PART III of III
Transitions: The Bridges of the Essay
Transitions are like bridges between your ideas. An essay without clear transitions is like a series of isolated islands; the reader will struggle to get from one point to the next. Good transition statements straddle the distances between paragraphs. They help to make connections in the reader's mind.
The most critical transition in your essay is the one into the final paragraph of your essay. Readers must clearly see how you arrive at your conclusion—or final idea. They want to know that the evidence or ideas you presented in the preceding paragraphs point inextricably to the conclusion you ultimately reach. If this flow is disrupted at any level—sentence, paragraph, or essay—you run the risk of turning off or confusing your readers.
Conclusions: Leaving a Lasting Impression
Your conclusion is your last chance to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some tips about conclusions:
Make sure your conclusion relates to your main point. The end has to be true of the beginning, so don’t introduce a new topic in the conclusion.
Hearken back to the introduction in your conclusion. For example, if you started with an anecdote, consider ending with a different part of the story.
End gracefully. The conclusion should complete the points you’ve developed over the course of your essay. Restating every single one of your points is unnecessary and cumbersome.
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