They Say I Say Chapter 8 (Pg 105-120)

Summary: Chapter 8 of "They Say I Say" focuses on how to connect all the separate parts of your writing. One way to connect your thoughts and sentences together is to use transition words. Transition words help you get from one point to another. Some commonly used transition words include; although, furthermore, despite, even though and however. Another way you can connect your sentences is by using pointing words. Pointing words point back to previously stated sentences or concepts in your writing. Some common pointing words include; this, these that, those, their and such. A third way to connect parts of your writing is to develop a certain amount of key terms and phrases that you will repeat throughout your writing. If you use this strategy correctly, the readers should be able to remember these phrases and get a better understanding of your topic. The last technique that can be used to connect your writing involves repeating yourself, but with a slight difference. You basically repeat ideas that you have previously stated, but with a slight change so it does not seem too repetitive. Instead of jumping to a completely new idea during your writing, try reiterating what you have been saying and connecting that to the new idea your about to introduce. This way the reader won't be blindsided.  

Quote #1: "It may help to think of each sentence you write as having arms that reach backward and forward, as Figure 6 suggests" (Pg 107).

Although I somewhat agree this statement, I also question it. Does this mean that all sentences in your writing have to connect to every sentences? I believe this should be true only when your coming to an end of one idea or paragraph. You should repeat what you have been saying and connect that idea to new concept you are about to introduce.

Quote #2: "As a result, the more you use transitions, the more you'll be able not only to connect the parts of your text but also to construct a strong argument in the first place" (Pg 11-112).

I believe this statement is true and very important. Transition words only help the reader more understand your topic and how the different points you bring up are relevant. In an argument, you are trying to persuade the readers to believe in your view points. Using transition words will help the reader understand your concepts even more and potentially persuade them.

Questions:
1. Do all sentences in your writing have to connect to every other sentence?
2. Does repeating yourself, but slightly differently, actually help the readers understand more?
3. Can you use too many transition words?