Should a Transition go at the beginning of the following paragraph or at the end of the before paragraph?

Question

I am writing a 5 paragraph essay. WHere should the transition go?

Answer 1

It depends. If you're talking about a transition sentence, people usually think of it as the last sentence of the paragraph. It sort of glues the two paragraphs together.

Transition words, however, can be used throughout the paragraph. They also act as glue. They clue the reader to a change, or a list.

That's probably why you're confused. You can tack a transition word onto the front of a topic sentence and wham, your topic sentence can do a double duty.

The most basic transition words are the ones that we learn very early: First, next, then, finally. Other words that show a transition are words like however, on the other hand, oppositely, in contrast to, and the most famous, in conclusion.

The key fact for transitions is to read your essay and make it sound organized and clear. If there are two ideas that don't flow together, add a transition sentence or a word.

Answer 2

The transition goes at the end of the paragraph - to transition to the next paragraph. The first sentence of the next paragraph would be your topic sentence for that new paragraph.

Answer 3

Transitions are basically the flow from one idea to another. (or in your case paragraph to paragraph) I would recommend placing the transition at the beginning of the new idea, or the beginning of the paragraph... it flows better

Answer 4

It s a matter of teacher preference. I ve taught English for 22 years, and I prefer the transition worked into the topic sentence of the second paragraph. Here s one of many sites that explains it. http://web.clark.edu/mdiggs/102/trans.htm

Answer 5

End of previous paragraph, as Maria states. You're closing out your old paragraph while introducing your next point in a way that alerts the reader that more is coming.

Answer 6

It's jarring at the end of a paragraph to be introduced to a new point. It's a "what the?" effect. I always find it more fluid to end a point and begin another. With effective topic sentences and an orderly thesis, the transitions will be sound. Students often wonder why they have to introduce the point twice. It's redundant and always reeks of forced structure.