What is the goal of using transition words in an essay?

Using transition words in an essay enhances coherence and establishes connections between ideas, making the writing clearer and more effective for the reader. These words guide the reader through the different thoughts and arguments presented, signaling relationships such as addition, contrast, comparison, and cause-effect among the ideas. This structured flow helps to ensure that the reader can follow the writer's logic and understand the progression of the argument without confusion.

In contrast, filling space with extra vocabulary does not contribute to clarity and can detract from the overall quality of writing. Similarly, changing the topic abruptly without appropriate transitions can lead to disjointed writing and confuse the reader. Lastly, while avoiding repetition of words can improve writing, the primary role of transition words is to create smooth connections and maintain a logical flow in the text.