TransitionsBridges between ideas and supporting

points

Function of transitions

Establishes logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, sections of a paper

Tells readers what to do with the information presented

Signal relationships between ideas 1. Another example coming up, stay alert. 2. Here is exception to my story3. Although seemingly true, here’s real story

Importance of transitions

Provide reader with directions on how to piece together your ideas

Make arguments logical, coherent Tell the reader to think about and react to

your ideas in a particular way.

Signs you might need to work on transitions Teacher or peer editor writes “choppy,” jumpy,” “abrupt,” “How is this related?” Readers indicate had trouble following

organization Paper was written in chunks and pasted

together Working on a group paper/pasted several

together

Before adding transitions Evaluate organization

1. In margins of draft, summarize in a word or short phrase

a. what each paragraph is about

b. How it fits into your analysis

This will help you to see the order and connection between your ideas more clearly.

Before adding transitions Evaluate organization 2. Review your margin notes. 3. Examine the links between ideas a. Do they make sense? b. Do they logically follow? 4. If the answer is “no,” problem is with

organization and cannot be fixed with transitions.

Types of organization

Order of importance—informational, persuasive

Cause and effect—informational, persuasive

Compare and contrast informational, persuasive

Transitions can be in these forms

1. word (first, secondly, consequently, finally)

2. Phrase (as a result, in contrast,)

3. Sentence

4. Paragraph (in longer works)

How they work1. Indicates the order in which writer chooses

to present parts of discussion

2. Indicates relationships constructed between the parts

Transitions between sections

include transitional paragraphs that summarize the information just given

and indicate the connection or importance to the next section

EX: While greed is intrinsic to the achievement of the American Dream, it is surpassed by the envy that many Americans

Transition between paragraphs

Highlight a relationship between ideas Summarize the previous paragraph and suggest

something of the paragraph that follows. Transitional words : However, for example,

similarly, etc Sentence (Because of the increasing emphasis on

improved standardized test scores, schools have begun to…)

To link similar ideas or to add on an idea Again equally important Also further moreover furthermore similarly in addition then besides in the same way As so as a result

To limit or contradict an idea Although however on the contrary Yet in spite of on the other hand

To indicate cause, purpose, or result As so as a result for this reason Because hence therefore Consequently since thus

To indicate an example, a summary, or a conclusion As a result in any event in short

Consequently in brief on the whole

For example in conclusion therefore

For instance for example in fact

Thus in any case words

to sum up in other Thus

How do I incorporate non-textuals—Art/photo In a famous painting

by Norman Rockwell, the extended family is shown gathered around the Thanksgiving table….

By using the grandmother as the focal point, Rockwell..

How do I incorporate non-textuals---Movie In the infamous movie, Wall Street that

exemplifies the prevailing greed of the 80’s era, the protagonist________ played by _____ just that “Greed is good.”

How do I incorporate non-textuals-charts and graphs In a graph compiled by the US Census

Bureau the data incates that ____% of the immigrants in the country in the beginning of the century were from Eastern Europe while…… From this it can be inferred…

How do I incorporate literary criticism? In Steinbeck’s classic The Grapes of Wrath,

he clearly demonstrates the impossibility of achieving the American dream when faced with a society and government bent on maintaining strict class lines. Joseph Kukasqueach, literary critic, explains , “Because Tom Joad is …” (Kukasqueach 29).