Exploring Writing 2nd Edition by John Langan

Exercise 27

Fill in each blank with the appropriate transition from the box. Use each transition once.
Addition transitions: first of all, second, finally
Time transition: when
Illustration transition: once
Change-of-direction transition: however
Conclusion transition: as a result
Joining an International Club
One of the best things I've done in college is to join the International Students Club. _______, the club has helped me become friendly with a diverse group of people, including other students who share my Dominican heritage. At any time in my apartment, I can hear someone from Pakistan chatting about music to someone from Sweden, or someone from Russia talking about politics to someone from Uganda. _______, I made fried sweet plantains for three students from China. They had never tasted such a dish before, but they liked it. A _______ benefit of the club is that it's helped me realize how similar people are. _______ the whole club first assembled, we wound up having a conversation about dating and sex that included the perspectives of fifteen countries and six continents! It was clear we all shared the feeling that sex was fascinating. The talk lasted for hours, with many different people describing the wildest or funniest experience they had had with the opposite sex. Only a few students, particularly those from the United States and Japan, seemed bashful. _______, the club has reminded me about the dangers of stereotyping. Before I joined the club, my only direct experience with people from China was ordering meals in the local Chinese restaurant. _______, I believed that most Chinese people ate lots of rice and worked in restaurants. In the club, _______, I met Chinese people who were soccer players, English majors, and math teachers. I've also seen Jewish and Muslim students-people who I thought would never get along-drop their preconceived notions and become friends. Even more than my classes, the club has been an eye-opener for me.