PARAGRAPH TRANSITIONS


PARAGRAPH TRANSITIONS: Words or phrases which link paragraphs and create a smooth flow between them.

1. Repeat the SAME word from the last sentence of the previous paragraph to the first sentence of the next.

EXAMPLE: 
Last Sentence of First Paragraph:
The Spanish ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.

First Sentence of Next Paragraph:
The ship, called a galleon, was the first to do so.

2. Use a SIMILAR word in the first sentence of the next paragraph to one in the last sentence of a previous one.

EXAMPLE:
Last Sentence of First Paragraph:
The Spanish ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.

First Sentence of Next Paragraph:
The vessel withstood many storms.

3. Use a DETAIL from the previous paragraph in the next one.

EXAMPLE:
Last Sentence of First Paragraph:
The Spanish ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.

First Sentence of Next Paragraph:
It's main mast stood through many storms.

4 Use PRONOUNS to refer to nouns in the previous paragraph.

EXAMPLE:
Last Sentence of First Paragraph:
The Spanish ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.

First Sentence of Next Paragraph:
It reached the shores of Mexico in three months.

5 Use INTRODUCTORY WORDS like: in addition, meanwhile, because, since, nevertheless, however, etc.

EXAMPLE:
Last Sentence of First Paragraph:
The Spanish ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.

First Sentence of Next Paragraph:
During a particularly fierce storm, the crew thought the end was near.

ADDITIONAL TRANSITIONS YOU CAN USE:

To enumerate use first, second, third, finally, lastly

To express a result use therefore, thus, so, consequently

To signal an example use for example, for instance, namely

To show comparison use similarly, likewise, however, but

To express addition use and, furthermore, besides, in addition

To signal the end use in short, in conclusion, in summary


WRITING TIPS | GRAMMAR | MARKETING | TRAVEL WRITING | COPYRIGHTS | FREELANCE TIPS  

The contents of this site © 2001-2009 Bob Brooke Communications

wb01343_.gif (599 bytes)Go back to Writing at Its Best

Site design and development by BBC Web Services.