Do you struggle with how to start new paragraphs when you’re writing? As a general rule and to make things much easier, most paragraphs will begin with a transition. These words and phrases help show the relationship between the ideas you’re presenting. This way, the reader can follow your thoughts more easily. On the other hand, without transitions, your writing will be difficult to read and risks coming off like a scattered collection of ideas. So let’s take a look at how to start new paragraphs with transitions for better writing. Show
OrganizationDetermining an outline of the ideas you’ll present in your paper can save you time writing and will also let you consider how the ideas relate to each other and the topic of the paper. This also helps you choose what kind of transitions to use. What is a paragraph?A paragraph is a section of writing that presents one single topic. It is usually made up of more than one sentence and begins on a new line with a transition. Put simply, well-written paragraphs begin with a topic sentence, several detail sentences on that topic and a closing sentence. To provide a bit more detail, well-written paragraphs have logical and verbal bridges as defined below. Logical bridges The same idea carries over from sentence to sentence. Verbal bridges
When do you start a new paragraph?There are three basic times in which you’ll want to start a new paragraph.
Topic SentencesTopic sentences define what a paragraph is about and are composed of three parts. Transition + topic + the central point of your paragraph Example of a topic sentence “However, homework does have its drawbacks.” In this topic sentence, the transition “however” shows it contrasts with previous information. We can tell we’re talking about “homework” and being presented with the central point of “drawbacks” How do you choose what kind of transition to use?Like we said before, this will depend on the relationship between the previous paragraph and the paragraph you’re starting. Here are three questions you can ask yourself to choose the correct transition: Am I starting a paragraph that presents similar information to the one before? Am I starting a paragraph that presents contrasting information which is in opposition to the one before? Am I starting a paragraph that highlights the consequences of the previous paragraph’s information? Example TransitionsThis isn’t a complete list, but the most common ones you’ll see. New idea/ AgreementThese transitions can be used to open a paragraph that covers another similar idea. In addition Additionally Moreover Furthermore Next Similarly First, second, third, On the same token Contradiction/OppositionThese are words and phrases when you are beginning a paragraph that contrasts with previous paragraphs or at least presents alternatives. However On the contrary In contrast On the other hand Nonetheless Nevertheless Regardless In spite of ________ Be that as it may ConsequenceIf you’re opening a new paragraph that builds off of the previous paragraph by showing a cause and effect relationship, you might use some of the phrases below that as part of an “adverb clause” (adverb clauses are phrases that like adverbs answer: how, when, where and to what extent) As a result of ___________, As a consequence of_________, With this in mind,___________ EXAMPLE ConclusionsThese transitions help you to signal that you’re closing out your paper. Keep in mind that conclusion paragraphs summarize or restate your thesis. In conclusion To conclude In summary To sum up In short On the whole Altogether Wrap upWith this in mind, you have all of the parts you need to easily plan and start new paragraphs. Need help taking your writing to the next level? Contact us today for a free consultation. FLS has private tutoring and group English classes for all levels and purposes. Also, don’t forget FLS is opening for in-person classes. Find out more about our in-person programs here. Written by: Welkin Tang How do you start a body paragraph?Though a body paragraph should always begin with a topic sentence and end with proof of your objective — sometimes with a direct connection to the essay's thesis — you don't need to include the transition in that paragraph; instead, you may insert it right before the topic sentence of the next paragraph.
What words can I use to start a body paragraph?Some examples of example sentence starters are:. For instance.... In the following case.... As an example.... Specifically.... To illustrate.... What is a good sentence starter?Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included …
How do you start writing a body?An easy way to remember the parts of a body paragraph is to think of them as the MEAT of your essay:. Main Idea. The part of a topic sentence that states the main idea of the body paragraph. ... . Evidence. The parts of a paragraph that prove the main idea. ... . Analysis. ... . Transition.. |