Making Smooth Transitions

Transitions between paragraphs follow many of the same techniques as transitions between sentences within a paragraph. Simply beginning a new paragraph will not guarantee a smooth shift in thought or sub-topic level. The following are some transitional techniques that may prove useful to you. Try to remember that transitions should not feel contrived or stiff. The best transitions are the ones that the reader will not consciously notice.

1. Use standard transitional words. The advantage of these is their clarity. They are difficult to miss. Their disadvantage is that they are difficult to miss. Overused, they have the subtlety of an elephant in ballet slippers.

2. Repeat key words from one paragraph to another.

The advantage of this method is that it's fairly natural. The disadvantage is that too much repetition can actually make your writing more difficult to read.

3. Use synonyms or other words that you know your reader will automatically associate with words you've already used.

When you use synonyms and associations, be sure that they'll be as clear to your reader as they are to you. In the second example, the association wouldn't be as clear if it were written, "Of course, plovers, scissortails, and puffins don't worry...."

4. Use pronouns such as he or they and adjectives such as these, this, or that to direct your reader's attention back to a phrase or idea in the previous paragraph.

This method is very graceful. Do, however, be careful of using the words this or these without a reference. A free-floating this can leave the reader wondering "this what?"

5. Use questions to signal a new subject or change in direction.

6. In long papers, use headings to link entire groups of paragraphs.

7. Check each paragraph's link to your main idea.

In addition to establishing clear links between your paragraphs, you should also establish a clear link between each paragraph and the main idea. Ask yourself in each paragraph, "What does this have to do with the purpose of my paper?" If there is not a clear connection, or if you have to stretch for a connection, omit the paragraph. If there is a connection, make the connection clear if you question its clarity to your readers. Sometimes you must make these very explicit indeed.