College Composition / Unit 16 CMP 0390 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Bridging Sentences
The idea
A bridging sentence opens a paragraph by connecting the previous point to the point about to be made.
In practice
Build one in order. First, state the point of the previous paragraph in a few words. Second, state the point of the new paragraph. Third, decide their relationship: an added reason, a contrast, a consequence or a next step. Fourth, write a sentence that names the old point briefly and introduces the new one with a transition that states the relationship. For example, after a paragraph on rising traffic, "Heavier traffic has also made the intersection more dangerous for pedestrians" moves from volume to safety. Fifth, check that the rest of the paragraph develops the new point the bridge introduced.
Where people slip
A bridge that only repeats the last paragraph's point delays the new one. Keep the reference to the old idea short and let the sentence lean forward.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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