Transitions within paragraphs
How to Make Transitions | List of Transition Words | Transitions Between Paragraphs
Let's start with an example
Another
way O'Brien shows truth is what is remembered and imagined is that
imagination can be an extremely powerful aspect of a story. O'Brien
insists that the unimaginable aspects of a story is the "truth" and the
normal aspects are there to make the story believable. Since the war
was so reluctant normal ideas are necessary to a story. "Often the
crazy stuff is true and the normal stuff isn't, because the normal
stuff is necessary to make you believe the truly incredible craziness"
(O'Brien 71). In fundamental nature it would be difficult to believe a
war story unless there are practical characteristics that go
collectively in the story. In truth nothing really has to be true,
however, in essence these actions may have happened one time or another
during the way, it may not have been O'Brien's platoon but somewhere
during the war these instances happened. "Tim O'Brien takes the act of
trying to reveal and understand the uncertainties about the war one
step further, by looking at it through the imagination" (Kaplan 383).
According to O'Brien, these aspects are very well needed to make people
feel the real drama of the war. |
While the point of this paragraph is kinda/sorta clear, can you
follow the writer's argument? I couldn't. The reason? Too many jumps in
topic and not enough repetition.
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.
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 "coping" you might include words
like settle, satisfied, adapt, make adjustments, psychological, change
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 his character flaws, the end result of Sammy's "heroic" deed makes him a realistic hero.
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 |