Which of the following best describes how transitions function in a paragraph?

• A. They replace the main thesis.
• B. They are only used in the introduction.
• C. They signal connections between sentences.
• D. They create new paragraphs.

Answer: (C)

Transitions signal connections between sentences, showing how ideas relate and flow from one thought to the next. They act like road signs in writing, guiding the reader through addition, contrast, cause and effect, sequence, or example. That’s why describing transitions as signaling connections between sentences is the best choice—they make the relationship from one sentence to the next clear, helping the paragraph stay coherent.

For example, words like in addition, moreover, or also add information to the previous sentence; however, or on the other hand show contrast; therefore or as a result indicate a result or consequence. Transitions don’t replace the main thesis, they don’t belong only in the introduction, and they don’t by themselves create new paragraphs. They live inside a paragraph to help the sentences connect smoothly.