Connecting Ideas
In a text of any length, writers must connect their ideas using specific words and phrases. They must also structure their text in a way that promotes readers’ understanding.
Organization and Logical Order
I’m sure you’ve read at least one recipe in your life. Think about how it looked. It probably had the following format:
An introduction about the Dish (just a few sentences)
- Ingredient #1
- Ingredient #2
- Etc.
- Step #1
- Step #2
- Etc.
Nearly all recipe writers follow this tried and true format because it helps readers easily understand what ingredients they need and how to turn those ingredients into a tasty dish.
When you read a passage on the GED RLA test and write the extended response, you need to consider the organization that best fits the situation. There are a few ways to organize ideas logically in a piece of writing:
- Problem/Solution: You discuss a problem and propose a solution.
- Order of Importance: You discuss related ideas beginning with the one you believe is most important.
Also, take a moment to review the nonfiction text structure we covered earlier in this guide. Those are also ways that writers can logically organize their thoughts.
Transitions
Connecting ideas also involves transitions: words and phrases that let the reader know how different ideas relate. The table below explains the most common transition words and phrases.
| Related Transition Words/Phrases | Why They Are Related |
| Accordingly, and so, because, hence, thus | They show that an action had a consequence. |
| After, during, following, immediately, now when, while | They connect the idea to when that thing happened. |
| Again, a as a result, besides, even more, furthermore, too | They connect many smaller ideas into one main idea. |
| After all, and yet, but, at the same time, despite, yet | They connect two ideas by showing how those ideas are different. |
| For example, as an illustration, e.g., | They connect an idea to a specific example. |
| In a like manner, likewise, in the same way. | They connect two ideas by showing how those ideas are similar. |
| Above, below, beyond, here, there | They connect two or more things by where those things are located in relation to one another. |
Note
In Parts A and C, you want to make sure that the text’s transition words provide the intended meaning. In Part B, you want to give yourself enough time to make sure that the transition words you chose are appropriate.