College Composition / Unit 20 CMP 0484 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Best Transition Into a Paragraph
The idea
Choosing the best opening for a paragraph means finding the sentence that links the previous paragraph's point to the new one.
In practice
Work in order. First, state the point of the previous paragraph. Second, state the point of the new one. Third, name their relationship: another reason, a contrast, a consequence or a next step. Fourth, choose the opening that names that relationship and introduces the new point. Fifth, rule out openings that only repeat the old point, jump ahead to details, or use a transition that claims the wrong relationship.
Where people slip
The tempting wrong choice often begins with a strong transition word that does not match the relationship, such as however before a paragraph that continues the same line of argument.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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