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STEPS TO BETTER WRITING 42: PROVIDING TRANSITIONS
Just as it is necessary to add signal words and connecting devices between the specifics in a paragraph, it is also necessary to provide them between the paragraphs of an essay. These links are basically of the same types as those found within paragraphs. here is a short list of the most commonly used kinds of transitions.
 Pronouns which refer to nouns in the preceding paragraph.
 Demonstrative adjective (this, that) referring to ideas in the preceding paragraph.
 Repetition of key words or ideas from the last sentence of the preceding paragraph.
 Reference to the main idea in a preceding paragraph.
 Signal words at the beginning of a paragraph to show relationship to the preceding paragraph.
| addition | and | equally important | further | last | second |
| again | and then | finally | furthermore | moreover | still |
| also | besides | first | in addition | next | too |
| example or illustration | for example | indeed | in short | namely | to illustrate |
| after all | for instance | in fact | it is true | specifically | thus |
| even | in conclusion | in other words | of course | that is | truly |
| comparison | likewise |
| also | similarly |
| in the same way |
| contrast | even so | in spite of | on the other hand |
| although | even though | instead | otherwise |
| and yet | however | nevertheless | still |
| but | in contrast | on the contrary | though | yet |
| summary | as has been said | in conclusion | in short | on the whole | to put it differently |
| all in all | finally | in other words | in simpler terms | that is | to summarize |
| altogether | in brief | in particular | in summary | therefore |
| time sequence | as long as | besides | further | next | simultaneously | subsequently |
| after a while | at last | earlier | in the past | now | since | then |
| afterward | at length | eventually | last | presently | so far | thereafter |
| again | at that time | finally | lately | second | soon | until | until now |
| and then | before | formerly | meanwhile | shortly | till | when |
Devices such as these provide a transition, or smooth movement from one paragraph to the next, helping to eliminate awkward and abrupt interruptions in the flow of ideas. In your essay outline, include any transitional devices you think are needed between paragraphs. Then, when you write your essay, you can readily supply them to keep your ideas flowing smoothly.
EXERCISE A. In each group below, you are given a sentence that you are to imagine is the last sentence in a paragraph, and two other sentences from which to choose the first sentence of the next paragraph. Circle the letter of the sentence in each group that provides the smoothest transition. Underline the transitional, or connecting devices.
| 1 | A simple misunderstanding, then, can become a major stumbling block to communication between the teen and the parent. |
| A | Embarrassment plays a considerable part in the lack of communication between generations. |
| B | Embarrassment also plays a considerable part in this lack of communication between generation. |
| 2 | Reading a textbook assignment actively, therefore, is an excellent way to use your study time most effectively. |
| A | Another effective study habit is that of thinking of the right questions as you read. |
| B | You should learn to think of the right questions as you read. |
| 3 | Courses at the high school are generally difficult, and the student is often expected to work on his/her own. |
| A | On the other hand, the junior high program is organized quite differently. |
| B | The junior high program is organized quite differently. |
| 4 | But, in general, the student who is interested in school takes a more active role in school affairs than the apathetic student - by running for offices, working hard on committees, helping to make plans and formulate ideas, and interacting with administrators and teachers. |
| A | As a result of this more active role, the interested student develops faster socially. |
| B | The interested student often develops faster socially. |
| 5 | The third basic pattern, in order of importance, is a method of organizing in which the details are placed in ascending or descending order, according to how important they are to the argument. |
| A | Any two or three of these orders can appear in the same paragraph, but usually one predominates. |
| B | Often two or three orders can appear in the same paragraph, but usually one predominates. |
| 6 | Thus, the natives of Africa accepted the domination of the white man for many years, apparently without any question. |
| A | But they will no longer accept such domination passively. |
| B | The natives will no longer accept such domination passively. |
| 7 | And finally, tied shoes give the foot more support and are, therefore, more healthful. |
| A | Slip-on shoes, generally called "loafers", are more popular. |
| B | Nevertheless, slip-on shoes, generally called "loafers", are more popular. |
| 8 | These Greek myths, therefore, have much in common with the Biblical story of the creation. |
| A | Likewise, both Greek mythology and the Bible contain stories of a great flood in which all but a few people were destroyed. |
| B | The story of a great flood in which all but a few people were destroyed can be found in both Greek mythology and in the Bible. |
| 9 | The materials were assembled, and I was ready to begin work immediately. |
| A | I attacked the Spanish translation, which I dreaded the most. |
| B | First, I attacked the Spanish translation, which I dreaded the most. |
EXERCISE B . Look over the essay that you wrote in Step 39. Determine whether the ideas/low smoothly from one paragraph to the next. Are the relationships between the paragraphs made clear? Add any connecting devices that are needed.
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