Rationale
English is a vital language for international communication, especially in Vietnam, where many foreign investors operate and seek employees proficient in English As a result, English has become a crucial criterion for securing good jobs in the country Learning English not only enhances job prospects but also broadens understanding of diverse cultures and lifestyles However, mastering a foreign language is challenging, particularly in developing the four essential skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking Among these, writing is often the most difficult, as it demands a solid grasp of grammar and a rich vocabulary to construct coherent paragraphs and essays Many learners mistakenly believe that speaking well will naturally lead to good writing; however, the differences between spoken and written language are significant Spoken language may include incomplete sentences and informal structures, while writing requires correct grammar, proper punctuation, formal vocabulary, and well-organized ideas Thus, writing necessitates patience and consistent practice.
Writing is an essential skill utilized in various professions and daily life, from company managers drafting reports to students completing assignments and essays Effective writing requires clarity in thought, a solid understanding of sentence and grammatical structures, and the ability to construct coherent paragraphs Mastering paragraph writing is crucial as it serves as a foundation for developing essays and compositions To write effectively, one must focus on crafting correct sentences and then expanding those ideas into well-structured paragraphs.
Effective paragraph writing relies on various factors, with transition signals playing a crucial role in enhancing coherence and flow Despite their importance, the limited time allocated in writing courses often results in insufficient coverage of transition signals, leaving students with a lack of understanding Motivated by the desire to explore this topic further, I have chosen to focus my graduation paper on the use of transition signals in English paragraph writing, aiming to share valuable insights with others.
Aims of the study
Studying any subject requires significant time and effort to research all relevant factors, and this is also true for understanding transition signals in English writing To effectively learn about these signals, one must first grasp the fundamental theory of paragraph writing Therefore, my study focuses on achieving specific, concrete objectives rooted in this foundational knowledge.
Providing learners with the theoretical background of writing, such as the theory of academic writing, a paragraph and especially, the theory of transition signals
Studying transition signals in detail and helping the learner understand more about them
Pointing out the common mistakes facing the learners in the process of using transition signals in writing paragraph
Giving some suggested advices and specific exercises
Hopefully that the learners will see this graduation paper with an interest
Methods of the study
Utilizing a scientific method for studying is crucial for completing my graduation paper I diligently search for essential documents in reference books and online resources After thoroughly reviewing these references, I select valuable information relevant to my research Consequently, I gather examples from various writing materials and grammar books to support my work.
Besides, I also provided the learner with a lot of specific paragraph to demonstrate and help them understand deeply about transition signals in each paragraph type
I applied my knowledge and experience achieved in the process of the study at Haiphong Private University on this subject
Especially, my supervisor as well as my friends have given me lots of useful advices.
Scope of the study
Transition signals are essential for connecting words, phrases, clauses, and sentences, playing a crucial role in various forms of discourse, particularly in writing This article will focus on the use of transition signals in crafting English paragraphs, exploring different types of transition signals and their specific applications within each paragraph.
Design of the study
This paper consists of three parts:
Part one: Introduction- shows the rationale, aims, methods, scope and design of the study
Part two: development( the main part of the study) is divided into three chapter:
Chapter I: Theoretical background – provides an overview of Academic writing, paragraph, transition signals ( definition and types of transition signals)
Chapter II focuses on the role and significance of transition signals in writing paragraphs It explores their placement and punctuation, emphasizing their critical function in enhancing coherence Additionally, the chapter examines the use of transition signals within phrases, sentences, and paragraphs to improve overall clarity and flow in writing.
Chapter III: The implication of the study - states the problems facing learners and suggested solution in using transition signals
Part three: Conclusion: - Summarizes the main points of the study
Theoretical background
An overview on academic writing
“Academic writing, as the name implies, is kind of writing that you are inquired to do in college or university”
Academic writing stands apart from other writing styles—such as personal, literary, journalistic, and business writing—due to its unique audience, tone, and purpose This distinctiveness highlights the formal and objective nature of academic writing, which aims to convey information clearly and effectively to a scholarly audience.
When writing, it's essential to consider your audience, as this understanding greatly enhances your communication effectiveness Whether you're crafting a letter to a friend, an essay for a teacher, or an application letter for a potential employer, each type of writing targets a specific audience The way you express your ideas will significantly influence how your message is received In academic writing, your primary audience consists of instructors and professors, making it crucial to tailor your content accordingly.
In order to communicate ideas that have interest and value, writers must decide:
Who the audience is: the instructor? Classmates? Parents? The editor of newspaper? An admissions office?
Who the writer of essay is: a student? A son or a daughter? A subscriber to a magazine? An expert about the topic?
Understanding the audience is crucial for writers, as it influences their choices regarding topics, evidence, presentation methods, and even language elements like vocabulary and grammar In academic writing, the primary audience is often the instructor who assigns the task However, students may also write for different audiences, or instructors might specify particular audiences for assignments Writers must carefully consider these factors to effectively communicate their ideas.
What are the needs, the interests, and the expectations of the audience?
What does the audience know about the topic? What does the reader not about the topic?
What might the reader want to know; that is; what will engage their interest?
When writing, it's essential to consider both your audience and the tone of your writing, as the tone reflects your attitude towards the subject through word choice, grammatical structures, and sentence length For instance, a letter to a friend typically has a friendly tone with slang and active verbs, while a technical paper adopts a formal, impersonal tone with passive verbs and specialized vocabulary The tone can vary from serious to amusing and is primarily influenced by the intended audience rather than the subject matter Although academic writing is generally formal, it can also be less formal to enhance reader communication.
Regardless of the type of writing, having a distinct and clear purpose is essential In academic writing, the primary aim is often to explain concepts, but it can also involve persuading or convincing the audience of the validity of your perspective on specific issues.
The purpose of a piece of writing will determine the rhetorical form chosen it
A persuasive essay will be organized in one way and an expository essay in another way
(Oshima, A, 2007: 01) There are three general purposes for writing, and they can all occur in a single essay, although usually one of the purposes is dominant:
To entertain (amuse, give pleasure)
To persuade (convince, change the reader’s mind)
An overview on paragraph
A paragraph is a fundamental organizational unit in writing that consists of related sentences focused on a single main idea It can range from a single sentence to several sentences, typically up to ten While the length of a paragraph is not fixed, it should be sufficiently developed to clearly convey the main idea.
A paragraph may stand by itself It may also be one part of a longer piece of writing such as a chapter of a book or essay
A well-structured paragraph in formal academic English consists of three key components: a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, supporting sentences that provide evidence or elaboration, and a concluding sentence that summarizes the discussion These elements work together to create a coherent and effective paragraph.
A topic sentence encapsulates the primary idea of a paragraph, clearly identifying the subject while narrowing it down to one or two specific aspects that can be thoroughly explored within the confines of that paragraph.
A topic sentence typically appears at the start of a paragraph, although there are exceptions It serves to introduce the main idea that will be explored in the subsequent sentences.
For example, suppose that you want to write a paragraph about the natural landmarks of your hometown The first part of your paragraph might look like this:
Wheaton, my hometown, is renowned for its stunning natural attractions, particularly the picturesque Wheaton River, known for its impressive width and beauty Additionally, the town is home to Wheaton Hill, a strikingly steep formation that adds to the area's unique landscape.
My hometown is renowned for its stunning natural features, including breathtaking landscapes and unique geographic formations Among its highlights are the picturesque lakes and lush forests that attract nature enthusiasts year-round Additionally, the vibrant wildlife and scenic trails provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers.
The supporting sentence develops the topic sentence That is, they explain the topic sentence by giving reasons, examples, facts, statistics and quotations
Supporting sentences in a paragraph serve to clarify and elaborate on the main idea presented in the topic sentence While many English paragraphs typically contain multiple supporting ideas, the example discussed is notably concise.
Considering the mentioned paragraph: When a reader reads a topic sentence
Wheaton, my hometown, is renowned for its stunning natural features that captivate visitors One of the highlights is the Wheaton River, celebrated for its impressive width and beauty Additionally, the area boasts several other remarkable natural attractions that contribute to Wheaton's fame, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
In formal paragraph, you will sometimes see a sentence at the end of the paragraph, which summarize information that has been presented This is the concluding sentence
The concluding sentence, as described by Alice Oshima, marks the end of a paragraph and reinforces key points for the reader It serves as a reverse topic sentence, summarizing the main ideas presented.
Wheaton, my hometown, is renowned for its stunning natural attractions, including the beautiful and wide Wheaton River On the opposite side of town lies Wheaton Hill, notable for its steep incline Additionally, the impressive Big Old Tree, standing at two hundred feet tall and estimated to be around six hundred years old, adds to the area's natural beauty.
A well-structured paragraph typically begins with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting sentences that provide evidence or examples The concluding sentence effectively summarizes the information presented in the paragraph and often mirrors the topic sentence, reinforcing the central theme This cohesive structure ensures clarity and enhances the reader's understanding of the content.
In addition to the three parts of a paragraph, a good paragraph also needs two important elements: unity and coherence
Unity means that in your paragraph you discuss one and only one main idea which is stated in the topic sentence and then developed by the supporting sentence
Wheaton town boasts stunning natural features that captivate visitors and residents alike The lush parks and scenic landscapes provide a serene environment for outdoor activities Additionally, the picturesque lakes and vibrant gardens enhance the town's charm, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts Each element contributes to Wheaton's reputation as a beautiful and inviting community, where the beauty of nature is celebrated and preserved.
A well-structured paragraph enhances readability and comprehension by organizing supporting sentences in a logical sequence Using appropriate transition signals, such as "first," "second," and "then," helps connect ideas smoothly, guiding the reader through the content effectively.
To achieve coherence in writing, there are four effective strategies First, repeating key nouns helps reinforce important concepts Second, using pronouns that refer back to these nouns aids in maintaining clarity Third, incorporating transition signals illustrates the relationship between ideas, guiding the reader through the text Finally, arranging sentences in a logical order ensures a smooth flow of information, enhancing overall comprehension.
To ensure coherence in your paragraph, repeating key nouns is the simplest method While there are no strict guidelines on the frequency of noun repetition or the timing of pronoun substitution, it is essential to repeat a key noun when its meaning may be unclear, rather than relying on pronouns.
An overview on transition signals
Transition signals are essential connecting words or phrases that create smooth bridges between different parts of your writing They serve as signposts, guiding readers through the order and flow of your ideas, thereby enhancing the internal cohesion of your work By incorporating transitions, you facilitate a seamless journey for the reader, allowing thoughts to flow effortlessly from one sentence to the next, and from one paragraph to another.
Transitions are essential tools for creating coherence and consistency in writing, as highlighted by the Center for Writing at the University of Minnesota Without effective transitions, a paper can appear choppy and disorganized, making it difficult for readers to understand the relationships between ideas The use of transitional words is crucial in English, as they help clarify connections among sentences and ideas, enhancing the overall clarity of the text.
( www.writing umn.edu) According to Alice Oshima, there is another definition of transition signals:
Transition signals function like traffic signals for readers, guiding them on how to navigate the text They indicate when to proceed with similar ideas using phrases such as "similarly," "moreover," or "in addition." Conversely, they signal opposing ideas with expressions like "on the other hand," "however," or "in contrast." Finally, transition signals also mark conclusions with terms such as "in conclusion" or "in short," helping to clarify the writer's intent and enhance coherence.
According to Oshima,(2004), transition signals can be classified by two different ways: grammatical function and meaning
I.3.2.1 Classification of transition signals according to grammatical function
Transition signals can be divided into three basic groups by grammatical function They are sentence connectors, clause connectors and a mixed group called others
Sentence connectors, such as "however," "furthermore," and "for example," serve to link large groups of ideas or sentences, typically within paragraphs These words and phrases enhance the flow of writing by establishing relationships between concepts, making the text more coherent and easier to understand.
Sentence connectors are used to express relationships between ideas and to combine sentences Sentence include transition phrases and conjunctive adverbs
Transition phrases serve as essential linking words that create clear connections between ideas By utilizing these phrases, writers can ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow seamlessly, enhancing readability and coherence in the text.
Eg 1: I have never been to Europe; in fact, I have never been outside my country
Eg 2: Some people feel that grades are unnecessary; on the other hand, some people feel that grades motivate students
Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that indicate the relationship in meaning between two independent clauses
Eg 1: Furthermore, the runoff created by melting snow adds a considerable amount of fresh water to dilute the saline sea water
Eg 2: The runoff created by melting snow, furthermore, adds a considerable amount of fresh water to dilute the saline sea water
Clause connectors include coordinating conjunction and subordinating conjunction
“Coordinating conjunctions, also called coordinators, are conjunctions that two items of equal syntactic importance”
(www.usingenglish/grammatical conjucntion.com)
Eg 1: He talked and listened (same subject)
He talked and I listened (different subject)
Eg 2: It is getting hot, so I decide to have a picnic at NhaTrang beach
There are only seven coordinators: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
It is easy to remember these conjunctions by recalling that they all have fewer than four letters Also, we can remember the acronym FANBOYS: For- And- Nor-
(www.englishclub.com) Eg: I have an interesting and helpful book
My brother is intelligent than me but lazier than me
We can see coordinators with three kinds of form:
Single coordinating conjunctions as: for, and, or, but, or, yet, so, then, hence, again, also, etc
Eg 1: Jane and John are my friends
The conjunction in the sentences above allows us to use a compound subject: Jane and John
Eg 2: Your test must be remarked by Mr Joan or Mr Palmer
Coordinating conjunctions, such as "or," signify the presence of an alternative For instance, in the sentence provided, the options presented are Mr Joan or, alternatively, Mr Palmer These conjunctions serve as a transition, guiding the reader from the first name to the alternative option.
Compound coordinating conjunctions : as well as, and also, on the contrast, etc
Eg 1: The success benefited me as well as him
The compound coordinator as well as links two pronouns “me” and “him”
Eg 2: The car is quite old on the contrast in excellent condition
The compound coordinator on the contrast connects to contrast parts “quite old” and “in excellent condition” in the sentence above
Correlative coordinating conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two related items or phrases They frame words or phrases, illustrating the relationship between them, often indicating causality Common examples include "both and," "not only but also," "either or," "neither nor," and "whether or."
Eg 1: She is not only a good teacher but also an excellent cook
Eg 2: Peter said,” Neither a borrower nor a lender be”
In (1), correlative coordinating conjunctions not only…but also link two noun phrases “a good teacher” and “an excellent cook”
In (2), correlative coordinating conjunctions neither nor are used to give alternatives “a borrower” and “a lender”
“Subordinating conjunctions are the transition words which are used to join one or more independent clauses and one or more independent clause together”
Eg 1: I have an athletic scholarship although I have a greater interest in computer science
Subordinating conjunctions connect clauses of unequal grammatical status, where one clause is dominant and the other is subordinate A dependent clause cannot stand alone, as illustrated by the phrase “Although it was raining,” which lacks meaning without a main clause In contrast, an independent clause, such as “Ram went swimming,” conveys a complete thought on its own Understanding the difference between these types of clauses is essential for effective communication.
(www.englishclub.com/subordinator) Subordinating conjunctions consist of 3 basic forms:
There are some common subordinating conjunctions as: although, because, since, after, when, where, as, once, unless, that, until, while, if before, etc
(Quirk, R, 1973:132) All these subordinating conjunctions above with the same function, they can used to link two clauses
Eg 1: Unless we act now, all is lost
Eg 2: The janitor washed all the windows t hough he didn’t do a very good job
In the sentence (1) above, coordinator unless links the condition clause and the main clause
In the sentence (2), concession clause is linked by coordinator though
There are some kinds of compound subordinating conjunctions which are referred to the following part:
* Subordinating conjunctions end with that:
In that, so that, such that, except that, in order that, etc (or to + infinitive clause)
Eg 1: Children should be given plenty of vegetable so that they keep nice and healthily
In the sentence above, compound subordinating conjunction- so that links two clauses together It gives purpose for the first clause
* Subordinating conjunctions end with optional that:
Now (that), provided (that), supposing (that), considering (that), seeing (that), etc
Eg 1: Provided (that) his pension were adequate, Dad might retire early
Eg 2: Seeing (that) you are here, you may as give me a hand
* Compound subordinating conjunctions ending with as:
As long as, as far as, as soon as, so long as, etc; so as (+ to + infinitive clause)
Eg: As soon as a professional sports team has a successful season, the owners raise ticket prices
*Compound subordinating conjunctions end with than:
Sooner than (+infinitive clause), rather than (+ non-finitive or verbless clause)
Eg: Most people would rather work than starve
*And there are some other compound subordinating conjunctions:
As if, as though, in case, etc
(Quirk, R, 1973: 313) Eg: The little child screamed and screamed as if she had seen a ghost
If…then; al(though)…yet/ nevertheless; as so; moreover/less…than; as as; so as; so (That); such as; such… (that); no sooner…than; whether or; the…the
Eg 1: He had no sooner drunk the coffee than he began to feel drowsy
Eg 2: Girls evidently think that the thinner they are, the more beautiful you must be
The transition signals in group include adjectives such as additional, prepositions such as in spite of, and nouns such as example
Eg 1: An additional reason for the company’s bankruptcy was the lack of competent management
Eg 2: Examples of vocabulary differences between British and American English include bonnet/ hood, petrol/ gasoline, windshield, and lorry/ truck
Eg3 : The Company’s net profit declined last year in spite of increased sales
I.3.2.2 Classification of transition signals according to meaning
Basing on the meaning of transition signals, writer can select the appropriate transitional words, phrases to use in writing paragraph
Transition signals are divided into many groups according to their meaning
1 Transition signals are used to introduce an additional idea
Also, besides, furthermore, moreover, in addition, and, another (+ noun), additional (+ noun), what’s more…
2 Transition signals are used to introduce opposite idea:
On the other hand, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, but, yet, although, though, nonetheless, in spite of…
3 Transition signals are used to indicate an example:
For example, for instance, such as…
4 Transition signals are used to introduce a conclusion or summary:
In conclusion, in short, to conclude, to sum up, to summarize…
5 Transition signals are used to introduce chronological order :
First (second, third…), next, then, last, finally, first of all, above all, after that, before, after…
6 Transition signals are used to introduce an alternative or a choice : Unless, if, or, otherwise…
7 Transition signals are used to introduce a cause or a reason:
For, as a result of, as a consequence of, due to, because, as, because of, the result of…
8 Transition signals are used to introduce a comparison :
Similarly, also, likewise, similar to, as, just as, like…
9 Transition signals are used to introduce a contrast:
However, in contrast, on the other hand, but, yet, while, unlike…
10 Transition signals are used to introduce effect and result:
As a result, therefore, thus, consequently, hence, the cause of, as a consequence, the reason for, to result in, to cause…
11 Transition signals are used to emphasize: in fact
12 Transition signals are used to explain and restate : indeed, that is
The classification of transition signals according to their meaning will be briefly illustrated in the table as follows:
Sentence connectors Clause connectors Others
To introduce an additional idea
However Nevertheless Instead Still Nonetheless
Although Though Even though Whereas While
In spite of (+noun) Despite (+noun)
To introduce a choice or alternative
To introduce a restatement or explanation
Sentence connectors Clause connectors Others
To introduce conclusion or summary
Table 2: Transition signals for general use
Chapter II introduces the function, position and use of transition signals in clause, sentence and each paragraph.
The function of transition signals in writing
Transition signals are essential in our lives as they guide our actions and indicate upcoming events For instance, the falling yellow leaves signify the arrival of autumn, while blooming flowers herald the onset of spring Similarly, a green traffic light signals that it's safe to proceed, whereas a red light requires us to stop immediately Without these transition signals, our lives would be chaotic and fraught with confusion.
Transition signals are essential for effective writing, serving as crucial elements that connect words, clauses, and sentences Just as specific facts and phenomena act as transition signals in life, words and phrases in writing function as bridges that enhance coherence and flow.
In academic and professional writing, the primary objective is to communicate information clearly and concisely, often aiming to persuade the reader Transitions play a crucial role in achieving this by creating logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections, guiding readers on how to interpret the presented information These transitions, whether they are single words, short phrases, or complete sentences, serve as indicators that help readers organize and respond to both familiar and new ideas throughout the text.
Transitions are essential for signaling relationships between ideas and guiding readers in constructing a coherent argument They serve a purpose beyond mere embellishment, as they convey specific meanings that influence how readers perceive and respond to your thoughts By offering these crucial cues, transitions enhance the clarity of your writing and illustrate how your ideas interconnect logically.