Short on time? This page is the recap. For explanations and worked examples, use the full study guide.
Recap
- Transitional elements are words, phrases, clauses, sentences or paragraphs that show relationships among ideas.
- They help create coherence among sentences, paragraphs and sections.
- They can introduce evidence or indicate its relationship to other evidence in a paragraph or the text as a whole.
- In reading, explain how they guide the reader through the line of reasoning. In writing, use them to do so.
Key relationships
| Relationship | Examples |
|---|---|
| Addition | also, moreover, in addition |
| Contrast | but, however, in contrast |
| Concession | although, admittedly, granted |
| Cause or result | because, since, therefore, as a result |
| Example | for instance, such as, to illustrate |
| Sequence | first, then, finally |
| Emphasis | indeed, above all, more telling still |
| Similarity | similarly, likewise |
| Summary | in short, in sum |
| Level | Example |
|---|---|
| Word | however |
| Phrase | on the other hand |
| Clause | although the cost is high |
| Sentence | “Cost is only half the story.” |
| Paragraph | A short paragraph marking a turn in the argument |
Assumptions and conventions
- Punctuate transitions correctly: “however” in the middle of a sentence takes commas; after a semicolon it is followed by a comma.
- Do not start every sentence with a transition.
- A transition should reflect the writer’s actual reasoning.
- Between paragraphs, “look back, look forward”.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a word before deciding the relationship.
- “Therefore” where nothing follows from the previous sentence.
- “However” where nothing contrasts.
- Overusing “moreover” and “furthermore” as filler.
- Leaving evidence without a signal (what kind, how it relates).
- Using a transition to cover a gap in logic.
- Naming “transitions” in analysis without saying what relationship they show.
Worked mini-example
No transitions: “The town built a skate park. Teenagers have somewhere to go. Crime fell. Some residents complained. The council kept the park.”
With transitions: “The town built a skate park, and as a result teenagers have somewhere to go. Crime fell as well. Some residents, however, complained. Even so, the council kept the park.”
Each added phrase names a relationship: result, addition, contrast, concession.
On the exam
When a question asks which transition fits, decide the relationship between the ideas first and then choose the word. When a question asks about a paragraph-level transition, look for the sentence that looks back and forward.
Quick self-check
- Which transition signals a concession? (Although, admittedly, granted.)
- What is wrong with “The shop sells fruit. Therefore, it is on Park Road.”? (The “therefore” names a result that does not exist.)
- How can a sentence be a transition between paragraphs? (It looks back to the last idea and forward to the next.)
Next: practice questions.