower; however, it still has guards.
29. This linking phrase best helps tie the sentence to the previous one by indicating a cause/effect
relationship. It tells the reader that as a result of superstition, the British government pays for ten
ravens to be kept at London Tower.
30. Remember that a linking word used for comparison shows how things are alike. Similarly, likewise,
and just as can all be used to show comparison.
31. This sentence tells the reader what the result of the writer signing up for a painting class was. The
answer choice As a result best fits here.
32. There is a contrast between these two sentences. But is the only answer choice that indicates
contrast.
33. This passage gives clues that indicate it is a sequence of events over time. Previously is the only
answer choice that indicates time and fits the past tense of the sentence.
34. This answer choice shows that this sentence reinforces the previous one. The author could not draw
a straight line then and is not sure that he or she can draw one now.
35. Transitional words or phrases are used to connect ideas and sentences. In other words, a transition
shows a relationship between two sentences. In the first sentence, the speaker says that he or she
has learned valuable life lessons. The second sentence states that the speaker is now prepared to
enter high school. The transition "As a result" shows the correct relationship between the two ideas.
In other words, because the speaker has learned valuable life lessons, he or she is now prepared for
high school. None of the other choices show the correct relationship.
36. In addition best signals the introduction of more information to a sentence or paragraph. Other
words that can be used to indicate additional information include furthermore, and, and also.
Example: In addition to running track, Trish also sings in the choir.
37. In this sentence, yet signals a contrast in the sentence: Winter was very cold, yet it was also a lot of
fun. Remember that words like however, but, and although can also be used to indicate contrast
in a sentence.
38. The linking phrase such as gives the reader a hint that an example is about to be introduced in the
sentence.
39. In this sentence, because is used to show that Alicia wasn't able to practice with the tennis team as
a result of, or effect of, leaving her tennis racket at home.
40. Harolyn missed her bus as a result of waking up late this morning. Consequently is the only
transition listed that indicates a result of an event.
41. In this sentence, however signals that the second half of the sentence is going to contrast the
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 17 of 18
4/3/12 5:26 PM
claims that recycling is pointless.
42. The first sentence tells you when the speaker first hears the knocking sound. This is a clue that a
good linking word to use in the second sentence could be one that is related to time or sequence.
Before is the best answer choice to use here.
Copyright © 2012 Study Island - All rights reserved.
file:///Users/morrisbeers/Desktop/STUDY%20ISLAND/Worksheets%208th%20Grade/Appropriate%20Transitions%201.webarchive
Page 18 of 18