CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2c

ELAGrades 9–10Text Types and Purposes

The Standard

Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to connect parts of an informational piece so the reader can follow the thinking. They should use transitions between paragraphs, sections, examples, causes, contrasts, and explanations. They also need variety, not the same few words repeated.

Mastery looks like writing where each move feels clear and intentional. The reader can tell when the writer is adding evidence, shifting ideas, showing cause and effect, or drawing a conclusion. Students often get stuck using vague transitions like “also” and “another reason,” or adding transition words without checking the actual relationship between ideas.

Ways to Teach It

Give students a cut-up explanatory essay and have them arrange paragraphs, then add transition phrases on sticky notes between sections.
Ask students to revise one paragraph by replacing three weak transitions with phrases that show contrast, cause, example, or sequence.
Collect an exit ticket where students choose the best transition between two given sentences and explain their choice in one sentence.
Show a news explainer article and have students highlight transitions that guide readers through background, evidence, and impact.