Why People Lie

This paragraph from page 8 of your writing book seemed to give a few people trouble in class, and I can see why.  The assignment was asking for the transitions that go with the major supporting points.  However, they also used some transitions to point out the details too.  Although "for example" and "for instance" are indeed transitions, the assignment wanted you to focus on the transitions that accompany the major supporting points.  I color-coded the paragraph and created the whole outline for you so that you could see it more clearly.  Hopefully, this will clear up any confusion. 

People lie for different reasons. One common reason is to avoid hurting someone's feelings.   For example, a friend might ask, “Do you like my new haircut?”  If you think it’s ugly, you might still answer, “Yes.”  Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight.  Say a friend angers you and then asks, “Are you upset with me?”  You might answer, “No,” to avoid an argument.  People also lie so that they’ll fit in, as when you listen to a boring person and politely say, “That’s interesting.”  In addition, people lie to avoid spending time with someone.  For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now.”

 

Topic Sentence: People lie for different reasons.

            Support #1: One common reason is to avoid hurting someone's feelings

                        Detail: For example….the new haircut

            Support #2: Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight

                        Detail: Are you upset with me?

            Support #3: People also lie so that they’ll fit in

                        Detail: The boring person

            Support #4: In addition, people lie to avoid spending time with someone.

                        Detail: For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now.”

In this case, the transitions that indicate the main supporting points are “One common reason,” “Another,” “also” and “In addition.”  I hope that helps!  Let me know if you still have questions.