Overview
This lecture focused on identifying and using transition signals to improve coherence in writing, specifically covering causal and sequential transition signals. It also touched on media and information literacy and practical activities to enhance students' English skills.
Transition Signals: Definition and Classification
- Transition signals are words or phrases that help readers understand links between ideas in writing or speech.
- There are four main classifications of transition signals: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential.
- Additive signals add similar ideas or introduce additional examples (e.g., furthermore, for example).
- Adversative signals show contrast or opposition (e.g., however, on the other hand).
- Causal signals indicate causes, reasons, or results (e.g., therefore, as a result).
- Sequential signals show order or sequence in ideas (e.g., first, next, finally).
Functions of Transition Signals
- Additive: Used to add or introduce similar ideas and examples.
- Adversative: Used to show opposition or contrast between ideas.
- Causal: Used to indicate consequence, reason, or result of actions or ideas.
- Sequential: Used to organize ideas in a logical order or process.
Examples and Practice Activities
- Sample sentences and paragraph activities demonstrated the use of additive, adversative, causal, and sequential transition signals.
- Students practiced distinguishing between cause and effect (CE) and sequence (S) in sentences.
- Exercises involved identifying the correct transition signal for improving paragraph coherence.
Media and Information Literacy (MIL)
- MIL equips individuals to be critical thinkers and responsible digital citizens.
- The importance of verifying information, fact-checking, and being aware of fake news was emphasized.
- Creating coherent digital portfolios was used as an example to practice sequential transition signals.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Transition signal — a word/phrase linking ideas for coherence and clarity in communication.
- Additive — type of transition signal that adds information.
- Adversative — type of signal that shows contrast or opposition.
- Causal — type of signal indicating cause, effect, or result.
- Sequential — type that shows the order of events or ideas.
- Media and Information Literacy (MIL) — the ability to locate, evaluate, and use media and information responsibly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write a paragraph using transition signals about ways to fight fake news, including personal experience or suggested methods.
- Submit your output to your tutors as specified.
- Practice identifying and using the four classifications of transition signals in your writing.