Transition Word Sorting

This worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 strengthen academic writing skills by learning how transition words function in compare-and-contrast writing. Students examine a list of transition words and phrases and label each one as a compare word (P), contrast word (T), or both (B). By sorting signal words, learners build clarity about how writers show similarities, differences, or mixed relationships between ideas.

Learning Goals

• Transition Word Identification (Grades 4-6) – Recognize how specific transitions signal comparison or contrast.
• Compare-and-Contrast Vocabulary – Distinguish between words that show similarity, difference, or both.
• Academic Writing Conventions – Apply correct signal words to improve clarity in informational writing.
• Grammar and Word Usage – Understand how transitions guide sentence and paragraph meaning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support essay writing and sentence-level clarity.
• Clear Sorting Format – Simple labeling reinforces understanding without overwhelming students.
• Supports Writing Transfer – Helps students choose accurate transitions in their own essays.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for mini-lessons, writing centers, independent practice, or review.

This printable worksheet helps students see how transition words act as signals that guide readers through comparisons and contrasts. By categorizing transitions, learners gain confidence in academic vocabulary, sentence fluency, and clear organization. It is a simple, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings that strengthens compare-and-contrast writing, coherence, and effective word usage.

This worksheet is part of our Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheets collection.