Use transitions to guide the reader through the line of reasoning. | Organization | ACT Writing

Use transitions to show how one idea leads to the next instead of just decorating the paragraph.

Core Idea

Transitions should show the relationship between ideas, not just decorate the paragraph. The right transition tells the reader whether the next sentence adds, contrasts, explains, or concludes.

Understanding

Transitions should name the relationship between ideas. They are not decorations the writer scatters over a paragraph at the end.

Use a contrast transition when the next sentence limits, qualifies, or pushes back.
Use an example transition when the next sentence supplies evidence.
Use a result transition when the next sentence shows an effect or consequence.
Revision move: cover the transition word and ask what relationship the sentence actually has to the one before it. Then choose the word that matches that logic.

A polished but inaccurate transition confuses the reader more than having no transition at all.

Misconceptions

Using a transition word because it sounds formal rather than because it matches the logic.
Starting every paragraph with the same generic connector regardless of purpose.

Question

Worked Example

Which transition best completes this sentence? “Some critics say later school start times complicate bus schedules. ___, districts that adjusted routes in stages were able to keep costs manageable while giving students more sleep.”

Select an answer to see the explanation