What is considered a transition in writing?

A transition in writing refers to a phrase that connects ideas between sentences or paragraphs. This connection is crucial because it helps guide the reader through the text, enhancing clarity and coherence. Transitions serve as bridges that facilitate the flow of thoughts, making it easier for readers to understand the relationship between different ideas. For example, phrases like “however,” “in addition,” or “on the other hand” provide cues that indicate how the subsequent information relates to what has just been stated.

Other options do not capture the essence of a transition. A standalone paragraph does not inherently connect ideas; instead, it can stand alone without linking to surrounding text. A conclusion statement wraps up thoughts but does not link them to preceding ideas, serving a different purpose in writing. Figurative speech focuses on the use of language creatively, such as metaphors or similes, which differs from the connective function of transitions. In summary, the role of a transition is to ensure smooth movement between ideas, thereby enhancing the overall structure and readability of the writing.