Opinion Essay—Using Transitions
Sentence-Level Transitions:
1. Definition/Purpose—Words/phrases that signal connections between (or within)
sentences

Use these with care—be sure they have the appropriate tone and meaning you need
2. Examples—(See Chart Below)
To Introduce Examples/Evidence
for example
in one case
in one example
as proof
in fact
to illustrate
in one instance
as an illustration
for instance
to begin with
To Connect Ideas
yet
and
however
though
nevertheless
moreover
so
also
similarly
likewise
just as
the same as
To Show Comparison
as well (as)
equally important
along the same lines
in the same way
To Signal Results or Effects
as a result
therefore
accordingly
in response to
because (of)
thus
for this reason
hence
due to
consequently
in conclusion
To Add Another Point/Paragraph
also
moreover
in addition (to)
another
further
a second (third, fourth,
furthermore
etc.)
besides
Elaboration/Explanation
actually
this means
by extension
to put it another way
in short
to put it bluntly
in other words
to put it succinctly
that is
ultimately
To Show Contrast
in contrast
even though
conversely
on the other hand
on the contrary
whereas
different from
yet
unlike
To Show Time Relationships
before
at the same time
since
then
in the meantime
at last
after
not long after
meanwhile
finally
to begin with
afterward
next
as time passed
eventually
first, second, third
3. Sample Paragraph Using Sentence-Level Transitions:
I don’t wish to deny that the flattened, minuscule head of large bodied Stegosaurus houses little brain
from our subjective, top-heavy perspective, but I do wish to assert that we should not expect more of the
beast. First of all, large animals have relatively smaller brains than related, small animals. The correlation
of brain size with body size among kindred animals (all reptiles, all mammals, for example) is remarkably
regular. As we move from small to large animals, from mice to elephants or small lizards to Komodo
dragons, brain size increases, but not so fast as body size. In other words, bodies grow faster than brains,
and large animals have low ratios of brain weight to body weight. In fact, brains grow only about two-thirds
as fast as bodies. Since we have no reason to believe that large animals are consistently stupider than their
smaller relatives, we must conclude that large animals require relatively less brain to do as well as smaller
animals. If we do not recognize this relationship, we are likely to underestimate the mental power of very
large animals, dinosaurs in particular. —Jay Gould, “Were Dinosaurs Dumb?”
Paragraph-Level Transitions:
1. Definition/Purpose—Typically link the first sentence (topic sentence) of the new
paragraph with the first sentence (topic sentence) of a previous paragraph



In other words, topic sentences signal global connections in your essay
Allude to and recall the subject/main idea of a previous paragraph
Also called “embedded transitions”
2. Sample Paragraphs Using Paragraph-Level Transitions:
Example #1 =
First, having unhealthy snacks available at lunchtime sends the wrong message. […]
Not only does having unhealthy snacks send the wrong message, it also has a harmful impact on
students’ health. […]
Besides numerous health problems, regular consumption of unhealthy snacks can also affect
students’ ability to pay attention and learn. […]
Example #2 =
First of all, if every student at Irving Middle School was given a laptop computer, we wouldn’t need
to waste paper. […]
Furthermore, besides helping prevent paper waste, having a laptop would help students get their
work done faster in class since students could type their assignments and notes. […]
In addition to helping students complete their assignments more quickly, since students are typing
all their assignments rather than writing them by hand, the assignments would be easier for teachers to
read and grade. […]
Example #3 =
Incorrect Version:
Amy Tan became a famous author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up the bestseller
list. […]
There are other things to note about Tan as well. Amy Tan also participates in the satirical garage
band the Rock Bottom Remainders with Stephen King and Dave Barry. […]
Correct Version:
Amy Tan became a famous author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up the bestseller
list. […]
Though her fiction is well known, her work with the satirical garage band the Rock Bottom
Remainders receives far less publicity. […]