Transitions
In a previous lecture, you were reminded of some components that help structure a good essay-this lecture will zero in on one of the structural techniques that will help the reader move smoothly through your document, and keep the organization clear.
This writing technique is using transition between your paragraphs, something all essays must have. There are basically two types: Summary and Word.
Summary Transition:
Between each of the body paragraphs of your essay, you must have a transition device to bridge from one subject to the next. In an expository essay, you should not change paragraphs until you change to a new division of your thesis.
Here is a sample thesis that shows the divisions of the essay:
Because Blackie and Trouble had different fathers, as they grew, they became increasingly different in looks, personalities, and instincts.
The three body paragraphs are differences in LOOKS, in PERSONALITIES, and in INSTINCTS. In other words this document will have five paragraphs--an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. It is important to bridge between each of the body paragraphs and the conclusion.
Here is the topic sentence for the first body paragraph:
"Blackie and Trouble do not look alike at all."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The "X's" represent all the supporting and concrete detail for the fact that they do not look alike.
When the writer is finished with that paragraph, at the beginning of the next paragraph, a summary bridge is used.
"Dramatic as their physical differences may be, a more subtle, but just as profound, disparity is displayed in these two--their personalities."
Notice that the first part of the new topic sentence is a summary of the subject of the first body paragraph, and the second part is the statement of the new subject. This sounds very professional and leads the reader from the old to the new. Note also that the transition is placed at the beginning of the new paragraph, not at the end of the old.
When this paragraph is completed, the writer again uses a summary bridge to begin the last body paragraph.
"Certainly, the dissimilarities of looks and personalities are due, in part, to their fathers. However, paternal influence is most evident in the area of instinctive behavior."
Notice that now the writer has devoted a complete sentence to the summary bridge, and the second sentence is the new topic sentence, naming the new subject. The writer now supplies the supporting detail for this subject, and then writes a conclusion, with another summary bridge at its beginning. It is not necessary to name the subject in both of the previous paragraphs. In fact, in longer research essays this would become cumbersome, but the writer should at least summarize the subject of the previous paragraph. Summary transition is considered the strongest, most professional transition.
Word transition.
Word transitions link by showing a relationship between the two paragraphs. For instance:
- Transition words that show time: About, first, after, second.
- Transition words that compare: In the same way, also, similarly.
- Transition words that emphasize: In fact, for this reason
- Transition words that conclude: As a result, in conclusion, thus.
- Transition words that clarify: In other words, for instance, to illustrate, in addition.
These are just a very few of the words that can be chosen to begin and used in the opening sentence of the new paragraph to help the reader bridge the gap from the previous thought. Be sure that you use transition in the essay that you are writing and in the research essays to come!
For more information, go to:
http://www.collegejournal.com/sidebar/essayedge/ee_lf_transition.html
Good luck!