Writing a Paragraph /5: Transitions, Signposting

When, writing a paragraph, use transitions and signposting to link your ideas. 

Linking, as we saw in our previous articles on cohesion and coherence, is key to clear and persuasive writing.

Learn how to use transitions and signposting to improve your writing today!

Transitions

Transitions in clear and concise paragraphs help you convey information by establishing logical connections between sentences and paragraphs in your papers.

Transitions:

• are phrases or words used to connect one idea to the next;


• are used by the author to help the reader progress from one significant idea to the next;


• show the relationship within a paragraph (or within a sentence) between the main idea

Make the last sentence in your paragraphs lead into the next paragraph. This transition tells the reader what to expect in the next paragraph.

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Another way to signal the direction of your written argument is to use signposting << (transition sentence).

Signposting

Like traffic signs, signage in your writing directs the reader to your argument.

Signposting uses words to tell your reader about the content of your essay, rather than just telling them the content itself.

Signposting creates clarity while  writing your paragraph in particular and your overall paper in general.

Simply adding a few connecting words makes your paper more readable. 

Example: Having examined the role of the taxes in the decline of business activity, it is now necessary to consider the effects of excessive government spending on the solvency of the city.

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Notice how the sentence links the previous discussion (role of taxes) with the next topic (effects of government spending). 

Signposting often occurs :

• In the introduction


• At the beginning of a paragraph which develops a new idea


• At the beginning of a paragraph which expands on a previous idea


• At the beginning of a paragraph which offers a contrasting viewpoint


• At the end of a paragraph to sum up an idea


• In the conclusion

When enumerating a  list of factors, signposting occurs with  ‘sequence markers’ ( Firstly , Secondly, Thirdly). These markers help remind the reader of your points. 

Here are other examples of signposting you may use to help guide your reader to understand the arguments in your paper:

Highlighting or emphasising a point Importantly, … Indeed, … In fact, …	Being more specific In particular, … In relation to … More specifically, …	Changing direction,creating a comparisonHowever, … Rather, … In contrast, …
Giving an example For instance, … For example, … this can be illustrated by …	Summarizing Finally, … Lastly, … In conclusion, …

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Conclusion

Now you have two more tools to polish your paragraphs and make your writing more understandable to your reader.

Start adding transitions and signpostting words to build coherence and cohesion. Your readers will thank you!

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Writing a Paragraph /5: Transitions, Signposting