Published on June 9, 2020 by Jack Caulfield. Revised on December 6, 2021. Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together
paragraphs or sections. Example of a transition sentence for a new paragraph … In this case, the researchers concluded that the method was unreliable. However, evidence from
a more recent study points to a different conclusion. … When you start a
new paragraph, the first sentence should clearly express:
The examples below show some examples of transition sentences between paragraphs and what they express.
Placement of transition sentencesThe beginning of a new paragraph is generally the right place for a transition sentence. Each paragraph should focus on one topic, so avoid spending time at the end of a paragraph explaining the theme of the next one. Incorrect: Transition at the end of a paragraph… The consensus view is clear from these quotations. The following paragraph discusses some scholars who dissent from this consensus.The first dissenter to consider is … Correct: Transition at the start of a paragraph… The consensus view is clear from these quotations.However, several scholars dissent from this consensus. The first one to consider is … Transitioning to a new sectionWhile transitions between paragraphs are generally a single sentence, when you start a new section in a longer text, you may need an entire transition paragraph. Transitioning to a new section involves summarizing the content of the previous section and expressing how the new one will build upon or depart from it. For example, the following sentences might be an effective transition for a new section in a literary analysis essay. Example of a transition paragraph Having established that the subjective experience of time is one of Mann’s key concerns in The Magic Mountain, it is now possible to explore how this theme facilitates the novel’s connection with World War I. The war itself is not narrated in the book, but rather hinted at as something awaiting Castorp beyond the final pages. In this way, Mann links his protagonist’s subjective experience of time to more than just his illness; it is also used to explore the period leading up to the outbreak of war. As in academic writing generally, aim to be as concise as you can while maintaining clarity: If you can transition to a new section clearly with a single sentence, do so, but use more when necessary. What can proofreading do for your paper?Scribbr editors not only correct grammar and spelling mistakes, but also strengthen your writing by making sure your paper is free of vague language, redundant words and awkward phrasing. See editing example Transitions within a paragraphIt’s also important to use effective transitions within each paragraph you write, leading the reader through your arguments efficiently and avoiding ambiguity. The known-new contractThe order of information within each of your sentences is important to the cohesion of your text. The known-new contract, a useful writing concept, states that a new sentence should generally begin with some reference to information from the previous sentence, and then go on to connect it to new information. In the following example, the second sentence doesn’t follow very clearly from the first. The connection only becomes clear when we reach the end. The industrial revolution had various effects on the population. Urbanization, involving the concentration of formerly rural populations in the new industrial towns, was one major effect of industrialization.By reordering the information in the second sentence so that it begins with a reference to the first, we can help the reader follow our argument more smoothly. The industrial revolution had various effects on the population. One major effect was urbanization, which involved the concentration of formerly rural populations in the new industrial towns.Note that the known-new contract is just a general guideline. Not every sentence needs to be structured this way, but it’s a useful technique if you’re struggling to make your sentences cohere. Transition words and phrasesUsing appropriate transition words helps show your reader connections within and between sentences. Transition words and phrases come in four main types:
The table below gives a few examples for each type:
Grouping similar informationWhile transition words and phrases are essential, and every essay will contain at least some of them, it’s also important to avoid overusing them. One way to do this is by grouping similar information together so that fewer transitions are needed. For example, the following text uses three transition words and jumps back and forth between ideas. This makes it repetitive and difficult to follow. Example of overused transition wordsSmith (2019) argues for the former hypothesis. However, Jones (2017) argues for the latter, while Davies (2015) agrees with Smith. Moreover, Baldwin (2018) also argues for the former hypothesis.Rewriting it to group similar information allows us to use just one transition, making the text more concise and readable. Cite this Scribbr articleIf you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Is this article helpful?You have already voted. Thanks :-) Your vote is saved :-) Processing your vote... What type of sentence states summarizes or forecasts the main point of the paragraph?The Topic Sentence Because a topic sentence states, summarizes, or forecasts the main point of the paragraph, put it up front.
Which of the following can be done to make paragraphs more coherent for readers?Use Repetition to Link Ideas, Sentences, and Paragraphs
Repeating key words or phrases helps connect and focus idea(s) throughout the essay. Repetition also helps the reader remain focused and headed in the right direction.
Which of the following are benefits of turning paragraphs into paragraph lists?Lists allow you to emphasize important ideas. They also increase the readability of text by simplifying long sentences or paragraphs and adding aesthetic passive space to make reading more pleasant.
What is one common way of concluding a set of instructions quizlet?e. All of the above. What are two common ways of concluding a set of instructions? It's important to revise, edit, and proofread instructions so that readers can complete the task safely.
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