writing with transitions

Transitions assist the reader in preparing for the upcoming information. It can be a phrase, a word, a paragraph or a sentence that assists the reader segue into new information. These transitions are connecting links with their function between paragraphs, between whole sections of an essay and within paragraphs.

TRANSITIONS WITHIN PARAGRAPHS.

Transitions like short phrases or single words within a paragraph assist a reader anticipate whatever is coming next. It may signal a same piece of information or an addition, or it might get the reader ready for an exception or change to the information stated previously. For example:

Margaret Cassatt, a female painter, resided in Paris although she was of German origin. Unlike the other painters, who did landscapes as their primary medium, Margaret’s main subjects were her family. In fact, her nephews and nieces featured in a big number of her famous works of art.

TRANSITIONS BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS.

The transactions that come between paragraphs are used as connections between new and old information. A phrase, a sentence or a word give a signal to the reader that a different thing is coming and it transitions the reader from the old to the new information. Examples of words and phrases that can be used in the transition between paragraphs include note, for instance, despite and many more.

TRANSITION BETWEEN SECTIONS.

There may be a need for transitions between the major sections of a paper, mainly when it’s a lengthy paper. In such a case, a whole paragraph can be used as a transition between different major sections of a paper. For example:

Assuming that you are writing a research of twenty pages on plant regeneration, the initial ten pages may be about the general information concerning plant regeneration. The last ten pages may focus on a more comprehensive study of a certain experiment. In such a case a paragraph should be included to transition the reader from the general information that was in the first section into the certain experiment that is in the second section.

COMMON TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS.

1. To show similarity: in the same way, also, likewise, similarly.
2. To show addition. Again, also, as well as, and, additionally, furthermore, besides, in addition, moreover, equally important.
3. To show exception. However, but, on the other hand, in contrast, yet, still, on the contrary, nevertheless, notwithstanding, in spite of.
4. To indicate sequence. First, second…….., after, finally, then, next, before, immediately, earlier, later, currently, meanwhile, recently, subsequently, then, now.
5. To show cause and effect. Consequently, thus, so, therefore, accordingly.
6. To show example. For example, namely, specifically, for instance, to illustrate.
7. To conclude or repeat. In brief, finally, in the end, in conclusion, to summarize, on the whole, to conclude, thus.