Summary of "Writing: Transitions – in addition, moreover, furthermore, another"

Summary of “Writing: Transitions – in addition, moreover, furthermore, another”

This lesson, presented by Adam from EngVid.com, focuses on the use of transition words in writing, especially for IELTS and TOEFL essay sections. Transitions are crucial for creating flow and connecting ideas clearly, which can significantly impact essay scores.

Main Ideas and Concepts

What is a Transition?

A transition is a word or phrase that connects one idea to another.
Transitions help create flow in writing, making it easier and more interesting for the reader to follow.
They can join ideas within sentences or between paragraphs.

Types of Transitions

additive transitions: add information (e.g., in addition, moreover, furthermore, another).
Contrast transitions: show contrast (e.g., although, however).
Conditional transitions: show conditions (e.g., if, unless).
Conclusive transitions: show conclusions (e.g., therefore, thus).

Focus of the Lesson: additive transitions

Words and phrases like in addition, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, and another are used to add ideas.
These are especially important for TOEFL and IELTS essays where multiple ideas support a topic.

Common Mistakes

Using additive transitions without actually adding a second idea.
This confuses readers and can lower essay scores because the connection between ideas is unclear.

Usage Tips

Always ensure two related ideas are connected when using these transitions.
The ideas should be similar and close in context.
Use at least two different additive transitions in short essays to avoid repetition.
In longer essays, all can be used appropriately.
These transitions can be used mid-sentence or to join paragraphs.

Examples

Sentence-level:

“His laziness caused the company to perform badly last quarter. Moreover, his attitude toward the board has put his job in jeopardy.” (Two related ideas: laziness and attitude)
Paragraph-level: Ending one paragraph:

“The internet not only helps connect your friends and family anywhere in the world, it also makes it cheap to do so.” Starting next paragraph: “In addition to friends and family, the internet provides companies with a larger pool of prospective employees.” (Both ideas relate to communication and networking.)

When Stuck

Use another as a simple go-to transition to add ideas, e.g.,

“Another reason the internet is good…”
This is a fallback option, not the preferred choice for variety.

Detailed Methodology / Instructions for Using additive transitions

Identify two related ideas you want to connect.
Choose an appropriate transition word or phrase:
- Formal: moreover
- Semi-formal: furthermore
- Common: in addition (or in addition to)
- Simple fallback: another
Ensure the ideas are clearly linked and similar in topic.
Use transitions either:
- Within sentences to add information, or
- Between paragraphs to maintain flow.
Avoid repeating the same transition word multiple times in short essays; vary your vocabulary.
For longer essays, use all relevant transitions as needed.
When in doubt or under time pressure, use another to smoothly add ideas.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Adam – English teacher and presenter from EngVid.com

This lesson emphasizes the importance of correctly using additive transitions to improve essay coherence and achieve higher scores in English proficiency tests.