What is the function of transition words in writing?

Transition words play a crucial role in writing by helping to connect ideas and improve the overall flow of the text. They serve as bridges between sentences and paragraphs, guiding the reader through the writer's thoughts. By signaling relationships between different pieces of information—such as contrast, addition, or cause and effect—transition words help ensure that the writing maintains coherence and clarity. This enhances the reader's understanding and allows for a more seamless reading experience, as it prevents abrupt jumps from one idea to the next without context.

The other options focus on different aspects of writing. Creating illustrations pertains more to visual aids than to the organization of ideas. Summarizing main ideas is about condensing information rather than connecting it, while providing definitions addresses clarity for specific terms but does not relate to the overall flow of the narrative. Therefore, the primary function of transition words is to connect ideas and enhance the logical progression within the text.