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Provide context before details instead of flooding readers with details. [S1] A transition can tell the audience whether a paragraph expands on or contrasts with the paragraph before. [S2]

Checklist

1. [ ] Move the topic sentence up front instead of leaving it at the paragraph's end. [S1]
2. [ ] Skim topic sentences for a general understanding of the document. [S1]

Topic sentences also help rearrange material if the document is not well-organized. [S1]

1. [ ] Use a transition to show whether the new paragraph expands on the preceding one, contrasts with it, or changes direction. [S2]
2. [ ] Connect to an earlier idea with a pointing word or an echo of that idea when the connection is clear. [S2]
3. [ ] Connectives supply transitions. [S2]

Do not overdo them, but remember readers find them helpful for following a train of thought. [S2]

Done when: topic sentences establish context before details. [S1] Transitions help readers follow the train of thought. [S1][S2]

Claims

• id: C1 claim: A topic sentence can engage the reader. source: S1 evidence: "A good topic sentence draws the reader in."
• id: C2 claim: Move the point to the front of the paragraph. source: S1 evidence: "Move it up front and let users know where you're going."
• id: C3 claim: Topic sentences can link adjacent paragraphs. source: S2 evidence: "A topic sentence may provide a transition from one paragraph to another."
• id: C4 claim: Echo links repeat an earlier idea. source: S2 evidence: "Echo links are words or phrases that echo a previously mentioned idea."

Sources

• [S1] Have a topic sentence. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/organize/have-a-topic-sentence.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
• [S2] Use transition words. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/organize/use-transition-words.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).

@misc{iil_note_26bdsefp,
  author = {{iinventedlight}},
  title = {{Connect paragraphs with topic sentences and transitions}},
  howpublished = {iinventedlight Library},
  year = {2026},
  date = {2026-11-05},
  url = {https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-paragraph-transitions/},
  note = {Permanent ID iil:note:26bdsefp. License: CC-BY-4.0.},
}

Markdown

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