Transition Sentences
A writer must create connections between paragraphs. As you already know, the first sentence
of a paragraph is the “topic sentence,” which guides the content of the entire paragraph. The last
sentence of each paragraph is just as important. It is a transition sentence and must “urge readers
on” to the following paragraph.
The last sentence of each section of the essay—the introduction, body and conclusion– has a
special role:
• The last or near last sentence of the
introduction should reveal the theme.
• The last or near last sentence of the body
should be the climax or peak of your story.
• The last or near last sentence of the conclusion
should reflect on the meaning.
If you are confident in your structure, but find yourself stuck on what might make a good
transition, try repeating key words from the previous paragraph and progressing the idea. If that
doesn't work, try this list of common transitions as your last resort:
 If you are adding additional facts or information:
as well, and, additionally, furthermore, also, too, in addition, another, besides, moreover
 If you are trying to indicate the order of a sequence of events:
first of all, meanwhile, followed by, then, next, before, after, last, finally, one month later, one
year later, etc.
 If you are trying to list things in order of importance:
first, second etc., next, last, finally, more importantly, more significantly, above all, primarily
 If you are trying to connect one idea to a fact or illustration:
for example, for instance, to illustrate, this can be seen
 To indicate an effect or result:
as a result, thus, consequently, eventually, therefore,
 To indicate that one idea is the opposite of another:
nonetheless, however, yet, but, though, on the other hand, although, even though, in contrast,
unlike, differing from, on the contrary, instead, whereas, nevertheless, despite, regardless of
 When comparing one thing to another:
In a different sense, similarly, likewise, similar to, like, just as, conversely.
In groups, analyze the structure of the student sample essay. Write directly on the essay or use
another sheet of paper when necessary.
• In the left margin, bracket each section – intro, body, conclusion and label them.
• Review the contents of each part. Is there a hook? Is the thesis clear? Does the
introduction make your peers want to read on? Do you reflect at the end? Is your theme
developed throughout?
• Circle the sentence in the intro that declares the thesis and label it.
• Double underline the hook in the intro.
• Underline the sentences that discuss or return to the thesis in the body of the essay.
• Place a squiggly line under the sentences that discuss or reflect on the thesis and overall
significance in the conclusion.
• Check the topic sentences—in a word or two (in the margins) summarize the topic of
each paragraph.
• Check the topic and transition sentences – write a brief comment near each explaining
why that sentence (the first) makes readers want to continue or how it (the last of each
paragraph) smoothly connects to the next paragraph.
• Place a star at the start of any sentence that you think will help readers connect to the
topic or ideas.
• While critically reading the essay, you probably noticed weak spots and areas that need
development. On a separate sheet of paper, offer ideas that this write could use to make
revisions. Where does the writer need to add detail? Where does the writer need to add
more explanation?
• Note those changes by writing a brief paragraph about what you would change, add,
delete and why.