Logical Transitions in Writing

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

One possible way to transition between the two sentences above could be:

Science has long established that Earth is round; however, some people think that Earth is flat.

In this example, a semicolon and the subordinating conjunction however are used to combine the two sentences.

Review the Terms

In order to understand when to use transitions, it's important to understand these terms:

• claim
• evidence
• analysis
• counterclaim

Open a new tab and search for explanations of these terms in reference to writing. If you just search dictionary definitions, it might not be as useful. Write your terms and explanations in a notebook or doc file that you can refer back to in the future.

What Are Transitions?

Transitions in writing are the ways writers use structure, organization, punctuation, words, and phrases to signal to the reader how ideas are connected or related to each other.

There are different words and phrases for different transitional purposes.

Take a look at Transitional Devices from the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

As you can see (another transition!), there are a variety of ways to move between ideas that will signal your intent to the reader.

Transitions provide an efficient way of moving between ideas using clear, concise language that is easier to read and understand.

Check Your Understanding

• How did you do?

When you're ready to practice stretching your knowledge by practicing these skills in context, click through to the Got It? section.