How to Write an Essay: Transitions (with Worksheet)

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to using transitions in essay writing, emphasizing their role in connecting ideas and enhancing readability. It categorizes transitions into those indicating sequence, addition, contrast, cause and effect, examples, and summaries. The script illustrates each type with examples and advises on strategic placement, such as starting body paragraphs and concluding sentences, to ensure essays flow logically. It concludes with a practical application in an essay, demonstrating how transitions can improve the structure and clarity of written work.

Takeaways

• 🔗 Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas in an essay, acting as bridges between different thoughts.
• ➡️ Transitions can show steps or order, such as 'first', 'next', and 'finally', which help in organizing the flow of instructions or a sequence of events.
• 🔄 They can also be used to show similarity or addition, with words like 'also', 'furthermore', and 'in addition', which build upon previously mentioned ideas.
• 🔄 Contrast or difference is another relationship that transitions can illustrate, using words such as 'however', 'although', and 'on the other hand' to highlight opposing viewpoints.
• 💡 Cause and effect relationships are clarified with transitions like 'as a result', 'therefore', and 'consequently', which explain why something happens or what happens because of it.
• 📚 Transitions can introduce examples with phrases like 'for example', 'for instance', and 'namely', which provide specific instances to support a general statement.
• 📈 Summary transitions, such as 'in summary', 'in short', and 'to sum up', are used to encapsulate the main points of a paragraph or an entire essay.
• 🔚 Conclusion transitions, including 'in conclusion', 'all in all', and 'to conclude', signal the end of an argument or the final thoughts of the writer.
• 📈 The number of transitions in an essay should be limited to one to two per paragraph to maintain clarity and avoid clutter.
• 📝 It's important to place transitions strategically, such as at the beginning of body paragraphs and conclusion sentences, to enhance the flow and coherence of the essay.

Q & A

What is a transition in the context of writing an essay?

A transition is a word or phrase that connects ideas, acting as a bridge between them to ensure smooth flow within the text.

What are some transition words that show steps or order?

Transition words that show steps or order include 'afterward,' 'finally,' 'first,' 'lastly,' 'in the end,' 'then,' 'next,' 'secondly,' and 'until now.'

Can you provide an example of how the transition word 'then' is used?

In the example 'Go right then go left,' the transition word 'then' connects the two instructions, making the flow smoother for the reader.

What is the purpose of using transition words that show similar or additional ideas?

Transition words like 'also,' 'additionally,' and 'furthermore' are used to show that the second idea builds upon or adds to the first idea.

How do transition words help in showing contrasting or different ideas?

Words such as 'although,' 'conversely,' and 'however' are used to show a contrast or difference between two ideas, indicating a shift in thought.

What are some transition words that indicate reasons and results or cause and effect?

Transition words that indicate reasons and results include 'as a result,' 'because of,' 'consequently,' 'for this reason,' 'therefore,' and 'since.'

Why are transitions important when showing examples in an essay?

Transitions like 'for example,' 'for instance,' and 'specifically' are important for introducing specific examples that illustrate or support a general point.

How do summary transitions help in concluding an essay?

Summary transitions such as 'in a nutshell,' 'in short,' and 'to summarize' help to encapsulate the main points of an essay or paragraph, providing a concise overview.

What is the recommended number of transitions to use in an essay paragraph?

It is recommended to use one to two transitions per paragraph to ensure clarity and coherence without overwhelming the reader.

Where are transitions typically placed in an essay to enhance flow?

Transitions are often placed at the beginning of body paragraphs and conclusion sentences to guide the reader through the structure of the essay.

How can you ensure that transitions fit well within the paragraph they are used?

To ensure transitions fit well, they must correspond with the type of information being presented, such as facts, examples, or reasons, and should logically connect the ideas within the paragraph.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Understanding Transitions in Essays

This paragraph introduces the concept of transitions in essay writing. A transition is defined as a word or phrase that connects ideas, acting as a bridge between them. The narrator explains various types of transition words and their uses, such as showing steps or order with words like 'first' and 'then', indicating additional ideas with 'furthermore', contrasting ideas with 'however', and showing cause and effect with 'therefore'. Examples are provided to illustrate how transitions are used in sentences to improve the flow and coherence of the text. The paragraph also touches on transitions for showing examples and summarizing points, emphasizing their importance in guiding the reader through the essay's structure.

05:01

🔍 Implementing Transitions in an Essay

The second paragraph discusses the practical application of transitions in an essay. It begins by examining an existing essay to identify the transitions already in use, such as 'however', 'also', 'for example', and 'finally'. The narrator then provides guidance on the appropriate number of transitions per paragraph, suggesting one to two as a general rule. The paragraph highlights the strategic placement of transitions at the beginning of body paragraphs and conclusion sentences to enhance the essay's flow and clarity. Examples of additional transitions like 'first', 'secondly', and 'perhaps most importantly' are introduced, along with their impact on the essay's structure. The narrator also demonstrates how to adjust sentences to accommodate new transitions while maintaining the original meaning. Finally, the paragraph concludes with a reiteration of the importance of fitting transitions to the context of the paragraph, ensuring they serve to clarify and connect ideas effectively.

Keywords

💡Transition

A transition is a linguistic device used to connect ideas within a text. In the context of the video, transitions are likened to bridges that facilitate the flow of ideas for the reader. They are essential for creating coherence and guiding the reader through the logical progression of an essay. Examples from the script include 'then' used to show sequence, 'furthermore' to add information, and 'however' to introduce a contrast.

💡Steps or Order

Steps or order refers to the sequential arrangement of actions or ideas. The video script uses transition words like 'first', 'next', and 'then' to indicate the order in which actions should be taken, which is crucial for instructions or processes. This helps in creating a clear and logical flow in an essay, especially when describing a process or a sequence of events.

💡Similar or Additional Ideas

Similar or additional ideas are concepts that are closely related or build upon one another. The script mentions transition words such as 'also', 'moreover', and 'furthermore' to connect these ideas, which is important for reinforcing a point or adding depth to an argument in an essay.

💡Contrasting or Different Ideas

Contrasting or different ideas are those that present a comparison or a point of difference. The video emphasizes the use of transitions like 'however', 'although', and 'on the other hand' to highlight contrasts. These transitions are vital for essays that discuss opposing viewpoints or present a counterargument.

💡Cause and Effect

Cause and effect is a relationship where one event leads to another. The script introduces transitions such as 'because of', 'therefore', and 'as a result' to illustrate this relationship. Understanding cause and effect is key to developing strong arguments and explanations in an essay.

💡Examples

Examples are specific instances used to clarify or support a general statement. The video uses transition phrases like 'for example' and 'specifically' to introduce examples. Providing examples is a way to make abstract concepts more tangible and to strengthen arguments in an essay.

💡Summary

A summary is a concise statement that encapsulates the main points of a larger piece of work. The script mentions transitions such as 'in short' and 'to summarize' to indicate a summary. Summaries are crucial for wrapping up an essay or a paragraph by providing a brief overview of the key ideas discussed.

💡Conclusion

A conclusion is a final section of an essay that presents the final thoughts on the topic. The video script uses transitions like 'in conclusion' and 'all things considered' to signal the end of an argument or the essay. Conclusions are important for providing closure and reinforcing the main points of an essay.

💡Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the main sections of an essay where the arguments and evidence are presented. The video script suggests using transitions at the beginning of body paragraphs, such as 'first', 'secondly', and 'perhaps most importantly', to guide the reader through the structure of the essay and enhance the flow of ideas.

💡Conclusion Sentences

Conclusion sentences are the final statements in a paragraph or an essay that summarize or conclude the discussion. The video script recommends using transitions like 'as a result' and 'for these reasons' at the beginning of conclusion sentences to effectively signal the end of a line of reasoning and to provide a sense of closure.

Highlights

A transition is a word or phrase that connects ideas, acting as a bridge between them.

Transitions show steps or order using words like 'first', 'next', 'afterward', and 'finally'.

The example 'Go right then go left' illustrates the use of 'then' to connect instructions.

Transitions can show additional ideas with words such as 'also', 'furthermore', and 'moreover'.

The phrase 'I like reading furthermore I enjoy discussing what I read' demonstrates building on an idea.

Contrasting ideas are shown with transitions like 'although', 'however', and 'on the other hand'.

The example 'I like reading; however, I don't like drawing' uses 'however' to show contrast.

Reasons and results are shown with transitions such as 'because of', 'therefore', and 'as a result'.

The phrase 'It is raining. For this reason, she has an umbrella' connects cause and effect.

Transitions for examples include 'for example', 'for instance', and 'more specifically'.

The sentence 'Examples include roses, dandelions, and daffodils' introduces specific examples of a concept.

Summaries are made with transitions like 'in short', 'in summary', and 'to sum up', often used in conclusions.

The example 'In short, we need to exercise to be healthy' provides a concise summary of the preceding discussion.

Conclusions use transitions such as 'in conclusion', 'all in all', and 'to conclude', typically found at the end of an essay.

The sentence 'All things considered, a child's school strongly influences the quality of his or her childhood' serves as a concluding statement.

An essay should ideally contain one to two transitions per paragraph.

Transitions should be added at the beginning of body paragraphs and conclusion sentences.

The essay example includes transitions 'however', 'also', 'for example', and 'finally'.

Additional transitions like 'first', 'secondly', and 'perhaps most importantly' are recommended for the start of body paragraphs.

Transitions 'as a result' and 'for these reasons' are used at the beginning of conclusion sentences.

Transitions must fit the context of the paragraph where they are used.

New transitions 'One reason', 'another reason', and 'one more reason' are added for body paragraphs.

Conclusion transitions 'in a nutshell', 'consequently', and 'given these points' are introduced.

The video concludes with a comprehensive guide on how to write an essay using transitions.

Transcripts

- [Narrator] We have finally reached part four of four

on how to write an essay step by step.

And in this part, I'll teach you about transitions

and how to add transitions into your essay.

So what is a transition?

A transition is a word or phrase that connects ideas.

A transition is sort of like a bridge between ideas.

We use transitions in several situations.

One of them is to show steps or order.

Transition words that show steps or order include;

"afterward," "finally," "first," "lastly,"

"in the end," "then," "next," "secondly," and "until now."

There are many others but these are a few examples.

Here's an example of where one of these transitions is used:

"Go right then go left."

Do you see the transition word

that connects the two instructions?

Our transition is "then."

It connects the instruction "go right"

with the instruction "go left."

We don't need this transition,

but it connects the two instructions,

and it helps them to flow more smoothly for the reader.

Another situation where we use transition words and phrases

is to show similar or additional ideas.

Examples include "also," "additionally," "furthermore,"

"in addition," "in other words," "it's also true that,"

"likewise," "moreover," and "plus."

There are several others these are just a few.

Here's an example:

"I like reading furthermore, I enjoy discussing what I read."

Do you see the transition between the two ideas?

Our transition word here is "furthermore."

This transition specifically shows

that the second idea builds on the first idea.

A third situation where we use transitions includes

to show contrasting or different ideas.

Words that show contrasting or different ideas include

"although," "conversely," "despite," "however,"

"in spite of," "nevertheless," "otherwise," "on the other hand,"

and "to the contrary."

Note that these transitions

tend to be the most difficult ones for students to use

for the first time.

So before you use them,

I would recommend looking for several examples

and then trying them here herself.

Here's one example:

"I like reading; however, I don't like drawing."

Do you see the transition word "however"?

"However" shows us that we have one idea before the transition

and a different idea after the transition.

A fourth situation where we used transitions

is to show reasons and results or cause and effect.

Examples include "as a result," "because of,"

"consequently," "for this reason," "for these reasons,"

"therefore," and "since."

Here's an example:

"It is raining. For this reason she has an umbrella."

Do you see our transition phrase?

The transition phrase is "for this reason."

This shows us that we're reading about a situation

that involves a reason to explain an idea.

We also use transitions to show examples

in words like examples include "for example," "for instance,"

"more specifically," "namely,"

"to illustrate this point," and "specifically."

Here are a few sentences

connected by one of these transitions:

"A flower is a plant with petals and a stem.

Examples include roses, dandelions and daffodils."

Do you see our transitional phrase?

Our transitional phrase is "examples include."

This shows us specific examples of that concept.

A summary is a sentence or two

that summarizes a larger idea.

Examples of transitions that show summaries include

"in a nutshell," "in short," "in summary,"

"to sum up," or "to summarize."

Often you'll see a summary transition used

in conclusion sentences.

Here's an example:

"Today we have learned a lot about exercise and health.

In short, we need to exercise to be healthy."

Do you see our summary transitional phrase?

The transitional phrase is "in short."

It tells us that after this transition

we're going to get a short sentence that summarizes

one or more ideas that came before it.

Finally, we use transitions in conclusions.

Examples include "all in all,"

"all things considered," "all together,"

"considering these points," "in a word,"

"in conclusion," and "to conclude."

Usually, you'll see conclusions

either in conclusion sentences or at the end of an essay.

For example: "All things considered a child's school

strongly influences the quality of his or her childhood."

This type of sentence would either come again

at the end of a paragraph or at the end of an essay.

Do you see our transitional phrase?

Our transitional phrase is "all things considered."

When we see that phrase,

we know that this sentence is a conclusion sentence.

Now I want to show you a couple of transitions

in the essay we've already studied.

It already includes a few transitions.

So how many transitions are needed in an essay?

One to two per paragraph but not more.

Here are the transitions that I've already included.

We have "however," "also," "for example," and "finally."

As you see, that's not the recommended

one to two per paragraph.

We'll need to add a few more.

So where should we add them?

There are a few important places

for transitions that I recommend.

One, is using transitions

at the beginning of body paragraphs.

So I added three of those:

"first," "secondly," and "perhaps most importantly."

If you read the first sentences of the body paragraphs:

"First walking is easy.

Secondly, walking is convenient.

Perhaps most importantly walking is often done outside."

Do you see how those transitions

help the body paragraphs to flow one to the next?

The other important place for using transitions

is at the beginning of conclusion sentences.

Remember, conclusion sentences

come at the end of a paragraph.

I used two transitions

at the beginning of a conclusion sentence:

"as a result" and "for these reasons."

Remember, transitions must fit the paragraph

where you use them.

This paragraph lists facts,

then a result of these facts.

For this reason, the transition phrase

"as a result" fits very nicely.

This paragraph lists reasons

that walking is the best exercise.

So, for these reasons

fits very well in that conclusion sentence.

But, if I listed examples, parts or steps in this paragraph,

we would need to use a different transition.

Let's look at our essay one more time

using slightly different transitions from before.

I've added new transitions in the same important places

including at the beginning of body paragraphs.

This time I added these transitions.

"One reason," "another reason," and "one more reason."

When you use these transitions

you have to change the sentence just a little

to have the correct structure,

but the meaning is the same as before.

Look how they flow:

"One reason walking is an ideal exercise

is because it is easy.

Another reason that walking is the best exercise

is because it is convenient.

One more reason that walking is a great activity

is because it is often done outside."

Do you see how these transition words

really help the body paragraphs to flow?

And again, I added new transitions

at the beginning of conclusion sentences.

This time I added three of those: "in a nutshell,"

"consequently," and "given these points."

"In a nutshell" summarizes:

"In a nutshell, walking can be done anytime

and anywhere without special preparation."

"Consequently" is used for cause and results.:

"Consequently walking outside

helps mental and physical health."

And finally, "given these points" is a good transition

to use in a conclusion sentence of the entire essay

or in a paragraph:

"Given these points, everyone who wants regular exercise

should try walking."

We have now finished this video on transitions

and all parts of our videos one through four

on how to write an essay step by step.

I hope this video helped you understand

how to write an essay.

Thank you for watching.