Paragraph Development

After writing the topic sentence, it should be supported with major and minor supporting
sentences. Major supporting sentences are directly related to the topic sentence and the minor
supporting information (examples) help support the major supporting ideas and, indirectly, the topic
sentence. By outlining both the major and minor supporting ideas, the writer will have a properly
developed paragraph.

A Chart of Transition Signals

Showing
Spatial Chronological Order of Cause or Results
Relationship Sequence Importance Reason for
around when, while the most important because/when therefore
near/close to before, after one important since/as so
next to/beside anymore first of all because of thus
on top of after another due to consequently
in front of until equally important result from as a result
on the right/left as finally as a result of cause
under from…to caused by result in
First, for lead to
Second
Then
Next
Meanwhile
Later (After that)
Eventually, Finally

Showing Showing Showing Showing Showing

Similarity Opposition/ Examples Addition Argumentative
Differences
and...too but / yet for example and the opposition
and so however for instance also opponents
and...either although another example as well as should (not)
and neither though One example of this in addition As a last comment
the same...as otherwise as an illustration moreover pros and cons
as...as nevertheless take the case of furthermore cite / assert / claim
similar to in contrast such as what is more Contrary to the
both worse(better)than e.g. not only that opponents
in the same way on the other hand on top of that assertion,
likewise/similarly -er than
more...than
the...-est
less...than

Indicating Emphasis /
Grouping Explanation

divide(fall) into in fact / i.e. /

categorize indeed / that is
classify in other words
types/groups for this reason