Importance of Transitional Devices In English Essay Writing

While grades are considered crucial by colleges, papers and essays are the second most important. Why do professors ask you to write essays? There are several things that educators test in a student through writing. These are the students' writing skills, which are essential to college education, critical thinking skills, and how they express themselves. 

Having good essay writing skills is an indicator of higher chances of excelling in college education. What does it entail? Spectacular writing skills include the student's ability to organize ideas logically and develop ideas by using the right arguments and devices. 

A well-written essay must include transition words or phrases.

Here are the reasons why they are so important.

1. Transitioning into a Fresh Paragraph

While it might sound all easy, tactfully transitioning from one paragraph to the next is something most students struggle with. This usually results in low-quality essays. By using transitional phrases, you can make the work easy.

A good essay has a good transition into different paragraphs. Transition words can be used at the end of the first paragraph or the beginning of the new section. Transition words such as, for example, similarly, and however, can be used in this case.

2. Enhancing Vocabulary

Vocabulary plays a significant role in the quality of an essay. You want the professor to be hooked to your work, praise it, and probably give you an appealing score. The use of transitional phrases is one of the ways that you can add to your vocabulary. They will go a long way in adding taste to your work. Ensure that you understand the transition words and assess whether they fit the context for the best effect.

The right choice of words will make the reader more interested in what you have to say.

3. Enhancing the Flow of Your Work

To successfully create a compelling argument in your essay, you need to include transition words. Carefully selected transition words will improve the flow of your essay. Transition words will enhance the way you link ideas and create a natural flow. This will also contribute to the readability of your work. Professional writers understand how vital flow is to work, and you will notice that they use transition words in their work.

4. Transition Words Will Help the Reader Distinguish Different Parts of Your Essay

The reader, who is likely to be your professor, will be assessing whether you understand the structure of an essay. Essentially, your essay should include a compelling introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Transition words will help the reader differentiate between the different parts of the essay and understand the flow of ideas and arguments.

5. Transition Words Will Back Your Points

To write a convincing essay, especially on controversial topics, you should back up your points with evidence from research and your choice of words. Transition words are useful in supporting points and bringing the reader on board with your ideas, whether you write a gun control essay outline or a poem analysis.

Types of Transition Words

Understanding the different types of transition words will help you know the ideal place to use them.

1. Addition

These transition words are used when you have additional points or ideas in your essay. They include also, besides, and first. 

2. Concession

Concessions are made in essay writing in order to reach an argument. Some of the transition words that are used by writers to show concession include: even though, at any rate, admittedly, despite the fact that, and regardless of to mention a few.

3. Comparison

Comparison transition words help the reader see that the writer is transitioning from talking about one subject or object to another. Similarly, likewise, in the same way, and by the same token are some of the words used in this case.

4. Consequence

The writer can use consequence transition words to show the results of an action. The common transition words you can use to show consequence are as a result, accordingly, due to, because, and therefore. 

5. Concluding

The other important place to use transition words is when summarizing or concluding ideas. It is essential to alert the reader when you are finalizing your journey and words such as in essence, in conclusion, in fact, in short, and in brief, to mention a few.

There are tons of other categories of transition words, such as ones used to show sequence, emphasis, example, space, and contrast.

Take Away

Using transitional words the right way will go a long way in improving the quality of your essays and papers in general. They help create flow in your essay, allowing the reader to distinguish the different parts of your paper and adding to your vocabulary to make your essay interesting. 

There are many opportunities to use transition words in your essay. Use them to summarize your ideas, show concession, consequence, compare and contrast, and expand ideas.

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