Which of the following best explains how transitions can affect coherence?

• A. They connect ideas and guide readers through the argument.
• B. They interrupt the flow by adding unrelated phrases.
• C. They replace the need for evidence.
• D. They should be avoided in formal writing.

Answer: (A)

Transitions act as the glue that connects ideas and guides readers through the argument. They signal how one sentence or paragraph relates to the next—adding information, contrasting points, showing cause and effect, or outlining steps—so the writing reads as a coherent whole. When transitions are used effectively, they help readers see the flow of reason and follow the writer’s train of thought; without them, shifts can feel abrupt. Transitions don't replace evidence; evidence supports claims, and transitions simply show how that support fits together. They’re not something to avoid in formal writing; in fact, they are essential for clarity and organization. Examples like "in addition," "however," and "as a result" illustrate how transitions cue relationships and guide the reader.