Transitions What do transitions do What is a

Transitions What do transitions do? What is a good transition? Good transitions: highlight connections between paragraphs – references points from other paragraphs to unite ideas How do I create a good transition? Connect paragraphs: help the reader understand how paragraphs and ideas fit together Start by picking out key phrases from the paragraph before Consider referencing these key phrases as they relate to your new idea How do I know if I have a weak transition? Weak transitions are generic – they can be removed and applied to any paragraph at generally any point in the paper Good transitions showcase the specific paragraph’s idea only

Examples EXAMPLE 1: Amy Tan became a famous author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up the bestseller list. There are other things to note about Tan as well. Amy Tan also participates in the satirical garage band the Rock Bottom Remainders with Stephen King and Dave Barry. Revision: Amy Tan became a famous author after her novel, The Joy Luck Club, skyrocketed up the bestseller list. Though her fiction is well known, her work with the satirical garage band the Rock Bottom Remainders receives far less publicity.

Examples EXAMPLE 2: Arthur Miller’s legacy in theater lies in his ability to portray the common man’s struggle with morality and personal and social responsibility. Another aspect of Miller’s life revolved around Hollywood and screenwriting. Revision: Arthur Miller’s plays often portray the common man’s struggle with morality and personal and social responsibility. While he is best known for his work on the stage, Miller also became involved in screenwriting and filmmaking, even adapting a number of his plays to the screen later in life.