TRANSITION WORDS  

As an feedback last time We were discussing Conjunctions and Connectors. Remember as an ESL you should be able to master all the English skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). In our previews tutorials we discussed how to read a paragraph well. Today, we will continue explaining how to master writing skills with all its aspects. 

Therefore, when talking about writing there are many aspects that may involve it such as structure, coherence, emphasis and connectors. So that, writing either a paragraph or an essay there are a couple of things that you may be aware of like the intention of the message, the hook, the background information and thesis statement and body paragraph. All those elements complete  a writing paragraph as a whole. 

 PG-1 

However, there are different kinds of paragraph and for each one of those there are different kinds of transition words (PG-1) that may help the writters to be clear and have coherence. But the main question is:

What are transition words?

Transition words help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text

The most important aspect of all this is to know how to use the transition words in the right way. 

Transition Words  

As already mentioned and defined, Its important to mention what those transition words are. 

• Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.

• Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contraryor point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).

• Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.

• Examples / Support / Emphasis

These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

• Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.

Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects. 

Example:
However, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts.