How Ideas Connect
Aligned to RI.3.8 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Sentences and paragraphs link together in ways like comparing, showing order, or giving a cause and effect.
Worked examples
Example 1
One sentence says 'First, mix the seeds in.' The next says 'Then cover them with soil.' The words 'first' and 'then' show order.
Example 2
'Because the soil was poor, farmers moved west. As a result, new towns grew.' 'Because' and 'as a result' link the ideas.
Example 3
Different link words do different jobs. 'However' warns you a contrast is coming; 'for example' warns you a detail is.
Practice questions
- Find two sentences connected by order words.
- Tell whether two paragraphs compare things or show cause and effect.
- Point to a word that links one idea to the next.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Cómo Se Conectan las Ideas
Las oraciones y los párrafos se enlazan de distintas maneras, como comparando, mostrando orden o dando una causa y un efecto.
Ejemplo 1: Una oración dice 'Primero, mezcla las semillas.' La siguiente dice 'Luego cúbrelas con tierra.' Las palabras 'primero' y 'luego' muestran el orden.
Ejemplo 2: 'Como la tierra era pobre, los agricultores se mudaron al oeste. Como resultado, crecieron nuevos pueblos.' 'Como' y 'como resultado' unen las ideas.
Ejemplo 3: Las palabras de enlace hacen trabajos distintos. 'Sin embargo' te avisa que viene un contraste; 'por ejemplo' te avisa que viene un detalle.
More Reading: Informational lessons
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