Flow is an important aspect of writing. Every sentence should easily transition to the next, no matter the topic, to eliminate choppiness and awkwardness within writing.

Use In-Paragraph Transitions! Transitions are NOT just for the beginning of paragraphs, even though they should always be used there, too. Transitions and transitional phrases are the perfect way to avoid listing facts and reasons, and getting the dreaded “awkward wording” on your paper.

*For example*Similarly *Even so *Meanwhile*Nevertheless*In fact *Consequently*However *So *In addition*As a result*Also *Additionally*Then*Without a doubt * Too *Furthermore *Not only *For instance

Like everything in writing, VARY them. If you are unsure how to use one, don’t use it. Put them at the beginning, middle, or the end of each sentence. Vary this, too! Don’t put them in every sentence, like a robot. Reread paragraphs ALOUD to help with flow.

Deaf people struggle to lead normal lives and are often misunderstood. It can cause problems at work and in social life. Deaf people may become withdrawn. Beethoven describes this when he says, “I am obliged to live like an outcast” (“Beethoven Quotes”). Technology and sign language had made deaf people’s lives easier. Flashing lights can replace smoke alarms, alarm clocks, and doorbells. Close captioning has allowed deaf people to watch T.V. since 1972 (“Living with Deafness”).

TO BEGIN, deaf people struggle to lead normal lives and are often misunderstood. It can cause problems at work and in social life. NOT EVEN BOTHERING TO COMMUNICATE, deaf people may become withdrawn. Beethoven describes this when he says, “I am obliged to live like an outcast” (“Beethoven Quotes”). SINCE THEN, technology and sign language had made deaf people’s lives easier. FOR INSTANCE, flashing lights can replace smoke alarms, alarm clocks, and doorbells. ALSO, close captioning has allowed deaf people to watch T.V. since 1972 (“Living with Deafness”).

Write a rough draft of your expository essay about “The Black Cat” using transition strategies. Refer to the rubric when finished to make sure you have met all of the performance elements.