Sentences and paragraphs must be organized so that the reader can easily follow the information from one sentence to the next, and more importantly, from one paragraph to the next.
Transition, or linking words, allow writers to connect sentences and paragraphs. Transition or linking words can indicate the time order, place order, and order of importance.
Time Order
When writing, it is extremely important to indicate the chronological (time) order of events otherwise the reader will be confused as to when everything happened.
Some time order linking words are:
about, after, before, during, first, second, third, today, tomorrow, yesterday, next, soon, after, finally, then, and as soon as
When writing a descriptive essay or expository paragraph, students should use place order linking words. Place order linking words describe where things are located.
Some place order linking words are:
above, across, along, around, behind, below, beside, between, by, down, in front of, in back of, inside, outside, near, over, left, right, under
Order of Importance
News stories and essays should be organized in order of importance. That is, the most important information should be given first. Students should use this concept when writing persuasive expositions. Sometimes, writers like to save the most important point for last as well.
Some order of importance words are:
for this reason, in fact, for instance, as a result, therefore, in conclusion, firstly, most importantly, secondly, on the other hand, however, in summary,
Students should use these transition/linking words to begin a paragraph and sentence when writing.
