Transition Signals in Writing

What are Transition Signals?

Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that act like bridges between parts of your writing. They link your sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

Transition signals act like signposts to indicate to the reader the order and flow of your writing and ideas. They strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Using transitions makes it easier for the reader to follow your ideas. They help carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one paragraph to another, or from one idea to another.

There are several types of transition signals. Some lead your reader forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make your reader compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.

Sample Text

During [1] the early twentieth century, Australian society experienced a transformation of the domestic ideal. At this time [1] families were subject to an increasing array of government and 'professional' programs and advice aiming to manage and regulate family life. Some of these programs were designed to counter social changes, others were designed to engineer them; ultimately [2] each heralded a growing expert encroachment into the private sphere. Intervention and influence took three forms. Firstly [3] , techniques designed to maximise efficiency were introduced into the home and scientific principles were applied to its design. In addition [4], housework and parenting methods were scrutinised and subject to unprecedented standards. Secondly [3] , all aspects of reproduction attracted increasing intervention from government and the medical profession. Thirdly [3], state, professional and philanthropic groups began to usurp the parental role within the family through instruction and policy. Consequently [5], the development of 'modern' social ideals brought regulation, intervention and ever-increasing unrealistic standards.

[1] Indicating a specific time [2] Indicating a conclusion [3] To indicate sequence and logically divide an idea [4] Indicating extra information [5] Indicating a result

List of Transition Signals

List of Transition Signals
To indicate sequence or to order information	first, second etc. followed by at this point next, last, finally previously, subsequently after that initially and then next, before, after concurrently simultaneously meanwhile
To introduce an example	in this case for example for instance on this occasion   to illustrate to demonstrate this can be seen when/where . . . take the case of
To indicate time	immediately thereafter formerly finally prior to  previously then soon during at that time before, after at this point
To logically divide an idea	first, next, finally firstly, secondly, thirdly initially, subsequently, ultimately
To compare	similarly by comparison similar to like, just like whereas balanced against
To contrast	in contrast on the other hand balanced against however on the contrary unlike differing from a different view is despite
To introduce additional ideas/ information	in addition also finally moreover furthermore one can also say and then further another
To introduce an opposite idea or show exception	however on the other hand whereas instead while yet but despite in spite of nevertheless even though in contrast it could also be said that
To give an example	for example to illustrate for instance in this case to demonstrate take the case of
To indicate a result/ cause of something	therefore thus consequently as a consequence as a result hence
To summarise or conclude	in summary in conclusion in brief as a result on the whole summing up as shown ultimately therefore consequently thus in other words to conclude to summarise finally

 http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/trans1.html