Essay Transitions Overview

Overview

This lecture explains the importance of transitions in essay writing and details three main strategies to connect ideas clearly for readers.

Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that connect one idea to another in writing.
They help readers understand relationships between sentences and paragraphs and prevent choppy writing.

To add ideas: use also, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, not only...but also.
For cause and effect: use accordingly, consequently, as a result, therefore, so, subsequently.
To show contrast: use although, however, on the one hand, on the other hand, regardless, despite, in contrast.
For comparison: use similarly, both, in the same way, likewise, just as...so.
When giving examples: use for instance, for example, specifically, to illustrate.
To elaborate or clarify: use in other words, as explained.
To show time or sequence: use first, second, meanwhile, then, while, next, finally.
Punctuation rules vary: some transitions need a comma after, while subordinate conjunctions need a comma after the clause.

Pointing words like this, that, these, those refer back to ideas in previous sentences.
Ensure pointing words clearly reference a specific idea to avoid confusion.

Repeat the idea from a previous paragraph concisely, using different words to avoid monotony.
This strategy helps readers see connections between paragraphs.

Transition — a word, phrase, or sentence connecting one idea to another in writing.
Pointing Words — pronouns like this, that, these, or those referring to earlier ideas.
Transitional Words/Phrases — specific words or groups of words used to show relationships (addition, contrast, sequence, etc.).

Practice adding transitions in your essays using the strategies described.
Review examples of transitions and their punctuation.
Identify and revise places in your writing where connections between ideas are unclear.