Transitions - Graphic Novels

Dr. Bordelon's Graphic Novel Course
Lesson Plans \| Course Documents \| Links \| Citing Sources \| Writing Center \| Home Page Transitions How to Make Transitions \| List of Transition Words \| Transitions Between Paragraphs Go With the Flow: How to Transition Between Sentences Remember that when moving from sentence to sentence, readers must be able to follow your logic. This is accomplished by using transitions. The "This" in the previous sentence illustrates one way of knitting together your thinking/writing – and is an important word to keep in mind. By referring back to "follow your logic," the "This" acts as a bridge, a connection between the two points you're making in your sentences. Another way to make a connection is to use words like "another" (for a list of such words, see below). Connections can also be made by repetition, as in this sentence where I repeat the word "connection" from the previous sentence. Using repetition and transition words keep readers focused on the main topic of your paragraph/idea, which in turn makes it easier for readers to follow your logic. Note how the paragraph above used various techniques to hold itself together: time to use, as Sponge Bob once shouted about blowing soap bubbles, "Technique!" Synonyms (and sugar on toast) By now you should be wondering, "well, how do I come up with effective transitions?" Easy. Working one paragraph at a time, develop/brainstorm a list of synonyms or words/phrases associated with the focus of that paragraph (Example? In a paragraph on "violence" you might include words like danger, striking, fighting, etc.). Keep this list handy as you revise/proofread, and be sure to insert these words throughout the paragraph. List of Transition Words (from Rules of Thumb) *Adding a point: furthermore, besides, finally, in addition to Emphasis: above all, indeed, in fact, in other words, most important Time: then, afterwards, eventually, next, immediately, meanwhile, previously, already, often, since then, now, later, usually Cause and Effect: as a result, therefore, thus Examples: for example, for instance Contrast: but, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the other hand, though, still, unfortunately Similarity*: like, also, likewise, similarly, as Transitions between paragraphs Between paragraphs, the best technique is to repeat a word or idea from the previous paragraph. As usual, this is best illustrated with an example. Take a look at the following: In addition to images of darkness and shadows, the persistence of print show the danger of hubris in The Watchmen. Without even reading the previous paragraph, you can tell the subject of it was _________. That's the advantage of repetition between paragraphs: you keep reminding the reader of your focus which means you keep reminding the reader of your argument, which means you keep your reader happy. © David Bordelon 2016

Dr. Bordelon's Graphic Novel Course

Transitions

How to Make Transitions | List of Transition Words | Transitions Between Paragraphs

Go With the Flow: How to Transition Between Sentences
Remember that when moving from sentence to sentence, readers must be able to follow your logic. This is accomplished by using transitions. The "This" in the previous sentence illustrates one way of knitting together your thinking/writing – and is an important word to keep in mind. By referring back to "follow your logic," the "This" acts as a bridge, a connection between the two points you're making in your sentences. Another way to make a connection is to use words like "another" (for a list of such words, see below). Connections can also be made by repetition, as in this sentence where I repeat the word "connection" from the previous sentence. Using repetition and transition words keep readers focused on the main topic of your paragraph/idea, which in turn makes it easier for readers to follow your logic.

Note how the paragraph above used various techniques to hold itself together: time to use, as Sponge Bob once shouted about blowing soap bubbles, "Technique!"

Synonyms (and sugar on toast)
By now you should be wondering, "well, how do I come up with effective transitions?" Easy. Working one paragraph at a time, develop/brainstorm a list of synonyms or words/phrases associated with the focus of that paragraph (Example? In a paragraph on "violence" you might include words like danger, striking, fighting, etc.). Keep this list handy as you revise/proofread, and be sure to insert these words throughout the paragraph.

List of Transition Words (from Rules of Thumb)

Adding a point: furthermore, besides, finally, in addition to
Emphasis: above all, indeed, in fact, in other words, most important
Time: then, afterwards, eventually, next, immediately, meanwhile, previously, already, often, since then, now, later, usually
Cause and Effect: as a result, therefore, thus
Examples: for example, for instance
Contrast: but, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the other hand, though, still, unfortunately
Similarity: like, also, likewise, similarly, as

Transitions between paragraphs
Between paragraphs, the best technique is to repeat a word or idea from the previous paragraph. As usual, this is best illustrated with an example. Take a look at the following:

In addition to images of darkness and shadows, the persistence of print show the danger of hubris in The Watchmen.

Without even reading the previous paragraph, you can tell the subject of it was _________. That's the advantage of repetition between paragraphs: you keep reminding the reader of your focus which means you keep reminding the reader of your argument, which means you keep your reader happy.