Understanding Transition Signals

Similarly

• The two ideas share a positive, parallel relationship.

• The two ideas are completely unrelated.

• The two ideas contradict each other.

• The two ideas are opposites.

Surprisingly

• Transition signals indicate something unexpected compared to the previous statement.

• Transition signals indicate a continuation of the previous statement.

• Transition signals indicate a summary of the previous statement.

• Transition signals indicate a contradiction to the previous statement.

Consequently

• The second sentence shows an effect or result of the failure.

• The second sentence introduces a new idea unrelated to the first.

• The second sentence provides a summary of the first.

• The second sentence contradicts the first.

As a result

• A consequence of an action

• An effect to the cause

• A reason for an event

• A summary of findings

Moreover

• Introduces an additional point that strengthens the previous statement.

• Indicates a contrast between two ideas.

• Summarizes the main argument of the text.

• Presents a conclusion drawn from the previous statements.

Therefore / As a result

• Signals conclusion.

• Indicates a cause.

• Suggests an example.

• Introduces a contrast.

Nevertheless

• Indicates agreement with the previous statement.

• Shows contrast between critical response and audience reaction.

• Reinforces the previous argument.

• Suggests a conclusion based on evidence.

Despite

• Correctly indicates contrast between one thing and the continuation of the other.

• Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two events.

• Suggests a similarity between two different concepts.

• Represents a definitive conclusion drawn from evidence.

Furthermore

• Indicates a contrast to the previous idea.

• Adds a new, related idea to the first idea.

• Summarizes the previous points made.

• Introduces an example of the previous idea.

On the other hand

• Presents a contrasting viewpoint to the previous idea.

• Presents an alternative perspective or option to the previous idea.

• Indicates agreement with the previous statement.

• Summarizes the previous idea.