- [Narrator] We have finally reached part four of four
on how to write an essay step by step.
And in this part, I'll teach you about transitions
and how to add transitions into your essay.
So what is a transition?
A transition is a word or phrase that connects ideas.
A transition is sort of like a bridge between ideas.
We use transitions in several situations.
One of them is to show steps or order.
Transition words that show steps or order include;
"afterward," "finally," "first," "lastly,"
"in the end," "then," "next," "secondly," and "until now."
There are many others but these are a few examples.
Here's an example of where one of these transitions is used:
"Go right then go left."
Do you see the transition word
that connects the two instructions?
Our transition is "then."
It connects the instruction "go right"
with the instruction "go left."
We don't need this transition,
but it connects the two instructions,
and it helps them to flow more smoothly for the reader.
Another situation where we use transition words and phrases
is to show similar or additional ideas.
Examples include "also," "additionally," "furthermore,"
"in addition," "in other words," "it's also true that,"
"likewise," "moreover," and "plus."
There are several others these are just a few.
Here's an example:
"I like reading furthermore, I enjoy discussing what I read."
Do you see the transition between the two ideas?
Our transition word here is "furthermore."
This transition specifically shows
that the second idea builds on the first idea.
A third situation where we use transitions includes
to show contrasting or different ideas.
Words that show contrasting or different ideas include
"although," "conversely," "despite," "however,"
"in spite of," "nevertheless," "otherwise," "on the other hand,"
and "to the contrary."
Note that these transitions
tend to be the most difficult ones for students to use
for the first time.
So before you use them,
I would recommend looking for several examples
and then trying them here herself.
Here's one example:
"I like reading; however, I don't like drawing."
Do you see the transition word "however"?
"However" shows us that we have one idea before the transition
and a different idea after the transition.
A fourth situation where we used transitions
is to show reasons and results or cause and effect.
Examples include "as a result," "because of,"
"consequently," "for this reason," "for these reasons,"
"therefore," and "since."
Here's an example:
"It is raining. For this reason she has an umbrella."
Do you see our transition phrase?
The transition phrase is "for this reason."
This shows us that we're reading about a situation
that involves a reason to explain an idea.
We also use transitions to show examples
in words like examples include "for example," "for instance,"
"more specifically," "namely,"
"to illustrate this point," and "specifically."
Here are a few sentences
connected by one of these transitions:
"A flower is a plant with petals and a stem.
Examples include roses, dandelions and daffodils."
Do you see our transitional phrase?
Our transitional phrase is "examples include."
This shows us specific examples of that concept.
A summary is a sentence or two
that summarizes a larger idea.
Examples of transitions that show summaries include
"in a nutshell," "in short," "in summary,"
"to sum up," or "to summarize."
Often you'll see a summary transition used
in conclusion sentences.
Here's an example:
"Today we have learned a lot about exercise and health.
In short, we need to exercise to be healthy."
Do you see our summary transitional phrase?
The transitional phrase is "in short."
It tells us that after this transition
we're going to get a short sentence that summarizes
one or more ideas that came before it.
Finally, we use transitions in conclusions.
Examples include "all in all,"
"all things considered," "all together,"
"considering these points," "in a word,"
"in conclusion," and "to conclude."
Usually, you'll see conclusions
either in conclusion sentences or at the end of an essay.
For example: "All things considered a child's school
strongly influences the quality of his or her childhood."
This type of sentence would either come again
at the end of a paragraph or at the end of an essay.
Do you see our transitional phrase?
Our transitional phrase is "all things considered."
When we see that phrase,
we know that this sentence is a conclusion sentence.
Now I want to show you a couple of transitions
in the essay we've already studied.
It already includes a few transitions.
So how many transitions are needed in an essay?
One to two per paragraph but not more.
Here are the transitions that I've already included.
We have "however," "also," "for example," and "finally."
As you see, that's not the recommended
one to two per paragraph.
We'll need to add a few more.
So where should we add them?
There are a few important places
for transitions that I recommend.
One, is using transitions
at the beginning of body paragraphs.
So I added three of those:
"first," "secondly," and "perhaps most importantly."
If you read the first sentences of the body paragraphs:
"First walking is easy.
Secondly, walking is convenient.
Perhaps most importantly walking is often done outside."
Do you see how those transitions
help the body paragraphs to flow one to the next?
The other important place for using transitions
is at the beginning of conclusion sentences.
Remember, conclusion sentences
come at the end of a paragraph.
I used two transitions
at the beginning of a conclusion sentence:
"as a result" and "for these reasons."
Remember, transitions must fit the paragraph
where you use them.
This paragraph lists facts,
then a result of these facts.
For this reason, the transition phrase
"as a result" fits very nicely.
This paragraph lists reasons
that walking is the best exercise.
So, for these reasons
fits very well in that conclusion sentence.
But, if I listed examples, parts or steps in this paragraph,
we would need to use a different transition.
Let's look at our essay one more time
using slightly different transitions from before.
I've added new transitions in the same important places
including at the beginning of body paragraphs.
This time I added these transitions.
"One reason," "another reason," and "one more reason."
When you use these transitions
you have to change the sentence just a little
to have the correct structure,
but the meaning is the same as before.
Look how they flow:
"One reason walking is an ideal exercise
is because it is easy.
Another reason that walking is the best exercise
is because it is convenient.
One more reason that walking is a great activity
is because it is often done outside."
Do you see how these transition words
really help the body paragraphs to flow?
And again, I added new transitions
at the beginning of conclusion sentences.
This time I added three of those: "in a nutshell,"
"consequently," and "given these points."
"In a nutshell" summarizes:
"In a nutshell, walking can be done anytime
and anywhere without special preparation."
"Consequently" is used for cause and results.:
"Consequently walking outside
helps mental and physical health."
And finally, "given these points" is a good transition
to use in a conclusion sentence of the entire essay
or in a paragraph:
"Given these points, everyone who wants regular exercise
should try walking."
We have now finished this video on transitions
and all parts of our videos one through four
on how to write an essay step by step.
I hope this video helped you understand
how to write an essay.
Thank you for watching.