In addition to certain transitional words that function to link sentences, there exist certain techniques that allow the reader to follow your train of thought.

Use of the Same Subject in Successive Sentences

This technique should be used when sentence A and sentence B talk about the same thing.

Slum clearance is one of the solutions to the problems now faced by large cities. Although it is not the total answer Slum clearance is a necessary first step.

By using Slum clearance as the subject of both sentences, the writer has kept us in the flow of his thought, and a logical link exists between the two sentences because they focus on the same thing.

Repetition of a Key Word of Phrase

Use this technique when sentence A and sentence B speak of the same thing in different ways.

Money may provide material things. Yet material things are not our greatest assets.

Note the use of the transitional word yet. Transitional techniques may require the use of transitional words from our previous lists.

Use of a Synonym for a Key Word or Phrase

This technique is like the previous one except a synonym is used instead of direct repetition.

One of the solutions to the problems now faced by large cities is Slum clearance. Although it is not the total answer, rehabilitation of blighted areas is a necessary first step.

rehabilitation of blighted areas means the same thing as Slum clearance; thus we have used a synonym for the key phrase in the first sentence to provide a logical link to the second sentence.

Use of Pronoun Reference

Very like the use of a synonym, use of pronoun reference provides exactly the same logical link.

Vivisection is defined by most doctors. They claim that the practice is necessary if medicine is to make inroads upon human disease.

Note: Special care must be taken when pronouns are uses as transitions. The pronoun must be as close as possible to the noun to which the pronoun refers. Otherwise, the reference will be vague, unclear, or ambiguous.

Use of Parallel Construction in Successive Sentences

If we win, we will have earned our victory. If we lose, we will have deserved our defeat.

The similarity of subject matter and the similarity of the structure of the two sentences provides the logical link between them with this method.

Use of an Opening Sentence Which Summarizes the Previous Material and Establishes the Following Material

Now that we have examined Roosevelt's domestic policies, we are ready to consider his accomplishments in the field of foreign affairs.

Here we have recapped our first subject, Roosevelt's domestic policies, and we state that we will move on to his foreign policies. Thus, the link between the two subjects is clearly shown to the reader.

Reference to the Subject Matter of the Previous Paragraph in Relation to the Idea which is to Follow

In the midst of these hardships and persecutions, the powerful Brigham Young led his people on to the new Zion.

In this case, the opening prepositional phrase provides the logical link to the previous sentence by calling to mind the contents of that sentence, the hardships and persecutions.

Use of a Question at the end of One Paragraph or at the Beginning of Another

The facts being what they are, we cannot evade the painful question: what is the solution to the problem of farm surplus? The previous administration in Washington sought to answer the question by increased farm-support prices.

In this example, the question has been placed near the end of a paragraph, and the answer to the question sets up the following paragraph.

Note: Use this technique sparingly. A writer who continually asks questions of his reader may give the impression of not knowing what he is talking about.