B2 Lesson 2: Ensuring Logical Transitions Between Paragraphs
In the last lesson, we learned how to use cohesive devices to create flow *within* a paragraph. Today, we will focus on a crucial skill for longer texts: creating smooth and logical transitions1 *between* your paragraphs.
A good transition acts as a bridge, guiding your reader effortlessly from one main idea to the next without any confusion or abrupt jumps.
The Problem: Abrupt "Jumps" Between Paragraphs
A common weakness in writing is finishing one paragraph and simply starting a new one without a clear connection. Look at the example below.
(End of Paragraph 1) ...Therefore, the high cost of living is a major disadvantage of life in a big city.
(Start of Paragraph 2 - Abrupt ❌) The city has many entertainment options.
This transition feels like a jump. The ideas are not connected. Now, look at a smoother version:
(End of Paragraph 1) ...Therefore, the high cost of living is a major disadvantage of life in a big city.
(Start of Paragraph 2 - Smooth ✅) On the other hand, despite the expense, the city offers a wide variety of entertainment options.
Strategies for Smooth Transitions
Here are two effective ways to link your paragraphs.
Strategy 1: Use Standard Linking Words
This is the most direct method. Begin your new paragraph with a transition word or phrase that clearly signals the relationship to the previous paragraph.
Useful Linking Words: In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, However, In contrast, On the other hand, Therefore, As a result.
Example: ...This is the first reason. Secondly, another reason is...
Strategy 2: The "Hook and Bridge" Method (Advanced)
This sophisticated technique uses the topic sentence of your new paragraph to do two jobs: first, it "hooks" an idea from the previous paragraph, and then it "bridges" to the new idea.
End of Paragraph 1: ...This investment in public transport has greatly reduced traffic congestion.
Topic Sentence of Paragraph 2: In addition to reducing traffic congestion, the new public transport system has also had a positive impact on air quality.
Analysis: The phrase "traffic congestion" is the hook to the old idea, and the phrase "air quality" is the bridge to the new topic.
✍️ B2 Paragraph Transition Checklist
- ✔️ Does the beginning of my new paragraph have a clear, logical link to the end of the previous one?
- ✔️ Have I used either a standard linking word or the "hook and bridge" technique?
- ✔️ Did I remember to put a comma after my introductory linking phrase (e.g., "On the other hand,").
- ✔️ Does the transition help the reader understand my overall argument?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Transition
Read the end of Paragraph 1 and the beginning of Paragraph 2. Which option creates the most logical and sophisticated transition?
End of Paragraph 1: ...As a result, many students feel significant stress during exam periods.
Start of Paragraph 2: ______, there are several effective strategies for managing this pressure.
- For example
- However
- Therefore
Answer: B. However. The first paragraph discusses a problem (stress). The second paragraph discusses a solution. "However" is the best word to show this contrast or change in direction.
📝 Homework: Build a Bridge
Your task is to write a topic sentence that acts as a bridge between two paragraphs.
Thesis Statement for the Essay: To be successful, a new restaurant in Siem Reap needs an excellent location and a unique menu.
Paragraph 1 is about Location. It ends with this sentence:
Therefore, choosing a location with a lot of foot traffic is the first and most critical step.
Your Task: In your notebook, write a topic sentence for Paragraph 2. The topic of Paragraph 2 is a "unique menu." Your sentence should use the "hook and bridge" technique to link the idea of "location" to the new idea of "menu."
Vocabulary Glossary
- Transition (between paragraphs): (Noun) - ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរ (រវាងកថាខណ្ឌ) - A smooth change from one idea or paragraph to the next. ↩
- Cohesion and Coherence: (Nouns) - ភាពស្អិតរមួត និង ភាពស៊ីសង្វាក់គ្នា - The qualities that make a text flow well and be logical. ↩
- Abrupt: (Adjective) - ភ្លាមៗ - Sudden and unexpected, without a smooth transition. ↩
- Hook (in a transition): (Noun) - ឃ្លាភ្ជាប់ - A word or phrase at the beginning of a paragraph that refers back to the idea of the previous paragraph.
- Bridge (in a transition): (Noun) - ស្ពាន - A word or phrase in a topic sentence that introduces the new idea of the current paragraph.