Transitions and Transitional Devices
This resource was written by Purdue OWL.
Last full revision by Ryan Weber.
Last edited by Karl Stolley on August 20th 2006 at 8:24PM
Summary: A discussion of transition strategies and specific transitional devices.
Jump to listing of all of this resource's sections
Writing Transitions
Good transitions can connect paragraphs and turn disconnected writing
into a unified whole. Instead of treating paragraphs as separate ideas,
transitions can help readers understand how paragraphs work together,
reference one another, and build to a larger point. The key to producing
good transitions is highlighting connections between corresponding
paragraphs. By referencing in one paragraph the relevant material from
previous ones, writers can develop important points for their readers.
It is a good idea to continue one paragraph where another leaves off
(instances where this is especially challenging may suggest that the
paragraphs don't belong together at all.) Picking up key phrases from the
previous paragraph and highlighting them in the next can create an obvious
progression for readers. Many times, it only takes a few words to draw
these connections. Instead of writing transitions that could connect any
paragraph to any other paragraph, write a transition that could only
connect one specific paragraph to another specific paragraph.
Example: Overall, Management Systems
International has logged increased sales in every sector, leading to a
significant rise in third-quarter profits.
Another important thing to note is that the corporation
had expanded its international influence.
Revision: Overall, Management
Systems International has logged increased sales in every sector, leading
to a significant rise in third-quarter profits.
These impressive profits are largely due to the
corporation's expanded international influence.
Example: Fearing for the loss of
Danish lands, Christian IV signed the Treaty of Lubeck, effectively ending
the Danish phase of the 30 Years War.
But then something else significant happened. The
Swedish intervention began.
Revision: Fearing for the loss of
more Danish lands, Christian IV signed the Treaty of Lubeck, effectively
ending the Danish phase of the 30 Years War.
Shortly after Danish forces withdrew, the Swedish
intervention began.
Example: Amy Tan became a famous
author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up the
bestseller list.
There are other things to
note about Tan as well. Amy Tan also participates in the satirical garage
band the Rock Bottom Remainders with Stephen King and Dave Barry.
Revision: Amy Tan became a famous
author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up the
bestseller list.
Though her fiction is well known, her work with the
satirical garage band the Rock Bottom Remainders receives far less
publicity.
