transitions persuasive essay

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way.
expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.

picture_as_pdf Transitions

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

Transition words for essays.

Ever stared at a blank page, your thoughts swirling like a disorganized storm? Crafting a compelling essay often hinges on smooth transitions between ideas. Fear not, fellow writer! Here’s your guide to essential transition words , those linguistic gems that bridge the gaps in your essay and create a clear, logical flow.

List of Transition words for essays

Additionally
Furthermore
In addition
In the same way
In other words
That is to say
For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
In particular
Without a doubt
Essentially
In conclusion
To conclude
On the whole
Consequently
Accordingly
As a result
For this reason
Because of this
Due to this
In light of this
Considering that
Seeing that
As a matter of fact
Nonetheless
Nevertheless
Even though
In spite of
On the contrary

Transition words for essays with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for cause:

Additionally : “She enjoys playing the piano. Additionally, she is proficient in playing the guitar.”
Furthermore : “The research indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. Furthermore, it suggested that regular physical activity reduces stress levels.”
Moreover : “The company reported an increase in sales for the third quarter. Moreover, profits also saw a significant rise.”
In addition : “He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. In addition, he is passionate about photography.”
Also : “He enjoys playing tennis. Also, he participates in swimming competitions.”
Likewise : “She volunteered at the local shelter. Likewise, her brother also dedicated his time to community service.”
Similarly : “The team implemented new strategies to improve productivity. Similarly, other departments adopted similar approaches.”
In the same way : “She excels in academics. In the same way, her siblings also achieve high grades.”
Equally : “Both candidates possess strong leadership skills. Equally, they demonstrate excellent communication abilities.”
Besides : “She enjoys reading novels. Besides, she also enjoys writing short stories.”
In other words : “The product received mixed reviews due to its functionality issues. In other words, customers experienced difficulties with its performance.”
That is to say : “She loves traveling to exotic destinations. That is to say, she prefers exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.”
Namely : “The research focused on several key areas, namely, customer satisfaction, product quality, and market trends.”
For example : “Many countries have implemented strict environmental policies. For example, Denmark has achieved significant progress in renewable energy.”
For instance : “Some popular social media platforms, for instance, Facebook and Instagram, have millions of active users.”
Specifically : “The training program focuses specifically on enhancing leadership skills and fostering teamwork.”
To illustrate : “To illustrate the concept further, let’s consider a real-life example.”
In particular : “The company aims to expand its operations globally. In particular, it plans to target emerging markets in Asia.”
In fact : “Contrary to popular belief, exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. In fact, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
Indeed : “The company’s efforts to promote diversity have yielded positive results. Indeed, diversity has been linked to increased innovation and creativity.”
Actually : “Contrary to what many people believe, the situation is actually quite different.”
Truly : “She was truly dedicated to her work and always gave her best effort.”
Certainly : “The results of the study certainly support the hypothesis.”
Of course : “Of course, you are welcome to join us for dinner.”
Without a doubt : “Without a doubt, she is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.”
In essence : “The policy change, in essence, aims to improve customer satisfaction.”
Essentially : “The project, essentially, involves redesigning the user interface.”
In summary : “In summary, the findings suggest a need for further research in this area.”
In conclusion : “In conclusion, it is evident that climate change poses significant challenges.”
To sum up : “To sum up, the main points of the argument are as follows.”
In brief : “In brief, the report highlights key areas for improvement.”
To conclude : “To conclude, let’s consider the implications of these findings.”
Overall : “Overall, the project was a success.”
All in all : “All in all, it was a memorable experience.”
On the whole : “On the whole, the feedback has been positive.”
Therefore : “The traffic was heavy; therefore, they arrived late to the meeting.”
Thus : “The factory implemented new safety measures; thus, the number of accidents decreased.”
Hence : “The flight was canceled; hence, they had to make alternative travel arrangements.”
Consequently : “He missed the deadline; consequently, he faced disciplinary action.”
Accordingly : “The instructions were unclear; accordingly, many participants made mistakes.”
As a result : “The market demand increased; as a result, prices rose.”
For this reason : “She forgot her umbrella; for this reason, she got wet in the rain.”
Because of this : “He missed the train because of this, he couldn’t attend the meeting.”
Due to this : “Due to this unforeseen circumstance, the event had to be postponed.”
In light of this : “In light of this new information, we need to reconsider our strategy.”
Since : “Since it was raining heavily, they decided to stay indoors.”
Because : “He didn’t study for the exam because he was feeling unwell.”
For : “He received a promotion for his outstanding performance.”
As : “As the temperature dropped, people bundled up in warm clothing.”
Owing to : “Owing to his persistent efforts, he achieved success.”
Given that : “Given that she had prior experience, she was appointed as the team leader.”
Considering that : “Considering that it was his first attempt, he performed exceptionally well.”
Seeing that : “Seeing that the store was closing soon, they hurried to finish their shopping.”
In view of : “In view of the current situation, we need to take immediate action.”
As a matter of fact : “As a matter of fact, he was the first to arrive at the party.”
Regardless : “He continued with the project regardless of the challenges he faced.”
Nonetheless : “The weather was unfavorable; nonetheless, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor event.”
Nevertheless : “The plan faced criticism; nevertheless, it was implemented successfully.”
However : “She forgot her passport; however, she managed to board the flight with a temporary permit.”
Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.”
Though : “Though she was tired, she continued working late into the night.”
Even though : “Even though he was warned about the risks, he proceeded with the plan.”
Despite : “Despite the challenges, they remained committed to their goal.”
In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, they persevered and succeeded.”
On the contrary : “The results were contrary to expectations; on the contrary, they were favorable.”
Conversely : “He expected to feel relieved; conversely, he felt even more anxious.”
But : “The weather was sunny, but they decided to cancel the picnic due to other commitments.”
Yet : “He had a busy schedule, yet he managed to find time for his hobbies.”
Whereas : “She preferred coffee, whereas her sister preferred tea.”

By mastering the art of transition words, you’ll transform your essay from a disjointed collection of ideas into a powerful and persuasive piece of writing. So, the next time you sit down to write, remember these transition words and watch your essay flow majestically!

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Transitions

What this handout is about.

In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively.

The function and importance of transitions

In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

Signs that you might need to work on your transitions

How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues:

Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers.
Your readers (instructors, friends, or classmates) tell you that they had trouble following your organization or train of thought.
You tend to write the way you think—and your brain often jumps from one idea to another pretty quickly.
You wrote your paper in several discrete “chunks” and then pasted them together.
You are working on a group paper; the draft you are working on was created by pasting pieces of several people’s writing together.

Organization

Since the clarity and effectiveness of your transitions will depend greatly on how well you have organized your paper, you may want to evaluate your paper’s organization before you work on transitions. In the margins of your draft, summarize in a word or short phrase what each paragraph is about or how it fits into your analysis as a whole. This exercise should help you to see the order of and connection between your ideas more clearly.

If after doing this exercise you find that you still have difficulty linking your ideas together in a coherent fashion, your problem may not be with transitions but with organization. For help in this area (and a more thorough explanation of the “reverse outlining” technique described in the previous paragraph), please see the Writing Center’s handout on organization .

How transitions work

The organization of your written work includes two elements: (1) the order in which you have chosen to present the different parts of your discussion or argument, and (2) the relationships you construct between these parts. Transitions cannot substitute for good organization, but they can make your organization clearer and easier to follow. Take a look at the following example:

El Pais , a Latin American country, has a new democratic government after having been a dictatorship for many years. Assume that you want to argue that El Pais is not as democratic as the conventional view would have us believe.

One way to effectively organize your argument would be to present the conventional view and then to provide the reader with your critical response to this view. So, in Paragraph A you would enumerate all the reasons that someone might consider El Pais highly democratic, while in Paragraph B you would refute these points. The transition that would establish the logical connection between these two key elements of your argument would indicate to the reader that the information in paragraph B contradicts the information in paragraph A. As a result, you might organize your argument, including the transition that links paragraph A with paragraph B, in the following manner:

Paragraph A: points that support the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

Transition: Despite the previous arguments, there are many reasons to think that El Pais’s new government is not as democratic as typically believed.

Paragraph B: points that contradict the view that El Pais’s new government is very democratic.

In this case, the transition words “Despite the previous arguments,” suggest that the reader should not believe paragraph A and instead should consider the writer’s reasons for viewing El Pais’s democracy as suspect.

As the example suggests, transitions can help reinforce the underlying logic of your paper’s organization by providing the reader with essential information regarding the relationship between your ideas. In this way, transitions act as the glue that binds the components of your argument or discussion into a unified, coherent, and persuasive whole.

Types of transitions

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about developing effective transitions in your writing, let us briefly discuss the types of transitions your writing will use.

The types of transitions available to you are as diverse as the circumstances in which you need to use them. A transition can be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire paragraph. In each case, it functions the same way: First, the transition either directly summarizes the content of a preceding sentence, paragraph, or section or implies such a summary (by reminding the reader of what has come before). Then, it helps the reader anticipate or comprehend the new information that you wish to present.

Transitions between sections: Particularly in longer works, it may be necessary to include transitional paragraphs that summarize for the reader the information just covered and specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.
Transitions between paragraphs: If you have done a good job of arranging paragraphs so that the content of one leads logically to the next, the transition will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows. A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.
Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act as cues by helping readers to anticipate what is coming before they read it. Within paragraphs, transitions tend to be single words or short phrases.

Transitional expressions

Effectively constructing each transition often depends upon your ability to identify words or phrases that will indicate for the reader the kind of logical relationships you want to convey. The table below should make it easier for you to find these words or phrases. Whenever you have trouble finding a word, phrase, or sentence to serve as an effective transition, refer to the information in the table for assistance. Look in the left column of the table for the kind of logical relationship you are trying to express. Then look in the right column of the table for examples of words or phrases that express this logical relationship.

Keep in mind that each of these words or phrases may have a slightly different meaning. Consult a dictionary or writer’s handbook if you are unsure of the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

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Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Writing Studio

Common transition words and phrases.

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Transitions Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Transitions clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. These tools should alert readers to shifts in your argument while and also maintain the smoothness and clarity of your prose. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used transition categories and examples of each. Depending on the example, these suggestions may be within sentences or at the beginning of sentences.

Transitions by Category

1. addition.

Use when presenting multiple ideas that flow in the same direction, under the same heading/ idea also, another, finally, first, first of all, for one thing, furthermore, in addition, last of all, likewise, moreover, next, and, second, the third reason

2. Sequence/ Order

Use to suggest a temporal relationship between ideas; places evidence in sequence first, second (etc.), next, last, finally, first of all, concurrently, immediately, prior to, then, at that time, at this point, previously, subsequently, and then, at this time, thereafter, previously, soon, before, after, followed by, after that, next, before, after, meanwhile, formerly, finally, during

3. Contrast

Use to demonstrate differences between ideas or change in argument direction but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, differ, difference, balanced against, differing from, variation, still, on the contrary, unlike, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand, however

4. Exception

Use to introduce an opposing idea however, whereas, on the other hand, while, instead, in spite of, yet, despite, still, nevertheless, even though, in contrast, but, but one could also say…

5. Comparison

Use to demonstrate similarities between ideas that may not be under the same subject heading or within the same paragraph like, likewise, just, in a different way / sense, whereas, like, equally, in like manner, by comparison, similar to, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion, conversely

6. Illustration

Use to develop or clarify an idea, to introduce examples, or to show that the second idea is subordinate to the first for example, to illustrate, on this occasion, this can be seen, in this case, specifically, once, to illustrate, when/where, for instance, such as, to demonstrate, take the case of, in this case

7. Location

Use to show spatial relations next to, above, below, beneath, left, right, behind, in front, on top, within

8. Cause and Effect

Use to show that one idea causes, or results from, the idea that follows or precedes it because, therefore, so that, cause, reason, effect, thus, consequently, since, as a result, if…then, result in

9. Emphasis

Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable, the chief outcome, a vital force, especially relevant, most noteworthy, the principal item, above all, should be noted

10. Summary or Conclusion

Use to signal that what follows is summarizing or concluding the previous ideas; in humanities papers, use these phrases sparingly. to summarize, in short, in brief, in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transitions are the rhetorical tools that clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. The ability to integrate sentence transitions into your prose, rather than simply throwing in overt transition signals like “in addition,” indicates your mastery of the material. (Note: The visibility of transitions may vary by discipline; consult with your professor to get a better sense of discipline or assignment specific expectations.)

Transition Signals

Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate the logic connecting sets of information or ideas. Signals like therefore, on the other hand, for example, because, then, and afterwards can be good transition tools at the sentence and paragraph level. When using these signals, be conscious of the real meaning of these terms; they should reflect the actual relationship between ideas.

Review Words

Review words are transition tools that link groups of sentences or whole paragraphs. They condense preceding discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just completed a detailed discussion about the greenhouse effect. To transition to the next topic, you could use review words like “this heat-trapping process” to refer back to the green house effect discussion. The relative ability to determine a cogent set of review words might signal your own understanding of your work; think of review words as super-short summaries of key ideas.

Preview words

Preview words condense an upcoming discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just explained how heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Transitioning to the theory that humans are adding to that effect, you could use preview words like “sources of additional CO2 in the atmosphere include” to point forward to that discussion.

Transition Sentences

The strongest and most sophisticated tools, transition sentences indicate the connection between the preceding and upcoming pieces of your argument. They often contain one or more of the above transition tools. For example: You’ve just discussed how much CO2 humans have added to the atmosphere. You need to transition to a discussion of the effects. A strong set of transition sentences between the two sections might sound like this:

“These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere may lead to a number of disastrous consequences for residents of planet earth. The rise in global temperature that accompanies the extra CO2 can yield effects as varied as glacial melting and species extinction.”

In the first sentence, the review words are “These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere”; the preview words are “number of disastrous consequences”; the transition signals are “may lead to.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph indicates the specific “disastrous consequences” you will discuss.

If you don’t see a way to write a logical, effective transition between sentences, ideas or paragraphs, this might indicate organizational problems in your essay; you might consider revising your work.

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 05/2021

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Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays are those in which you must convince a reader that your position on an issue is the correct one. Thus, you may want to convince an audience that animal testing is immoral or that genetically modified foods are harmful. Perhaps you want to convince someone that the proposed Canadian pipeline or fracking poses dangers to our environment; maybe you believe that there is too much money spent on political campaigns. Whatever your topic and whatever your position, you must organize an essay that flows logically from one point to the next.

Good Transitions to Improve Logical Flow

You may have done great research and you may have great arguments in favor of our position. If they are not presented well, though, your essay will fall flat and your reader will not be convinced.

Part of a good presentation means than you understand how to use transition words for persuasive essays. So, let’s first look at what a transition is and then take a look at good transition words and phrases for essays .

Definition of Transitions: These are words or phrases that connect one thought or idea to the next. They can be used to connect thoughts in two sentences or to move the reader on to the next paragraph in a logical way. They can be single words, phrases, or complete sentences. Typical examples might include the following:

Words: Clearly, Definitely, Obviously, Furthermore, However, Notwithstanding, First (Second, etc.)
Phrases: Without question, What is more, In reality, In fact, Yet another, For example (instance), In other words, According to,
Sentences: These usually occur at the end of a paragraph as you are trying to move your reader into the point that will be covered in the next paragraph. For example, if you are writing a persuasive essay about money in politics, and you have just completed a paragraph on the Supreme Court “Citizens United” decision, you might end that paragraph with something like, “This decision has impacted campaign and elections in many ways.” Now, your reader is prepared for what is to come next – the ways in which that decision has affected campaigns/elections.

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Now, your next paragraph in such an essay will speak to one impact that the decision has had – perhaps the establishment of PAC’s into which donors can throw a much money as they wish. At the end of that paragraph, you will want to transition into the next point you will be making, so your transition sentence might read something like, “And once a campaign has been successful because of all of the donated money, the elected official will have certain obligations to those who have provided that campaign funding.” This sentence contains great a lead in to the next paragraph which will discuss how an elected official is then obligate to vote and make decisions based upon the desires of those who provided the funding.

Whether you are using persuasive essay transition words between sentences or entire phrases or sentences between paragraphs, your transitions connect your arguments and allow the reader to see where you are going next. If you don’t use these transitions, the reader cannot follow your argument!

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Primary Uses for Transition Words and Phrases of Essays that Attempt to Persuade

You have to think about the flow of your essay and what you are trying to do with your use of transitional words, phrases and sentences. Basically, the purposes of your transitions are any one of the following:

Adding to a Point You Have Made: You will use such words/phrases as: Furthermore, What is more, In addition to, Likewise, Moreover
Providing Examples: Use such phrases as, for instance, for example, in other words
Providing Lists: Use any of the following: First, second, third (etc.), yet another, the following.
Same Point Stated in a Different Way: Good phrases include, in other words, with this in mind, another way to look at this, etc.

Read also: Personal statement service for successful college admission.

Transitions Can Be Tricky

You know that you need to use transitional words correctly, especially when you are trying to make points that will persuade someone to accept your point of view. Without them, your essay loses clarity and logic. If you are having trouble with transitions, you can get great help at GrabMyEssay, just ask us “ write an essay for me .” These pros can either write your persuasive essay in its entirety or provide a review and edit, adding the words, phrases, and/or sentences that should be included in order to achieve your persuasive purose.

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Transition Words For Essays

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

11 min read

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Transition words are essential tools in essay writing , providing a clear path for your readers to follow. They serve the crucial purpose of connecting words, phrases, sentences, or even entire paragraphs.

By using these transitions effectively, you can effortlessly convey your ideas and thoughts in a coherent and easily understandable manner.

However, it's crucial to exercise moderation when using transition words. Overusing them can clutter your essay, making it confusing and difficult to read.

On the other hand, omitting them entirely can result in a piece that lacks flow and direction. Striking the right balance ensures that your essay is both engaging and comprehensible.

Purpose of Transition Words

Let’s take a look at the purpose of using transitions in essays:

Enhance Readability: Transition words improve the overall flow and coherence of your writing.
Clarify Relationships: They signal connections between ideas, whether it's adding, contrasting, or summarizing.
Improve Comprehension: Readers can follow your argument or narrative more easily.
Smooth Transitions: They act as bridges, seamlessly guiding your audience from one point to the next.
Manage Change: They prepare the reader for shifts in topic or perspective.
Enhance Engagement: Well-placed transitions keep readers interested and invested in your content.
Encourage Flow: They maintain a logical progression, aiding in the overall structure of your work.

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Here are some common types of transitions for essays that can be used in almost any situation.

Addition Transitions

Furthermore
Additionally
In addition
Not only...but also

Comparison Transitions

In the same way
Comparable to
Correspondingly
In comparison
By the same token

Contrast Transitions

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Even though

Cause and Effect Transitions

Consequently
As a result
For this reason
Accordingly

Time Transitions

Simultaneously
In the meantime
Subsequently
At the same time

Illustration Transitions

For example
For instance
Specifically
To illustrate
In particular
In this case
As an illustration

Emphasis Transitions

Undoubtedly
Without a doubt

Summary Transitions

To summarize
To conclude

Sequence Transitions

Example transitions.

As an example
To demonstrate
For one thing
As evidence
As an instance

For Showing Exception

At The Same Time
Nevertheless
On The Other Hand
But At The Same Time
Conversely

For Proving

For This Reason
Certainly
To Demonstrate
In Fact
Clearly
As A Result

This transition words for essays list will make it easier for you to understand what words to use in which kind of essay or for which purpose.

Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

To begin with
By contrast
One alternative is
To put more simply
On the contrary
With this in mind
All things considered
Generally speaking
That is to say
Yet another

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

furthermore
Moreover
Because
Besides that
Pursuing this further

Transition Words for Essays PDF

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Althoughyhtjyjum,u
Notwithstanding

Transition Words for Informative Essays

After all
As can be expected
Obviously

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Equally important
Another reason
Not long after that
Looking back

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

In order to
Provided that
Because of this

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

As noted earlier
Consequently
Whereas
This leads to
Another factor
This lead to
The underlying concept
In this respect

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

(once) again
Primarily
Due to
Accordingly
That is to say
Subsequently
To demonstrate
However

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

In any event
As mentioned
In other words
As you can see

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

These are some introduction transition words for essays to start writing:

In the first place
First of all
For the most part
On one hand
As a rule

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

To put it differently
Once and for all

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

To start with
First and foremost
In the beginning

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

In addition to this
Furthermore

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

In conclusion
Finally
Last but not least
To sum up
Altogether

Transition Words for Quotes in Essays

Acknowledges

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

In conclusion
For instance

Transition Words for Essays High School

Today
In addition
To summarize
On the other hand
As well as
Although

Transition Words for Essays College

Here are some college level transition words for essay:

Pursuing this
Similarly
What’s more
As much as
In a like manner
In the same fashion

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

So, now you have some strong transition words for essays at hand. But how do you use these transition words?

Here are the basic dos and don’ts of using transition words for essays.

Understand that these terms are an important part of any type of essay or paper, adding to its overall flow and readability.
Use these words when you are presenting a new idea. For example, start a new paragraph with these phrases, followed by a comma.
Do not overuse transition words. It is one of the most common essay writing problems that students end up with. It is important to only use those words required to convey your message clearly. It is good to sound smart by using these words but don’t overdo it.
Avoid using these words at the start and in the middle. Always try to use transition words only a few times where it is necessary to make it easy for the readers to follow the ideas.

So, now you have an extensive list of transition words. These are some of the best transition words for essays that you can add to your essays.

If your essay seems redundant because you used similar transition words, you can always have a look at this list to find some good replacements.

So, whenever you’re writing an essay, refer back to this list and let your words flow!

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Transition Words and Phrases

Transitions are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Transition words tell the reader how one idea relates to another. Using them appropriately makes your argument more convincing because the reader is able to understand the flow between and within paragraphs, including the relationship between different ideas, evidence, and analysis.

Types of Transition Words and Phrases

additionally
coupled with
furthermore
equally important
in addition

Cause and Effect

accordingly
as consequence
as a result
at that time
concurrently
consequently
followed by
for this purpose
for this reason
subsequently
comparatively
correspondingly
in the same way
on the one han
together with

Contrast/Exception/Concession

a different view is
alternatively
despite/in spite of (+ noun)
differing from
even though
in contrast
it could also be said that
nevertheless
notwithstanding (+ noun)
nonetheless
on the contrary
on (the) one hand
on the other hand
regardless of (+ noun)
in particular
particularly

Example/Illustration

as an example
as an illustration
for example
for instance
illustrated by
in the/this case
on this occasion
specifically
to demonstrate
to illustrate
all things considered
at the same time
in other words
on the whole
that is to say
to put it differently
first, second, third, etc.

Summary/Conclusion

by and large
in any case
in any event
in conclusion
to conclude
to summarize
at that/this point
at that/this time
immediately
in the future
in the meantime
in the past
simultaneously

Sample Transition Words

While (1) qualitative data is helpful in gauging graduate student responses to Boot Camp, it is also crucial that we undertake data-driven analysis to support the value of the four-day writing event. Currently (2), quantitative measures of satisfaction of Dissertation Boot Camp participants are tracked in two ways: through a formal survey posted through SurveyMonkey and an informal survey that is handwritten at the end of the Camp. In fact (3), to ensure reliable data for analysis, the SurveyMonkey questionnaire is filled out by students at three different times: before Camp, on the first day of Camp, and 30 days after Camp. The decision to send the survey at three different times was made in order to ensure that attitudes prior to Camp matched attitudes on the first day, and to then compare that to results after Camp. However (4) the current survey questions are somewhat informal, and none have been psychometrically tested. In order to improve the reliability and usefulness of the collected data, we will need to revise some of our Likert-scale based questions using currently-available test questions from other indices. Ultimately (5) , this combination of quantitative and qualitative data will help us to make decisions about the program as it is offered in subsequent semesters.

(1) Comparison

(3) Emphasis

(4) Contrast/Exception/Concession

(5) Summary/Conclusion

45 Best Transition Words and Phrases For Essays

Your essay needs to be coherent and written in a way where one idea flows naturally to the other, and for that, you need transition words.

But how to make sure that everything ties together, and that you present your arguments in a logical, smooth manner? It’s simple. You do it by using transition words and phrases, which can turn your scattered thoughts into a well-organized, and neatly looking piece of prose. “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” – Tom Stoppard It is common knowledge that the ability to write a great essay is tremendously helpful to those who are pursuing higher education. So, it wouldn’t hurt to add all the weapons you can find to your essay-writing arsenal, like these transition words.

What are transition words?

Transition words and phrases are a part of speech , and they’re used to create coherent relationships between ideas in the text. The ones you might be familiar with are ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘so’, and ‘because’. They’re applied to maintain a logical, uninterrupted stream of thought and a smooth flow of paragraphs and sentences. Their goal is to show your reader the relationship between phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. When you use them, you make it easier for your readers to understand how your thoughts and ideas are connected. There are around 200 of them in the English language. Example: Regular exercise leads to improved cardiovascular performance. It improves the function of the brain.

Here are the main rules for the usage of transitional words:

Using transitional words in essays

Your regular essay will comprise five paragraphs – an introduction, three paragraphs to present your points, and a conclusion. Your job is to make the prose consistent, and that’s why you need words and phrases to create links between the ideas. The words and phrases below are mostly used in persuasive (argumentative) essays where you need to convince the readers of your opinion confidently. But in fact, they’re useful in almost any type of writing (such as expository essays ) simply to keep the structure intact. If you use them well, they can emphasize contrast, highlight a similarity, and solidify your conclusion. Transition, a formal definition: the process of changing from one situation, form, or state to another.

Transition words are used at the beginning of each new paragraph. For Example:

To begin with
In the first place
To summarize

They can also be used when you present a new point in the same paragraph. For Example:

There’s a multitude of transition words that will contribute to a sleeker essay.

Many students make the mistake of repeating the same words repeatedly. This causes them to lose impact and meaning. Among grammarians, this phenomenon is called grammar saturation. The important thing to know is that there are several categories to transition words depending on the type of impact you’d like to create in your writing . Often, there are several words suitable for one transition. Just remember that they don’t always mean the same and you might need some practice to recognize the subtle differences between them. To avoid this, look up synonyms and never use the same transition word more than once in a single piece of prose (especially in the same paragraph). If you need a more in-depth course on this topic, you may read A Writer’s Guide To Transitional Words and Expressions.

Here’s a list of the best transition words that’ll come to your rescue:

When you want to indicate similarity or addition:.

Incidentally
More important
For instance
Furthermore
In addition
In the same fashion

Examples of use:

A diet based mostly on carbohydrates can cause massive weight gain. Furthermore, it can cause mental fog and a lack of energy in adult humans.
Small steps can lead to huge gains. For instance, if you write one page a day, you’ll have a whole book within one year.

When you want to indicate dissimilarity, contrast, or contradiction:

By contrast
On the other hand
On the contrary
All the same
At any rate
At the same time
Nonetheless
Despite this
By comparison
In comparison
In place of
Nevertheless
Notwithstanding
Unfortunately
A ban on the possession of firearms would vastly improve the safety of the civilian population. In spite of this, the politicians won’t push it through because of the powerful gun lobby.
Everyone knows that eating excessive amounts of sugar causes health problems. Yet, the consumption of “white poison” is higher than ever.

When you want to indicate similarity:

In the same way
In like manner
Learning computer languages serves as a competitive advantage in the job market. Likewise, the ability to speak Chinese or Japanese can be beneficial.
The cost of mobile devices around the world dropped significantly. In the same manner, laptops and TVs became more affordable.

When you want to indicate cause, effect, purpose, consequence, or result:

Accordingly
As a result
Knowing this
With this object
With this end
To this end
With this in mind
In many cases
In this way
Consequently
For this reason
Fortunately
In any case
Provided that
Excessive time spent at the desk at work can lead to coronary disease. Sitting for a long time is more harmful than the regular consumption of fast foods.
Becoming a self-employed digital nomad isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are many guides and forums on this topic.

When you want to emphasize something:

Specifically
In particular
More specifically
In other words
To illustrate
Drinking a lot of water raises your levels of energy. In particular, filtered and purified water is the best thing to drink.
The player dropped the ball at the very last moment. Truly, this was the reason the team was defeated.

When you want to indicate the time or sequence of events:

In the meantime
Immediately
In the same instant
Subsequently
At that point
The children were starving and without water. Finally, the international convoy came to help them.
The politician angered the crowds. Immediately, you could hear boos from every direction.

When you want to indicate spatial order or reference:

On the opposite side
On the right
On the left
In a corner
In front of
The huge mountain covered the horizon. Beneath it, there were kilometers of caverns.
The table stood in the center of the room. On the right, you could find a few scattered pieces of furniture.

How do these words relate to the format of your essay?

If you focus on academic writing you’ll need to adhere to a specific essay format. Use the following words to create comprehensive transitions between paragraphs:

Introductory transitions

These come in handy when you craft your first supporting paragraph (the one after the introductory one). Here you usually start building on your thesis and start giving arguments in its favor.

Words to use in an introductory paragraph:

The first reason

Connecting the second paragraph to the third:

Additionally
Another reason why
Pursuing this further

Connecting the third paragraph to the fourth:

Yet another reason why
One last reason why

Connecting the body to the conclusion:

In conclusion
To sum it all up
In the final analysis
You can see why
To wrap it all up

Pro tip: Words like ‘for’, ‘and’, ‘nor’, ‘but’, ‘or’, ‘yet’, and ‘since’ shouldn’t be used at the beginning of a sentence if you’re writing a formal essay. “The best part of your story is when it changes.” – Bella Bloom Bonus material – a printable PDF chart with link words (always keep it beside you): A complete list of transition words and conjunctions.

Now it’s your turn to use these transition words

Starting an essay is always challenging, even for advanced writers. Hopefully, by reading this article, I made your task easier by adding a valuable tool to your writer’s toolbox. Just remember to use these phrases originally, and without repetition. The last thing you want to do is to sound mechanical as if you’re writing from a template. Next up, you may want to check a list of amazing short pretty words in English .

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Down and Dirty Tips: Persuasion Essay: Adding Transitions

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Persuasion Transitions

<< Previous: Persuasion
Last Updated: Oct 23, 2023 11:28 AM
URL: https://spcollege.libguides.com/persuasion

Using Persuasive Essay Transition Words to Craft a Perfect Piece

In academic writing and persuasive essays, transition words are used extensively. These transition words connect not only two paragraphs but two different concepts as well. Students must learn how to use persuasive essay transition words to make a perfect essay writing .

Table of Contents

What are Transition Words Anyways?

In the ultimate guide of persuasive essay , the main emphasis of the debate is to provide supporting information and connect them with each other. The task of connecting two paragraphs, two concepts, or two arguments is done with the help of transition words. You often read words like ‘next’, ‘accordingly’, ‘therefore’, and more in an article or an essay. Most of the time, they are used at the beginning of a new sentence which tells that they are being used to connect this sentence with the previous one.

Hence the reader’s concentration is not compromised. For your understanding, these are essential transition words you can use in your persuasive essay. These include “and,” “but,” and “but also,” as well as therefore, however, and more.

Persuasive Essay Transition Words That You Must Use

The point of a persuasive essay is to persuade a reader to your point of view. To do this effectively, you need to transition from one topic to another elegantly and logically. Transition words are those words that help move from one idea to the next. Transition words have their particular place of usage and you need to determine where to put them according to your persuasive essay outline that defines a path for content delivery. Let’s look at common transition words and how they are used in essays.

Here’s how you can use sum up in the persuasive essay. To sum up, the conclusion is different from the summary. Summarizing does not mean repeating what you have already said in your essay but rather summarizing it by stating the main points and how they relate to each other to make sense of your ideas.

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Summarizing the main points of your essay is a great way to end it. This can be done in several ways:

Use a transition at the end of each paragraph, such as “In summary…” or “Finally….”

Use a transition at the end of each section, such as “In conclusion…” or “And so on….”

Use a transition at the end of your entire essay (such as “Conclusion”)

As has been said

As has been said, the above statement is a quote from an author.

In this transition, you can use the exact words in a typical sentence: “As has been said” or “As has been written.” You can also add other things like “according to” or “in accordance with.”

The better way to understand how you can use ‘therefore’ is with an example like this. Suppose you are writing a persuasive essay on why bacterias are not the main reason for tooth decay. This is how you will use this transition word along with ‘however.’

‘Therefore, as you can see, I have no intention of advocating such a policy. But what about my response to your assertion that “bacteria cause tooth decay”? Well, I will say this: bacteria indeed cause tooth decay; however, the fact that they do so does not mean we should do anything about it.

Consequently

Consequently means “as a result.” As in, “Consequently, if you don’t do this, then I’ll be angry with you.” This can be used to connect two ideas. Mostly used in a cause and effect relationship essay. For example:

Suppose you are trying to say that if your audience is bored during the presentation, you will walk out of there.

Consequently, if my audience is bored during my presentation, I will walk out of there.

‘Thus’ is a good transition word to use if you want to introduce a conclusion. It’s also helpful if you are writing about a cause-and-effect relationship, as it can help readers focus on the main point of your essay. However, this word should never be used as part of an introduction because it can feel like an attempt at persuasion rather than simply stating what happened in your story.

In conclusion

In conclusion, you should reiterate the main idea of the essay. Writers need to make sure that the end conclusion is achieving the primary purpose of a persuasive essay .

Suppose you are writing a persuasive essay on education as an essential factor for economic growth. Here’s how you will use this transition word. Education helps individuals attain higher levels of knowledge and develops their talents and skills. In conclusion, it is essential for people who want careers in these fields to finish high school or college at least.

To conclude

The final sentence of a persuasive essay should be the strongest, most powerful one. It should be short but also powerful and convincing. It could be a summary statement summarizing all the information you’ve presented in your argumentative essay (or maybe just one part). Or it could be a conclusion that ties everything together: This is how you can use the transition word here. “To conclude, I think this is what we can learn from this conversation about love and friendship.”

For this reason

This transition tells what has made you act in such a way. Or what has made you decide this? For example, you can say. For this reason, the best way to move forward is through education.

It is used when the writer wants to conclude a paragraph or an essay.

This is how it is used:

Finally, I would like to conclude by stating that the main points of my essay are:

Persuasive writing is an art form.

It requires skill and creativity to be done correctly.

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This blog uncovers some of the best examples to use as persuasive essay transition words. Students need to learn and use them to enhance the writing effects of their persuasive essays. By doing this, they have a good chance of taking top grades. Students can also use an affordable college paper writing service to awestruck their professors with their creative skills.

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

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Logical and Smooth Transitions

The importance of smooth transitions in persuasive essays, related blog posts from category "writing an essay".

This type of essay means that the writer’s task is to make readers change their stance on a certain issue. Thus, the topic for persuasive essays must always be debatable enough. For example, you may want to argue that being a vegetarian is healthy or that euthanasia is morally unacceptable. Perhaps you’d like to prove that modern factories harm the environment instead of making profit or that the authorities spend too much money on their political campaigns. Regardless of the topic you opt for, you must define your own opinion on the matter and follow a clear structure of the essay with the help of certain language devices.

However good your arguments could be, without a well-organized presentation you will fail to bring the reader to your point of view. Using proper transitions is a vital part of writing a good persuasive essay. The definition of the term goes as follows: these are the words that make the essay more coherent and cohesive. Oftentimes they are used to connect different ideas expressed in separate sentences or to make the transition to the next paragraph more smooth and logical. In such a way, the text becomes more easy-to-follow and interesting for readers. In fact, transitions are linking elements that can be represented as separate words, word groups, or full sentences. Here are some typical examples of the above-mentioned transitions:

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Words: definitely, despite, certainly, obviously, additionally, undoubtedly, however, firstly, etc.
Word groups: in addition to this, regardless of, what is more, in reality, for instance, in other words, according to, etc.
Sentences (serve as topic sentences that prepare the reader for the layout of the further points): “Many people claim that genetically modified food is harmful in many ways.” This example implies that the writer is going to present his/her arguments and examples why it is harmful. At the end of the paragraph you can summarize the most important points specifying particular examples that you’ve mentioned. For instance, “Thus, GMOs are not only unhealthy to humans and animals but also dangerous to the environment.”

Transition words are crucially important for the readers to be able to follow the writer’s thoughts. Otherwise, they won’t be convinced that the writer is right. Transitions might be used for the following purposes:

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To elaborate on the point that you’ve made: further, what is more, apart from, in addition to, similarly, etc.
To give examples: for instance, for example, to illustrate this, etc.
To put a couple of points in a list: first, second, third, etc.
To restate the same idea in a different manner: in other words, with this in mind, etc.

In conclusion, transition words help the writers to convey his/her ideas in a logical manner, which appeals to the readers and ideally makes them change their position on certain topics or at least think about alternative ways of the arguable point at hand.

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110 Transition Words for Essays: Student's Helpful Guide

Ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, wondering how to smoothly sail from one idea to the next? Wondering how to glue those paragraphs together without sounding like a robot? That's why I'm here to share some simple yet powerful techniques to help you connect your ideas seamlessly because, let's face it, writing essays can be tough!

In this article, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about transition words when writing an essay. From basic definitions to practical examples, you'll find everything right here. Whether you're working on an English assignment or crafting a college application essay, mastering these examples will surely impress your teachers or admissions officers.

What are Transition Words

First, let's find out what are transition words in an essay. Also known as linking or connecting words, transition words hold your essay together. They help establish connections between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a smooth and cohesive flow in your writing.

These words can indicate various relationships, such as addition, contrast, comparison, cause and effect, and sequence. Examples include 'however,' 'in addition,' 'on the other hand,' 'therefore,' 'finally,' and many more.

Transition words not only make your writing clearer and easier to follow but also add sophistication and coherence to your essay. They show that you've thoughtfully structured your ideas and that your argument progresses logically from one point to the next.

Using Essay Transition Words Right Way

Now that you've got a killer essay ready to roll, that's where transition words and phrases swoop in to save the day. As someone who's spent countless hours writing and editing essays, I can tell you that these tips will help you use them effectively. So, let me break it down for you:

Tailor transitions to the specific relationship between ideas.
Experiment with different transition words to find the perfect fit.
Avoid repetitive transition word usage within close proximity.
Ensure transition words don't overshadow the main argument.
Proofread specifically for transition effectiveness and coherence.

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Transition Words to Start a Paragraph

Starting a new paragraph is like entering a new room in your essay. So, if you're feeling unsure about how to begin the next one, don't worry; I've been there countless times. Here are some tried-and-true examples that I swear by.

Firstly , let's dissect the psychology behind decision-making.
To begin with , consider the factors influencing climate change.
Initially , it is important to understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics.
At the outset , it is necessary to establish clear goals for the project.
To kick things off , let's discuss the main objectives of the research study.
To commence , let's review the key findings from the literature review.

Connecting Words for Essays

Let's keep the conversation going and check out some helpful connecting words to smoothly move from one topic to another.

Likewise , the second paragraph provides additional examples to support the argument.
Similarly , the data from the study aligns with previous research findings.
Consequently , the company experienced a significant increase in profits.
In this manner , the essay transitions smoothly from one topic to the next.
Therefore , it is important to consider the implications of these findings for future research.

Transition Word for Continuation

Now, when it comes to keeping the conversation flowing, there's one more trick up my sleeve: transition words for continuation.

Subsequently , the team implemented the proposed changes to the project plan.
Following this , the discussion shifted to potential solutions to the problem.
Thereafter , the focus turned to analyzing the data collected from the experiment.
Afterwards , the group reconvened to finalize the presentation slides.
In the aftermath of the incident, stricter safety measures were put in place.
Succeeding this , the research team will conduct further experiments to validate the findings.

Transition Words for College Essays

As someone who's navigated their fair share of college papers, I can vouch for the power of transition words in making your writing stand out.

Albeit challenging, the coursework provided valuable insights into the subject matter.
Notwithstanding the initial setbacks, she persevered and completed her degree.
In light of this new research , we must reconsider our approach to climate change.
In retrospect , choosing this college was one of the best decisions I ever made.
In consideration of the diverse student body, the university promotes inclusivity and diversity initiatives.

Transition Words for High School Essays

Ah, high school essays—the battleground of late nights and looming deadlines. But, having been through the trenches of high school myself, I can attest to the power of these words in transforming your essays from mediocre to magnificent.

Still , many students struggle to find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
Yet , some argue that homework assignments are beneficial for reinforcing concepts learned in class.
Even so , the debate over the effectiveness of standardized testing continues.
Meanwhile , students eagerly anticipate the upcoming school dance.

Transition Words for Informational Essays

Let's talk about informational essays. You know, the ones packed with facts and details? Well, to keep things clear and easy to follow, here are some helpful transition words.

Correspondingly , as temperatures rise, so does the rate of ice melt in polar regions.
Significantly , the discovery of antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine.
Notably , Shakespeare's works continue to influence literature and theater today.
In particular , the study focused on the effects of caffeine on sleep patterns.
By the same token , increased screen time has been linked to decreased physical activity levels.

Contradicting Transition Words

Here are some contradicting transition words to keep things balanced when viewpoints clash.

Nevertheless , she decided to pursue her dream despite the challenges.
On the contrary , some argue that technology has hindered face-to-face communication.
Conversely , while some prefer hot weather, others enjoy the cold.
Nonetheless , the team persevered and completed the project ahead of schedule.
Despite this , he remained optimistic and focused on finding a solution.

Bridge Words for Essays

Let's now bridge our ideas smoothly with some bridge words for essays.

There was a chance of seeking assistance from external consultants. Thereupon , the team began brainstorming solutions to the problem.
It's essential for employees to adapt to new tools and systems. Henceforth , we will implement stricter guidelines to prevent future incidents.
With this in mind , let's consider the long-term effects of our decisions.
We risk facing the consequences of our inaction. For this reason , it's crucial to address the issue promptly and proactively.

Mid Paragraph Transition Words

But what happens when we're in the thick of it? That's where mid-paragraph transition words come in. They're our trusty companions, keeping us on track.

Equally , both options offer advantages and disadvantages.
Alternatively , you could use a different method to achieve the same result.
Otherwise , we risk facing the consequences of our inaction.
In comparison , the second approach may be more cost-effective.

Transition Words for Chronology

Here are some helpful transition words for chronology to guide you through the timeline of events.

Simultaneously , while the sun rose in the east, the moon set in the west.
Eventually , after years of hard work, he achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
In the meantime , while waiting for the results, she focused on improving her skills.
Later on , after the meeting, we can discuss the details further.
Concurrently , as she worked on her thesis, she also pursued a part-time job.
In the interim , while waiting for the renovations to be completed, they temporarily moved in with family.

Transition Words for Opposing Ideas

Sometimes, we need to acknowledge different perspectives, and that's where transition words for opposing ideas come in.

That being said , some argue that technology has improved communication, while others believe it has led to increased social isolation.
In spite of this , the company's profits continued to decline.
Be that as it may , some people still prefer traditional forms of entertainment.
In any event , whether it rains or shines, the event will go on as planned.

Transition Words for Similar Ideas

These words help us link related thoughts smoothly, making our writing easy to follow.

Analogously , the new policy mirrors the guidelines established in previous years.
In the same vein , both novels explore themes of love and loss.
In like manner , the two paintings share a similar color palette and composition.
Parallelly , the two experiments yielded similar results.
Consistently , the data from multiple studies support the hypothesis.

Transition Words for Clarification

Ever felt like your point needed a little extra clarity? That's where these words for clarification come in handy.

The new policy will affect all employees, specifically those working in customer service.
Many students struggle with time management; in other words , they find it difficult to balance school and personal life.
The deadline for the project is next Friday, to clarify , February 28th.
We need to gather more data to support our hypothesis, namely , by conducting surveys among different demographics.
The dress code requires business casual attire; that is to say , no jeans or sneakers are allowed.

Transition Words for Examples

You know when you're trying to explain something and wish you had a good example? That's where transition words come to the rescue.

For instance , many fruits, such as apples and oranges, are high in vitamin C.
For example , various sports, such as basketball and soccer, require teamwork.
Pets, such as dogs and cats, provide companionship and emotional support.
To illustrate , many successful entrepreneurs, like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, started their careers in garages.
To give an example , hobbies such as painting and gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic.

Transition Words to Show Cause and Effect

Transition words for cause and effect can help us understand the reasons behind events. They show us how one thing leads to another, making our writing more logical.

Due to heavy rainfall, the streets flooded.
Resultantly , the company's profits increased.
Owing to his hard work, he earned a promotion.
As a consequence of the accident, traffic was delayed.
On account of the power outage, the event was canceled.

Transition Words to Emphasize a Point

When you really want to drive a point home, you need some extra firepower. That's where transition words to emphasize a point come in handy. They help us make our arguments stronger and more convincing.

Indeed , vaccination is crucial in preventing infectious diseases.
Undoubtedly , quality education empowers and reduces disparities.
Unquestionably , climate change requires immediate action.
Absolutely , regular exercise is essential for overall well-being.

Addition Transition Words for Essays

These transitions help us expand on our ideas, making our essays richer and more detailed.

Moreover , regular exercise improves physical health and boosts cognitive function.
Additionally , renewable energy sources reduce carbon emissions and create job opportunities.
Furthermore , mindfulness meditation reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being.
In addition , public transportation reduces traffic congestion and promotes environmental sustainability.
Also , eating more fruits and vegetables improves health and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

Transition Words for Persuasive Essay

When you're trying to convince someone of your point of view, you need all the help you can get. That's where persuasive transitions come in.

Evidently , the statistics demonstrate a clear need for stricter gun control laws.
Clearly , the benefits of recycling are numerous and undeniable.
Convincingly , the argument presents a compelling case for implementing renewable energy sources.
Certainly , the evidence supports the assertion that exercise improves mental health.

Transition Words for Evidence

If you're feeling like your argument needs some solid evidence to back it up, check out the terms below:

Demonstrably , the data shows a clear correlation between smoking and increased risk of lung cancer.
Conclusively , the experiment results confirm the effectiveness of the new drug in treating hypertension.
Indisputably , the documentary provides undeniable evidence of the environmental impact of deforestation.
Substantially , the survey findings indicate a significant decrease in student satisfaction with online learning platforms.
Irrefutably , the court documents prove the defendant's guilt beyond any doubt.

Ending Transition Words for Essays

And finally, when it's time to wrap things up, you need some good ending transition words. They help us conclude our essays smoothly, leaving our readers with a clear sense of closure.

In essence , the research highlights the importance of early childhood education in shaping future success.
To sum up , the evidence presented strongly supports the need for stricter environmental regulations.
In a nutshell , the findings suggest that exercise can significantly improve overall well-being.
Ultimately , the goal of this essay is to encourage readers to reflect on the impact of their actions on the environment.

Transition Phrases and Sentences

Introductory phrases for essays.

With the right introductory phrases, getting started on an essay is like finding your footing in a familiar place. They help set the stage for what's to come, giving our readers a taste of what's in store.

In today's society , social media plays a significant role in shaping our interactions and relationships.
Throughout history , literature has served as a reflection of societal values and beliefs.
With the advent of technology , our lives have become more convenient but also more complex.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected , cultural exchange has become more prevalent than ever before.
It is widely acknowledged that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for personal and societal growth.
In recent years , mental health awareness has become a prominent topic of discussion in mainstream media.
The issue of climate change has garnered significant attention from policymakers and activists alike.
As Shakespeare aptly stated , 'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.'
In light of these developments , it's crucial to consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
From a historical perspective , revolutions have often been catalysts for social and political change.

Transition Sentences for Essays

Ever been in the middle of an essay and felt like you were jumping from one idea to the next? I've definitely been there. But that's where transition sentences swoop in to smooth out the bumps and keep our writing flowing.

Building upon this idea , let's dig a little deeper into how music influences our mood.
Turning our attention to movies , let's see how special effects can make or break a film.
Expanding on this notion , let's explore how technology has changed the way we communicate.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the environmental impact of our daily choices.
Shifting the focus to healthcare, let's discuss the importance of mental health awareness.
Additionally, it is worth noting that exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
To further illustrate the point , let's take a look at a real-life example.
In a similar vein , we can apply the same principles to improve our personal relationships.
In contrast to this viewpoint , some argue that technology has made us more disconnected from each other.

Type of Transition Words

Let's now take a stroll through the different types of transition words and see how they impact your writing.

Sequential transitions indicate the progression of events within the text. Examples include 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' 'Next,' and 'Finally,' which help structure the flow of information and guide readers through a series of points or steps.

Causal transition words demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships between ideas or events. Words like 'Therefore,' 'Consequently,' and 'As a result' show how one concept leads to another, clarifying the logical connection between them.

Concession transition words acknowledge opposing viewpoints or counterarguments while reinforcing the main argument. Examples include 'Despite' and 'Even though,' which introduce concessions or exceptions without undermining the overall thesis.

Tips for Using Transition Words Effectively in an Essay

Here are some simple tips to remember when using transition words:

Avoid overwhelming your essay with transition words. Use them to connect ideas or show relationships, but avoid excessive use, which can confuse readers.
Select transition words that match the tone and purpose of your essay. Choose words that make sense within your context, such as 'but' or 'however' for contrasting points.
Transition words should seamlessly integrate into your sentences, guiding readers without causing disruptions.
Stick to straightforward transition words that are easy to understand. Complexity can confuse readers, so opt for clarity.
After writing, double-check your transition words. Replace any that don't enhance the flow or clarity of your essay.

Final Words

As we come to the end of our journey through the world of transition words, I hope you're feeling more confident about using these powerful tools in your writing.

I used to struggle with making my essays flow smoothly, but now, with the help of transition words, my writing feels like a well-oiled machine. It's amazing how a simple 'however' or 'in addition' can make such a big difference in how my ideas come across.

So, as I sign off, I want to encourage you to embrace transition words in your writing. Trust me, they'll become your best friends in no time.

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Argumentative Essay Examples & Analysis

July 20, 2023

Writing successful argumentative or persuasive essays is a sort of academic rite of passage: every student, at some point in their academic career, will have to do it. And not without reason—writing a good argumentative essay requires the ability to organize one’s thoughts, reason logically, and present evidence in support of claims. They even require empathy, as authors are forced to inhabit and then respond to viewpoints that run counter to their own. Here, we’ll look at some argumentative essay examples and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

What is an argumentative essay?

Before we turn to those argumentative essay examples, let’s get precise about what an argumentative essay is. An argumentative essay is an essay that advances a central point, thesis, or claim using evidence and facts. In other words, argumentative essays are essays that argue on behalf of a particular viewpoint. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader that the essay’s core idea is correct.

Good argumentative essays rely on facts and evidence. Personal anecdotes, appeals to emotion , and opinions that aren’t grounded in evidence just won’t fly. Let’s say I wanted to write an essay arguing that cats are the best pets. It wouldn’t be enough to say that I love having a cat as a pet. That’s just my opinion. Nor would it be enough to cite my downstairs neighbor Claudia, who also has a cat and who also prefers cats to dogs. That’s just an anecdote.

For the essay to have a chance at succeeding, I’d have to use evidence to support my argument. Maybe there are studies that compare the cost of cat ownership to dog ownership and conclude that cat ownership is less expensive. Perhaps there’s medical data that shows that more people are allergic to dogs than they are to cats. And maybe there are surveys that show that cat owners are more satisfied with their pets than are dog owners. I have no idea if any of that is true. The point is that successful argumentative essays use evidence from credible sources to back up their points.

Argumentative essay structure

Important to note before we examine a few argumentative essay examples: most argumentative essays will follow a standard 5-paragraph format. This format entails an introductory paragraph that lays out the essay’s central claim. Next, there are three body paragraphs that each advance sub-claims and evidence to support the central claim. Lastly, there is a conclusion that summarizes the points made. That’s not to say that every good argumentative essay will adhere strictly to the 5-paragraph format. And there is plenty of room for flexibility and creativity within the 5-paragraph format. For example, a good argumentative essay that follows the 5-paragraph template will also generally include counterarguments and rebuttals.

Introduction Example

Now let’s move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment.

The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have either banned the death penalty outright or issued moratoriums halting the practice. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it’s an effective deterrent against crime. Time and time again, however, this argument has been shown to be false. Capital punishment does not deter crime. But not only that—the death penalty is irreversible, which allows our imperfect justice system no room for error. Finally, the application of the death penalty is racially biased—the population of death row is over 41% Black , despite Black Americans making up just 13% of the U.S. population. For all these reasons, the death penalty should be outlawed across the board in the United States.

Why this introduction works: First, it’s clear. It lays out the essay’s thesis: that the death penalty should be outlawed in the United States. It also names the sub-arguments the author is going to use to support the thesis: (1), capital punishment does not deter crime, (2), it’s irreversible, and (3), it’s a racially biased practice. In laying out these three points, the author is also laying out the structure of the essay to follow. Each of the body paragraphs will take on one of the three sub-arguments presented in the introduction.

Argumentative Essay Examples (Continued)

Something else I like about this introduction is that it acknowledges and then refutes a common counterargument—the idea that the death penalty is a crime deterrent. Notice also the flow of the first two sentences. The first flags the essay’s topic. But it also makes a claim—that the issue of capital punishment is politically divisive. The following sentence backs this claim up. Essentially half of the country allows the practice; the other half has banned it. This is a feature not just of solid introductions but of good argumentative essays in general—all the essay’s claims will be backed up with evidence.

How it could be improved: Okay, I know I just got through singing the praises of the first pair of sentences, but if I were really nitpicking, I might take issue with them. Why? The first sentence is a bit of a placeholder. It’s a platitude, a way for the author to get a foothold in the piece. The essay isn’t about how divisive the death penalty is; it’s about why it ought to be abolished. When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, I always like to err on the side of blunt. There’s nothing wrong with starting an argumentative essay with the main idea: Capital punishment is an immoral and ineffective form of punishment, and the practice should be abolished .

Let’s move on to another argumentative essay example. Here’s an introduction that deals with the effects of technology on the brain:

Much of the critical discussion around technology today revolves around social media. Critics argue that social media has cut us off from our fellow citizens, trapping us in “information silos” and contributing to political polarization. Social media also promotes unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, which can lead to anxiety and depression. What’s more, the social media apps themselves are designed to addict their users. These are all legitimate critiques of social media, and they ought to be taken seriously. But the problem of technology today goes deeper than social media. The internet itself is the problem. Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning. The internet is, quite literally, rewiring our brains.

Why this introduction works: This introduction hooks the reader by tying a topical debate about social media to the essay’s main subject—the problem of the internet itself. The introduction makes it clear what the essay is going to be about; the sentence, “But the problem of technology…” signals to the reader that the main idea is coming. I like the clarity with which the main idea is stated, and, as in the previous introduction, the main idea sets up the essay to follow.

How it could be improved: I like how direct this introduction is, but it might be improved by being a little more specific. Without getting too technical, the introduction might tell the reader what it means to “promote distracted thinking and superficial learning.” It might also hint as to why these are good arguments. For example, are there neurological or psychological studies that back this claim up? A simple fix might be: Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, countless studies have shown that the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning . The body paragraphs would then elaborate on those points. And the last sentence, while catchy, is a bit vague.

Body Paragraph Example

Let’s stick with our essay on capital punishment and continue on to the first body paragraph.

Proponents of the death penalty have long claimed that the practice is an effective deterrent to crime. It might not be pretty, they say, but its deterrent effects prevent further crime. Therefore, its continued use is justified. The problem is that this is just not borne out in the data. There is simply no evidence that the death penalty deters crime more than other forms of punishment, like long prison sentences. States, where the death penalty is still carried out, do not have lower crime rates than states where the practice has been abolished. States that have abandoned the death penalty likewise show no increase in crime or murder rates.

Body Paragraph (Continued)

For example, the state of Louisiana, where the death penalty is legal, has a murder rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents. In Iowa, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, the murder rate is 3.2 per 100,000. In Kentucky the death penalty is legal and the murder rate is 9.6; in Michigan where it’s illegal, the murder rate is 8.7. The death penalty simply has no bearing on murder rates. If it did, we’d see markedly lower murder rates in states that maintain the practice. But that’s not the case. Capital punishment does not deter crime. Therefore, it should be abolished.

Why this paragraph works: This body paragraph is successful because it coheres with the main idea set out in the introduction. It supports the essay’s first sub-argument—that capital punishment does not deter crime—and in so doing, it supports the essay’s main idea—that capital punishment should be abolished. How does it do that? By appealing to the data. A nice feature of this paragraph is that it simultaneously debunks a common counterargument and advances the essay’s thesis. It also supplies a few direct examples (murder rates in states like Kentucky, Michigan, etc.) without getting too technical. Importantly, the last few sentences tie the data back to the main idea of the essay. It’s not enough to pepper your essay with statistics. A good argumentative essay will unpack the statistics, tell the reader why the statistics matter, and how they support or confirm the essay’s main idea.

How it could be improved: The author is missing one logical connection at the end of the paragraph. The author shows that capital punishment doesn’t deter crime, but then just jumps to their conclusion. They needed to establish a logical bridge to get from the sub-argument to the conclusion. That bridge might be: if the deterrent effect is being used as a justification to maintain the practice, but the deterrent effect doesn’t really exist, then , in the absence of some other justification, the death penalty should be abolished. The author almost got there, but just needed to make that one final logical connection.

Conclusion Example

Once we’ve supported each of our sub-arguments with a corresponding body paragraph, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

It might be nice to think that executing murderers prevents future murders from happening, that our justice system is infallible and no one is ever wrongly put to death, and that the application of the death penalty is free of bias. But as we have seen, each of those thoughts are just comforting fictions. The death penalty does not prevent future crime—if it did, we’d see higher crime rates in states that’ve done away with capital punishment. The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. And the death penalty disproportionately affects people of color. The death penalty is an unjustifiable practice—both practically and morally. Therefore, the United States should do away with the practice and join the more than 85 world nations that have already done so.

Why this conclusion works: It concisely summarizes the points made throughout the essay. But notice that it’s not identical to the introduction. The conclusion makes it clear that our understanding of the issue has changed with the essay. It not only revisits the sub-arguments, it expounds upon them. And to put a bow on everything, it restates the thesis—this time, though, with a little more emotional oomph.

How it could be improved: I’d love to see a little more specificity with regard to the sub-arguments. Instead of just rehashing the second sub-argument—that wrongful executions are unavoidable—the author could’ve included a quick statistic to give the argument more weight. For example: The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. Since 1973, at least 190 people have been put to death who were later found to be innocent.

An argumentative essay is a powerful way to convey one’s ideas. As an academic exercise, mastering the art of the argumentative essay requires students to hone their skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning. The best argumentative essays communicate their ideas clearly and back up their claims with evidence.

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Dane Gebauer

Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

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Common Core Tips: Using Transitional Words in Writing
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Transitions
Transitions. Transitions help your readers move between ideas within a paragraph, between paragraphs, or between sections of your argument. When you are deciding how to transition from one idea to the next, your goal should be to help readers see how your ideas are connected—and how those ideas connect to the big picture.
70+ Transition words for essays with examples
Transition words for essays with examples. Master the art of transitions! Explore a treasure trove of transition words with examples, and learn how to craft a smooth, logical flow of ideas in your essays. This blog post empowers you to write persuasive and well-structured essays that leave a lasting impression.
Transition Sentences
Clear transitions are crucial to clear writing: They show the reader how different parts of your essay, paper, or thesis are connected. Transition sentences can be used to structure your text and link together paragraphs or sections. Example of a transition sentence for a new paragraph. In this case, the researchers concluded that the method ...
Transitions
A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places. Transitions within paragraphs: As with transitions between sections and paragraphs, transitions within paragraphs act ...
Transition Words & Phrases
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure…
100+ Transition Words and Phrases to Use in Essays
Transition words for persuasive essays. Persuasive essays are written to convince the reader of an author's point of view. To make a persuasive essay flow, it is important to use transition words or phrases to move from one idea to another in a smooth and logical way. Here are some highly effective transition words for persuasive writing:
Common Transition Words and Phrases
Common Transition Words and Phrases. ... 9. Emphasis. Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable ...
190 Good Transition Words for Essays
Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing. Transition Words for College Essays. While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays. The ...
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays. #persuasive essay #tips for writing good essay #how to write persuasive essays. posted by Andy Preisler 20 May 2015. Table of contents: Persuasive essays are those in which you must convince a reader that your position on an issue is the correct one. Thus, you may want to convince an audience that animal ...
230+ Must-Have Transition Words for Argumentative Essays
Transition words play a pivotal role in doing so, acting as the glue that holds our ideas together. With over 230 transition words at our disposal, we have the power to take our argumentative essays to a whole new level. Transition words are indeed invaluable tools for crafting well-structured and persuasive argumentative essays.
A List of 200+ Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Argumentative Essays. 4. Transition Words for Persuasive Essays. 5. Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays. 6. Transition Words for Informative Essays. 7. Transition Words for Expository Essays.
Transition Words and Phrases
Transition Words and Phrases. Transitions are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Transition words tell the reader how one idea relates to another. Using them appropriately makes your argument more convincing because the reader is able to understand the flow between and within paragraphs, including ...
45 Best Transition Words and Phrases For Essays
All in all. Pro tip: Words like 'for', 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'or', 'yet', and 'since' shouldn't be used at the beginning of a sentence if you're writing a formal essay. "The best part of your story is when it changes.". - Bella Bloom Bonus material - a printable PDF chart with link words (always keep it ...
Down and Dirty Tips: Persuasion Essay: Adding Transitions
Transitional expressions can help tie ideas together and show relationships. They also reveal organization patterns to help your reader follow along. Try out a few in your paper. Be sure that any transition you use makes logical sense. To add an idea: first, second, third, next, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, as well.
Persuasive Essay Transition Words To Use In Essay
In the ultimate guide of persuasive essay, the main emphasis of the debate is to provide supporting information and connect them with each other.The task of connecting two paragraphs, two concepts, or two arguments is done with the help of transition words. You often read words like 'next', 'accordingly', 'therefore', and more in an article or an essay.
33 Transition Words for Essays
33 Transition Words and Phrases. 'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next. Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one. Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that ...
English Transition Words 101: Everything You Need to Know
Transition words like "suddenly," "meanwhile," and "eventually" breathe life into your storytelling, keeping the reader spellbound from beginning to end. Persuasive and argumentative essays. Persuasive and argumentative essays often highlight well-thought-out evidence points in separate paragraphs to support an argument.
Transition Words for Persuasive Essays
Using proper transitions is a vital part of writing a good persuasive essay. The definition of the term goes as follows: these are the words that make the essay more coherent and cohesive. Oftentimes they are used to connect different ideas expressed in separate sentences or to make the transition to the next paragraph more smooth and logical.
Full Guide About Transition Words For Essays
Transition Words for Persuasive Essay. When you're trying to convince someone of your point of view, you need all the help you can get. That's where persuasive transitions come in. Evidently, the statistics demonstrate a clear need for stricter gun control laws. Clearly, the benefits of recycling are numerous and undeniable.
Argumentative Essay Examples & Analysis
Introduction Example. Now let's move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment. The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have ...

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

70+ Transition words for essays with examples

List of Transition words for essays

Transition words for essays with examples

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Transitions

The function and importance of transitions

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Organization

How transitions work

Types of transitions

Transitional expressions

Transitional Words and Phrases

Improving Your Writing Style

Clear, Concise Sentences

Writing Studio

Transitions by Category

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Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transition Signals

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Transition Sentences

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

Good Transitions to Improve Logical Flow

Primary Uses for Transition Words and Phrases of Essays that Attempt to Persuade

Transitions Can Be Tricky

Andy Preisler

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

What are Good Transition Words for Essays?

Purpose of Transition Words

Examples of Different Types of Transition Words

Addition Transitions

Comparison Transitions

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Illustration Transitions

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For Showing Exception

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Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Transition Words for Persuasive Essays

Transition Words for Compare and Contrast Essays

Transition Words for Informative Essays

Transition Words for Expository Essays

Transition Words for Cause and Effect Essays

Transition Words for Synthesis Essays

Transition Words for Analysis Essays

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Beginning Transition Words for Essays

Paragraph Transition Words for Essays

Transition Words for Essay’s First Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essay’s Second Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Essay’s Last Body Paragraph

Transition Words for Quotes in Essays

Transition Words for Essays Middle School

Transition Words for Essays High School

Transition Words for Essays College

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Transition Words

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Transition Words and Phrases

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