Transitions Bridges between ideas and supporting points

Function of transitions Establishes logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, sections of a paper Tells readers what to do with the information presented Signal relationships between ideas 1. Another example coming up, stay alert. 2. Here is exception to my story 3. Although seemingly true, here’s real story

Importance of transitions Provide reader with directions on how to piece together your ideas Make arguments logical, coherent Tell the reader to think about and react to your ideas in a particular way.

What transitions are not Not just used stuck in to improve the sound of the paper But They can make your paper sound better

Signs you might need to work on transitions Teacher or peer editor writes “choppy,” jumpy,” “abrupt,” “How is this related?” Readers indicate had trouble following organization Paper was written in chunks and pasted together Working on a group paper/pasted several together

Before adding transitions Evaluate organization 1. In margins of draft, summarize in a word or short phrase a. what each paragraph is about b. How it fits into your analysis This will help you to see the order and connection between your ideas more clearly.

Before adding transitions Evaluate organization 2. Review your margin notes. 3. Examine the links between ideas a. Do they make sense? b. Do they logically follow? 4. If the answer is “no,” problem is with organization and cannot be fixed with transitions.

Types of organization Spatial—descriptive paragraphs Chronological order—narrative Order of importance—informational, persuasive Cause and effect—informational, persuasive Compare and contrast informational, persuasive

How transitions work 1. Indicates the order in which writer chooses to present parts of discussion 2. Indicates relationships constructed between the parts

Transitions can be in these forms 1. Single word (first, secondly, consequently finally) 2. Phrase (as a result, in contrast,) 3. Sentence 4. Paragraph (in longer works)

Transitions between sections include transitional paragraphs that summarize the information just given and indicate the connection or importance to the next section

Transition between paragraphs Highlight a relationship between ideas Summarize the previous paragraph and suggest something of the paragraph that follows. Transitional words : However, for example, similarly, etc Sentence (Because of the increasing emphasis on improved standardized test scores, schools have begun to…)

Transitions within paragraphs Act as cues Help readers to anticipate what is coming Usually single words or phrases

To link similar ideas or to add on an idea Again equally important Also further moreover furthermore similarly in addition then besides in the same way As so as a result

To limit or contradict an idea Although however on the contrary Yet in spite of on the other hand

To indicate cause, purpose, or result As so as a result for this reason Because hence therefore Consequently since thus

To indicate an example, a summary, or a conclusion As a result in any event in short Consequently in brief on the whole For example in conclusion therefore For instance for example in fact Thus in any case words to sum up in other Thus