How do you check the use of strong transitions in an essay?

Question

The use of transitions.

Answer 1

Three ways, explained rather elliptically, but please contact me if you have further questions!

1. Ensure that an idea, word, or phrase in the final sentence of each paragraph appears in the first sentence of the paragraph below it. (This is vulgar transitioning, but many instructors push students to use it.)
2. Make sure that the main idea of each paragraph naturally follows upon the main idea of the paragraph above it. In other words, if paragraph A naturally leads you to think about X, then paragraph B (the following paragraph) will be about X.
3. If topic sentences are clear, and if the topics follow naturally from the thesis statement, then the paragraphs "transition" well, since they are ordered logically.

I hope that helps!

Answer 2

Hi!

Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas. They are almost always found in the beginning of a sentence and help an essay flow so that the reader can better understand where the essay is going. It can also help tie up the point before it, so that the argument is strong and complete.

There are different types of transitions:

1) Transitions that describe or lay out a sequence/order. Examples: First, second, then, next, Later, Finally, etc

2) Transitions that add to an earlier point. Examples: Furthermore, In addition, Additionally, Moreover, etc

3) Transitions that contrast an earlier point (the point before it). Examples: On the other hand, Alternatively, In contrast, Despite

4) Transitions that give emphasis to point: Especially, Clearly, Particularly, Specifically, etc

There can also be words like Generally or Usually that may not fit an above category, but can be helpful when organizing your thoughts and making an argument.

I hope this helps!