Forget the numerous essay hook examples that you will come across on many writing guide forums.
The real jewel as far as coming up with concisely written papers lies in the adeptness of using transition sentences/sections to make a smooth flow from one idea to another. This way, you can logically draw up connections between various main sections/ideas in a paper without veering off the topic at the same time.
As much as this is a fairly difficult skill to master, there are several useful pointers that can come in handy if you have been struggling with this for a while.
1. Review the Paragraph/Essay Up to Where You Need to Add the Transition Phrase
The relationship between the two main separate ideas will determine the nature of the transition sentence as you seek to create a flow between the two ideas. For instance, if the two ideas are conflicting/contradictory, you will need to introduce a transition sentence that shows you are about to differ with what you have just said. That is, it has to make sense from the perspective and the context of the two paragraphs and ideas in question.
2. Use Synonyms Such as ‘Another’, ‘Additionally’, ‘To That Effect’ When Faced the Task of Connected Several Complimentary Ideas
For instance, let’s say you are writing an essay on some of the best ways of conducting a successful internet marketing campaign. It is obvious that you will end up with at least 6 or 7 main points which you can use to build a solid term paper. It is advisable to make the write-up less bland and repetitive by connecting the 7 ideas using different transition sentences, words or phrases. It is considered a literal sin to re-use a transitional sentence or phrase.
3. Don’t Shy Away From Conjunctive Adverbs
If you are not comfortable with using traditional transitional phrases or just aren’t sure whether they are logically or semantically correct, you can switch them up with conjunctive adverbs. As the word suggests, conjunctive adverbs are ones that are chiefly used to co-join two or more ideas in an essay. It is a good way of relating a paragraph, idea or concept with a preceding one. Good examples are words such as: ‘accordingly’, ‘consequently’, ‘therefore’, ‘hence’, ‘otherwise’, etc. There are tons of them in the English vocabulary.
4. Proofread Your Paragraph Transitions Thoroughly
Most students end up scoring lower than they expect to as a result of using improper transitional phrases to connect major pointers in their essay arguments. Fortunately, however, you can catch most of these mistakes if you commit to proofread your thoroughly before submission. And when doing this, make a point of looking at the end of each section/paragraph and weigh how well it connects to the first sentence of the following paragraph. If it is non-existent, strained or forced consider improving the transition by either rearranging those paragraphs or simply clarifying your logic in a few extra words.
The Bottom Line
Making smooth transitions between ideas in essay writing is more about creating an inner flow of thoughts throughout the entire paper rather than simply using flamboyant transitional phrases or adverbs. Once you have achieved the former, the latter comes in naturally.
