Transitional Devices
Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to interpret ideas in the
way that you, as a writer, want them to understand. Transitional devices help you carry over a thought from one sentence to
another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another with words or phrases. And finally, transitional devices
link your sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads your reader to make certain connections or
assumptions about the areas you are connecting. Some lead your reader forward and imply the "building" of an idea or
thought, while others make your reader compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.
Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue your reader in a given way.
To Add: and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more,
moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
To Compare: whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, by comparison,
where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast,
although this may be true
To Prove: because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in
addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception: yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes
To Show Time: immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.),
next, and then
To Repeat: in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
To Emphasize: definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly,
always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without
reservation
To Show Sequence: first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at
this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus,
therefore, hence, next, and then, soon
To Give an Example: for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case
of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate
To Summarize or Conclude: in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said,
hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently, on the whole
“Transitional Devices (Connecting Words).” Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab. 1995-2004. Purdue University. Web. 1
June 2009. <http://owl.english.purdue.edu>.
Another good technique is the KNOW-NEW technique where you begin a paragraph by summarizing what you discussed in the
previous paragraph (the information that we now KNOW) and then previewing what you will discuss in the upcoming paragraph
(the information that is going to be NEW). This can be done by using a complex sentence that begins with a subordinate (i.e.,
dependent) clause (SC) containing the information that we now KNOW followed by an independent clause (IC) containing the
information that is going to be NEW.
Example of the “Know-New” Technique: Although pride can be a positive trait that helps us to
accomplish our goals (SC), it can also be a negative trait that destroys personal relationships (IC).
Interest Catchers
Following is a list of five techniques that you can use to generate interest and grab the reader’s attention at
the beginning of an essay:
Narrative Anecdote: tell a brief story that relates to your topic and thesis.
Question: ask a rhetorical question that relates to your topic and thesis (be careful, this technique is a bit
overused and worn out).
Quote: cite a quotation that relates to your topic and thesis.
Definition: define an important term that relates to your topic and thesis.
Fact or Statistic: cite a pertinent fact or statistic that relates to your topic and thesis.
Note: Make sure to bridge the gap between your interest catcher and your thesis by providing background
information about your topic and briefly explaining how your interest catcher relates to your topic and
thesis.
Rule of Three
Generally speaking, the Rule of Three is a good mnemonic for remembering how to organize an essay.
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An essay has three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Each part of an essay has three parts.
The introduction has three parts: an interest catcher, background information about the topic, and a
thesis with a main-point preview.
Each body paragraph has three parts: a topic sentence that states the main point, supporting sentences
with evidence (e.g., data—facts and statistics, examples, direct references, and indirect references) and
commentary to link the evidence back to the main point, and a clincher sentence.
If the essay is a five-paragraph essay, the body will have three paragraphs.
The conclusion has three parts: a restatement of the thesis, a summary of the main points, and a lasting
impression or a call to action.
Other valuable mnemonics for remembering how to organize an essay are MEL-Con and CEW.
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MEL-Con
 Main Idea
 Evidence
 Link
 Conclusion
CEW
 Claim
 Evidence
 Warrant