ENG101 English Comprehension Assignments No.5 Solution Fall Semester 2013

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Solution:

What is Transition words?

Transitions are connective words, phrases, or sentences that show the relationship between
ideas. They are cues that help the reader interpret ideas the way that you, the writer, want them
understood. Transitions are invaluable because they clarify the content of a written work by
showing relationships between ideas and by maintaining a clear flow of thought throughout.
Because they show how ideas relate to each other, transitions aid organization and prevent abrupt,
confusing shifts. Thus, transitions can be critical to clear, effective writing. The best transitions are
those that most clearly and effectively guide the reader; however, it is up the writer to determine
which transitions will do this best.
BetweenSentences

: To achieve unity between the sentences within paragraphs, transitions should be used. Transitions
between two sentences in a paragraph are often only a word or a phrase, and a writer’s choice of
transitions may be somewhat restricted. Nevertheless, using transitions is critical to show the
logical relationship and cohesive link between the sentences that make up the paragraph.
No Transition: Rudolpho is incredibly tall. He does not play basketball.
A relationship between the sentences is implied, but exactly what kind of relationship remains
unclear until the writer modifies the sentences. Here is one possible solution highlighting the
contrasting relationship between the two sentences.
With Transition: Rudolpho is incredibly tall; nevertheless, he does not play basketball.

Between Paragraphs:

Transitions should not only hold together sentences within a paragraph, but they should connect one
paragraph to another. Transitions are critical between paragraphs because they bridge the gaps that
can occur when the idea in one paragraph ends and a new idea begins. To ensure that the reader is
able to clearly follow this shift between ideas, transitions should be used to both remind the reader
of the previous paragraph and look forward to the idea discussed in the paragraph that follows.
Therefore, transitions between paragraphs can be quite complex, often forming entire sentences.
Although there are almost unlimited options when transitioning between paragraphs, a successful
transition must convey how the two paragraphs are connected logically—that is, the transition
should show the reader how the paragraph is important in relation to the other ideas put forth in the
paper.
Strategies: Here are a few approaches one can take when transitioning between sentences and paragraphs.
Use Words that Express Logical Relationships:
Use a transition word or phrase between sentences or paragraphs to show the logical link
between the ideas they express. These transitions may simply express time sequence, cause and
effect, comparison and contrast etc., or they might be more complex transitions which draw
conclusions from preceding paragraphs and, thus, imply the building of an idea or thought. See the
chart on the back of this handout for examples of transition words and phrases.
Use Repetition to Achieve Transition:
Another way to achieve transition is by repeating key words. You may have been told that
repetition is annoying to the reader and a waste of words. Often this is true; however, at times,
readers appreciate deliberate repetition because it bridges gaps and aids comprehension. Within
sentences, transition can be aided by repeating words that reiterate key ideas. Within paragraphs,
transition can be effectively achieved by reminding the reader how the idea expressed within each
paragraph relates to the paper’s thesis statement or main idea.