Friday, March 20, 2015

Here are some transition marks for your paper


in general the overall content of your arguments is pretty choppy + ideas are abruptly presented.

don't be frustrated. this is normal. it's a common problem known as style, which comprises, clarity & coherence, which yields elegance.

this happens because generally you've copied/edited most of your points (yes, you have, and i know it). and so, there is a disconnect between the various parts of your discussion. the paragraphs in your paper need to be connected by an internal thread. you need to connect with connectives. what am i talking about?

proper transition marks.

they will solve all the organization problems but they make your arguments a lot clearer and easier to follow.

let's say your first paragraph has your thesis

P1: Thesis

after you state the thesis and justify it, comes the counterargument with its paragraph, but you just cannot start writing the counter without properly transitioning to your counterargument.

Despite the previous argument, there are reasons to think that...

the phrase in red above is a transition that needs to preface your second paragraph.

here are some examples of transitions:

1. transitions of similarity:
also, in the same way, (just as ... so too), likewise, similarly

2. transitions of contrast:
but, however, in spite of, (on the one hand ... on the other hand), nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet, despite the previous argument...

3. transitions of example:
for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate transitions of emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

4.  transitions of cause and effect
accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus 

5. transitions of evidence
additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

6. transitions of summary or conclusion
finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary

obviously, every time you move from a T -C or C-T you need transitions of contrast.  

to be continued

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