What role do transitions play in writing?

Transitions are essential tools in writing because they serve to establish clear connections between ideas and enhance the overall flow of the text. By using transitional words and phrases, writers can guide readers through their arguments or narratives, making it easier for them to follow the progression of thoughts. This creates coherence, allowing the reader to understand how separate ideas are related and how they build upon one another.

Effective transitions can signal relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, or sequence, helping to clarify the structure of the writing. For example, phrases like "however," "furthermore," or "as a result" highlight how the subsequent information is connected to what has already been discussed. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of transitions in writing. Instead, they suggest negative or misleading outcomes that would detract from effective communication.