Transitions are important for clear writing as they show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are linked.
Transition sentences will help you create a well-structured research paper or essay with sentences that flow naturally from one point to the next.
It is essential to learn this type. You will have many argumentative essay assignments throughout your college education.
What is a transition?
A transition in writing is a word or phrase that connects one concept to the next. This link can be made within a paragraph or between them. Transitions are used to demonstrate how sentences or paragraphs relate to one another as well as to the paper’s thesis statement.
Transition between paragraphs
- What will be discussed in this paragraph?
- What does that have to do with the preceding paragraph?
By summarizing the preceding paragraph and indicating part of the content of the paragraph that follows, the transition will emphasize an existing relationship.
Transition example 1
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Paragraph 1
Many examples of symbolism may be found in the author’s work.
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Paragraph 2
Multiple themes are featured in the narrative.
Transition
Many examples of symbolism may be found in the author’s work. In addition to the symbolism in the work, multiple themes are featured in the narrative.Transition example 2
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Paragraph 1
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Paragraph 2
Transition
Throughout the novel, the characters were unable to sleep due to a variety of loud noises. Due to their lack of sleep, the characters were unable to begin their adventure the next day.-
Wrong transition
…These quotations reveal the general consensus. Some scholars who disagree with this consensus are discussed in the next paragraph.
The first dissenter to think about is…
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Correct transition
Transition words
When moving the emphasis from one detail to another, there are literally dozens of transition phrases to select from. Here are some samples of some of the categories and word combinations accessible to you to give you a broad sense of options.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What exactly is the point of this paragraph? Is it to present, inform, convince, address a different point of view, review or emphasize previously mentioned concepts?
- Is the concept I’m presenting in this paragraph related to or supportive of any other concept or argument presented in the essay so far?
- Is the argument I’m making in this paragraph presenting a new perspective or idea?
- Is the concept I’m presenting distinct from or dependent on other concepts discussed in the essay?
Your answers to these four fundamental questions should make it easier for you to figure out which types of transition words might work best at the start of each paragraph.
Transitions within a paragraph
The known-new contract
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Start by composing a sentence
- In the first half of the sentence, start with something that the reader already knows.
- Towards the conclusion of the sentence, tell the reader something new.
Example
Sentence 1: Medical ethics is a difficult subject to study. Medical ethics (Known Information) is a difficult subject (New Information).-
Compose a new sentence
The Toulmin model is essential when it comes to how to write an argumentative essay, as many students widely use it.
- Because this information is now known, start with the new information from the previous sentence.
- Near the conclusion of the sentence, tell the reader something new.
Example
Sentence 1: Medical ethics is a difficult subject to study. Sentence 2: Fields like these...The known-new contract is only a suggestion. It’s not necessary to build every sentence this way, but it’s a good strategy to follow if you’re having trouble keeping your sentences together.
Examples of effective transitions
Example 1
The British were no match for Napoleon and his navy. In fact, Napoleon lost nearly every sea engagement he fought.
The French army was a formidable force. It conquered most of continental Europe under Napoleon’s instructions.
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Transition
The French army, on the other hand, was extremely strong and powerful. It conquered most of continental Europe under Napoleon’s instructions.
Example 2
The historical society held a bake sale, car wash, and book fair in October. The department chair was ecstatic with the student’s achievements.
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Transition
Despite their best efforts, the historical organization was unable to raise enough funds to travel to Ottawa. The students are all highly dissatisfied.
Example 3
In Book A, the characters are faced with the moral dilemma of a disputed inheritance, which is a large sum of money.
The inheritance in Book B is an ancient house. The characters in Book B are confronted with a similar issue.
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Transition
In Book A, the characters are faced with a moral dilemma: a disputed inheritance. Despite the fact that the inheritance in Book B is an ancient house rather than a large sum of money, the essence of the situation is very similar.
When to use transition sentences
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Only use a transition sentence when discussing two different concepts
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Avoid excessive use of transition words
While transition words like “in addition,” “however,” and “also” can be highly useful, they should be used in moderation. Otherwise, the paper will come out as pretentious.
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Don’t try to connect two ideas forcefully
Transition sentences are necessary for a well-structured paper as they offer new ideas and assist the reader’s comprehension. If you follow these steps and tips, writing excellent transition sentences won’t be too hard. Before writing, feel free to analyze our sample essays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for reading. If you need further information, feel free to have a look at our essay samples or contact us at live chat.
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