ACADEMIC WRITING

Structure
Title
Introduction
Transitions
Conclusion

Transitions

Transitional words and phrases are used in text to show relationships between ideas, to pass from one part of writing to the next, and to help create a smooth flow of reading. Transitional words and phrases also help your reader in following your shift in ideas or thoughts; from time, location, sequence, and importance of your topics to clarifying and reinforcing your ideas. When ideas, sentences and paragraphs fit smoothly together, the writing is coherent – easily readable and understandable. At paragraph level, having a clearly stated topic sentence at the beginning of each new paragraph as well as using transitional words or phrases linking the new paragraph to what was written before it, creates coherence in your text. Repetition of key terms or phrases (to help keep your reader on track), using linking words (furthermore, in addition, therefore, however), using synonyms (words that have similar meanings) to create vocabulary variety, and using pronouns and demonstratives (you, he, she, that, this) are all ways of creating coherence in your text.

CHECK POINTS

- are transitional words and phrases over-used?
- are transitional words and phrases used correctly?
- do transitions between ideas/sentences and paragraphs work? Are there unclear transitions?
- is the general flow of writing successful? Are there confusing parts?
- is the text unified and coherent?
- are pronouns, demonstratives, and key words over-used?
- is one pronoun, demonstrative, or key word used repetitiously?