Writing Transitions
Summary:
A discussion of transition strategies and specific transitional devices.
Contributors:Ryan Weber, Karl Stolley
Last Edited: 2013-03-01 10:35:20
Good transitions can connect paragraphs and turn disconnected writing into a unified whole.
Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas, transitions can help readers understand how
paragraphs work together, reference one another, and build to a larger point. The key to
producing good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding paragraphs. By
referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from previous paragraphs, writers can develop
important points for their readers.
It is a good idea to continue one paragraph where another leaves off. (Instances where this is
especially challenging may suggest that the paragraphs don't belong together at all.) Picking up
key phrases from the previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious
progression for readers. Many times, it only takes a few words to draw these connections. Instead
of writing transitions that could connect any paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition
that could only connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph.
Example: Overall, Management Systems International has logged increased sales in every
sector, leading to a significant rise in third-quarter profits.
Another important thing to note is that the corporation had expanded its international influence.
Revision: Overall, Management Systems International has logged increased sales in every
sector, leading to a significant rise in third-quarter profits.
These impressive profits are largely due to the corporation's expanded international influence.
Example: Fearing for the loss of Danish lands, Christian IV signed the Treaty of Lubeck,
effectively ending the Danish phase of the 30 Years War.
But then something else significant happened. The Swedish intervention began.
Revision: Fearing for the loss of more Danish lands, Christian IV signed the Treaty of Lubeck,
effectively ending the Danish phase of the 30 Years War.
Shortly after Danish forces withdrew, the Swedish intervention began.
Example: Amy Tan became a famous author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up
the bestseller list.
There are other things to note about Tan as well. Amy Tan also participates in the satirical garage
band the Rock Bottom Remainders with Stephen King and Dave Barry.
Revision: Amy Tan became a famous author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up
the bestseller list.
Though her fiction is well known, her work with the satirical garage band the Rock Bottom
Remainders receives far less publicity.
To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, 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
copyright @ Purdue University Online Writing Lab
Transitions Quiz
Complete each paragraph by selecting the transition (word or phrase) that best fits in each blank.
Do not use the same transition more than once. Once you have made your selections, carefully
review your choices before you press the button labelled "Submit my answers"—some transition
words may seem similar in meaning, but your goal is to choose the ones that create the most
effective paragraph.
A vegetarian can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products,
such as eggs or cheese; 1) _____, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. 2) _____
this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegetarian typically consumes less fat and
cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat. 3) _____, raising animals for food uses
valuable land, water, and energy. 4) _____, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the
valuable resources that our future depends on.
1. A vegetarian can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal
products, such as eggs or cheese; 1) _____, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and
seeds.
a) consequently
b) because
c) furthermore
d) instead
e) for example
2. _____ this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegetarian typically consumes less fat
and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat.
a) Consequently
b) Because
c) Furthermore
d) Instead
e) For example
3. _____, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy.
a) Consequently
b) Because
c) Furthermore
d) Instead
e) for example
4. _____, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future
depends on.
a) Consequently
b) Because
c) Furthermore
d) Instead
e) For example
5) _____ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian
parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries. Some churches have
even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, 6) _____
those in Exodus and Leviticus. 7) _____, some Christians believe the books are compatible with
Christianity, 8) _____, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.
5. _____ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian
parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries.
a) although
b) In addition
c) Such as
d) However
e) Indeed
6. Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions
against witchcraft, _____ those in Exodus and Leviticus.
a) although
b) in addition
c) such as
d) however
e) indeed
7. _____, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity,
a) Although
b) In addition
c) Such as
d) However
e) Indeed
8. _____, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.
a) Although
b) In addition
c) Such as
d) However
e) Indeed
Massive energy consumption is having a negative impact on the planet. 9) _____, in the summer
of 2006, Wsestern Europe experienced some of the hottest weather on record. 10)______, this
temperature increase is not an isolated occurrence. 11)_____, almost every credible scientist
today believes that the earth is experiencing climate change due to the emissions of greenhouse
gases from cars and coal-burning power plants. Ninety per cent of the energy used in the US
comes from fossil fuels, oil, coal, and natural gas (Borowitz 43), 12)_____ problems arise from
other sources, too (e.g., nuclear power plants leave radioactive by-products, making storage
difficult). 13)______, dams are not much better, as nearby populations must be relocated, and the
surrounding habitat is destroyed.
9. _____, in the summer of 2006, western Europe experienced some of the hottest weather
on record.
a) In fact
b) For example
c) Unfortunately
d) Moreover
e) But
10. ______, this temperature increase is not an isolated occurrence.
a) In fact
b) For example
c) Unfortunately
d) Moreover
e) But
11. _____, almost every credible scientist today believes that the earth is experiencing
climate change due to the emissions of greenhouse gases from cars and coal-burning power
plants.
a) In fact
b) For example
c) Unfortunately
d) Moreover
e) But
12. Ninety per cent of the energy used in the US comes from fossil fuels, oil, coal, and
natural gas (Borowitz 43), _____ problems arise from other sources, too (e.g., nuclear
power plants leave radioactive by-products, making storage difficult).
a) in fact
b) for example
c) unfortunately
d) moreover
e) but
13. ______, dams are not much better, as nearby populations must be relocated, and the
surrounding habitat is destroyed.
a) In fact
b) For example
c) Unfortunately
d) Moreover
e) But
14) _____, studies investigating the pros and cons of single-sex versus coeducation schools have
come to public attention, 15)_____ the results show some dramatic differences between the
genders. 16)_____, single-sex schools appear to help girls with their work habits; 17)_____, boys
achieve a higher success rate in a coeducational system. 18)_____, girls seem to work best when
communication and co-operation are stressed, 19)_____ boys may be more comfortable with
individual and competitive styles of learning.
14. _____, studies investigating the pros and cons of single-sex versus coeducation schools
have come to public attention,
a) Whereas
b) For example
c) By contrast
d) Recently
e) And
f) In other words
15. _____ the results show some dramatic differences between the genders.
a) Whereas
b) For example
c) By contrast
d) Recently
e) And
f) In other words
16. _____, single-sex schools appear to help girls with their work habits;
a) Whereas
b) For example
c) By contrast
d) Recently
e) And
f) In other words
17. _____, boys achieve a higher success rate in a coeducational system.
a) Whereas
b) For example
c) By contrast
d) Recently
e) And
f) In other words
18. _____, girls seem to work best when communication and co-operation are stressed,
a) Whereas
b) For example
c) By contrast
d) Recently
e) And
f) In other words
19. _____ boys may be more comfortable with individual and competitive styles of learning.
a) Whereas
b) For example
c) By contrast
d) Recently
e) And
f) In other words
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