Transitions
Composition
Transitions
O Transitions are:
O connective words, phrases, or sentences that
show the relationship between ideas.
O cues that help the reader interpret ideas and
evidence the way that you, the writer, want
them understood.
O invaluable because they clarify the content of
a written work by showing relationships
between ideas and by maintaining a clear
flow of thought throughout.
Within and Between Sentences
O Transitions within or between two sentences
in a paragraph are often only a word or a
phrase.
O No Transition: Rudolpho is incredibly tall. He
does not play basketball.
O With Transition: Rudolpho is incredibly tall;
nevertheless, he does not play basketball.
Between Paragraphs
O Transitions between paragraphs should:
O connect one paragraph to another
O bridge the gaps that can occur when the idea in
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one paragraph ends and a new idea begins.
clearly show the shift between ideas
be used to both remind the reader of the previous
paragraph and look forward to the idea discussed
in the paragraph that follows.
form entire sentences
show the reader how the paragraph is important
in relation to the other ideas put forth in the
thesis.
Between Paragraphs Cont’d
O Two strategies:
O Use a transitional word and connect paragraph ideas
in the topic sentence.
O While some states have abolished the death penalty,
voters in other states still believe it is an effective
deterrent for crime.
O Use repetition in each topic sentence.
O Gay marriage must be legalized because homosexuals
deserve the same inalienable rights as heteroxsexuals.
O Gay marriage must be legalized because homosexuals
do not choose their sexual identity.
O Gay marriage must be legalized because homosexuals
must be protected from hate crimes.
What Transitions Are Not
O Transitions are not inserted randomly.
O Consider the context of the sentence and
choose a transition that makes sense.
O Transitions are not used to preview the
content of the next paragraph in the
clincher.
O Connect ideas between paragraphs in topic
sentences.