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 paragraphs, writers can develop important points for their readers. Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts. Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a way. To Add: and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.) To Compare: whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true To Prove: because, for, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is To Show Exception: yet, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes To Show Time: immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then
Note that you should a comma after the joining word. Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when the items themselves already contain commas. -I have lived in Cody, Wyoming; St. Louis, Missouri; and Fort Collins, Colorado. -She had lunch with Kelsey, her best friend; Mrs. Otto, her English teacher, and Bella, my sister-in-law. COLONS (:) A colon separates sentence elements, and brings marked attention to what follows. Use a colon to introduce a series of items, providing a full sentence is used before the colon. -Please bring the following items: two pencils, two pens, two notebooks, and two folders. -We ordered everything in the catalog: shoes, socks, pants, and shirts. Use a colon between two sentences when the second explains the first. -She was an exceptional at seven she was hitting home runs over the center-field fence. -Martinez knows the state of Arizona: he used to be its governor. -There is one thing I can’t stand: racism. Use a colon to introduce a long, formal quotation. -Edward Langley once said: “What this country is more unemployed politicians.” QUOTATION MARKS Direct Quotation: represents a person’s exact words. -The senator said, “I will work to end poverty.” Indirect Quotation: reports the general meaning of what was said without using the exact words. Often uses“that.” -The senator said that she will work to help out the poor. Use quotation marks to begin and end a direct quote. Capitalize the first word of the quote. Usually, set off the quote with commas. -Stanley said, “My feelings were hurt.” -“Because of you,” said Kaitlyn, “we are going to be