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by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.

Poor or Nonexistent Transitions.

The best writers know that you must guide the reader of your paper by connecting key points as you make your argument. A common flaw for inexperienced writers is not connecting the paragraphs in their papers, resulting in a lack of flow. A key to improving flow is improving your paper's organization and consciously adding transitional elements between paragraphs.

Poor or nonexistent transitions slow the reader when your goal with writing should be convey information clearly and concisely, convincing the reader of your thesis and supporting arguments. Test your transitions by reading your paper aloud to determine whether each paragraph flows coherently from the proceeding paragraph.

There are any number of transitionary words and phrases to assist you, including:

• Sequence: again, also, and, besides, finally, first, second, third, furthermore, moreover, next, in addition to.
• Time: after a bit, a few days later, afterward, before, earlier, formerly, meanwhile, now, presently, simultaneously.
• Similarity/Comparison: again, also, likewise, similarly, in addition, equally important.
• Contrast: although, despite, in contrast, on the other hand, regardless, whereas, conversely.
• Empahsis: even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly.
• Result/Cause and Effect: accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus.
• Place: above, adjacent, below, beyond, closer, farther, nearby, opposite to.
• Concession: although it's true that, in any event, it may appear that.
• Additional Support/Evidence: additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover.
• Summary: finally, above all, as has been noted, in other words, in short, on the whole, therefore, accordingly, consequently, for these reasons, hence, in summary, in conclusion, in the final analysis, to sum up, ultimately.

Go to the next common college student writing flaw: Vague Pronoun Reference.

Back to the main page of The Top 15 Writing Flaws That Can Lead to Lower Grades

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Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key academic terms by going to our College Success Glossary.

Dr. Randall S. Hansen, CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, has been empowering people his entire adult life -- to help them better their lives. In fact, empowerment is part of his professional philosophy statement. He is also founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well as founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press as well as a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years.

Dr. Katharine Hansen, Creative Director of EmpoweringSites.com, is a former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for several of our sites, including Quintessential Careers, MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. She also edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for job-seekers, career counselors, and students. She is author of Dynamic Cover Letter for New Graduates; A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market; and, with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters and Write Your Way to a Higher GPA, all published by Ten Speed Press. She can be reached by e-mail at kathy@quintcareers.com.

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