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Linking and Transitions

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A clear structure is arguably half actual 'organisation' and half 'persuading the reader that your structure is logical'.

You can do this through linking and transition language to show how the paragraphs and sections are linked.


Read your draft and decide which of these to add:

1. Add an introductory linking statement to the start of a paragraph/section.
(e.g. 'Having outlined key theories in relation to X,  I now consider these in relation to the context of .......').

2. Add a transition paragraph between paragraphs or sections.
This is a short extra paragraph which explains the transition (example below).

3. Add a linking statement to the end of a paragraph/section.
(e.g. 'This can be viewed as linked to X, which will be further discussed in the next section').


Example Summary and Transition Paragraphs

Here is an example of a summary paragraph and transition paragraph, from a report produced for a Masters module. This appeared at the end of a section on the current state of knowledge in coaching:


In sum, this section has outlined some key issues within the current state of knowledge in coaching. As was demonstrated, one precise definition does not exist, but a general convergence appears in that the term refers to a particular type of conversation which may contribute to the coachee's development while simultaneously enhancing their performance (Boyatzis, Smith and Blaize, 2006). The contributions of psychoanalytic theory and practice to coaching and to organisational consultancy were also briefly reviewed and justified, as this growing area may allow coaching to fully utilise the transformational potential of the one-to-one format. Conceptions of learning as non-linear and unpredictable were also delineated, as coaching has the potential to promote the learning of both the individual coachee and their organisation.

Having outlined briefly our understanding of 'coaching' for the purposes of this report, and the recommended approach, it will be useful to map out in slightly more detail the resources required, before discussing the practical application of a coaching programme in one organisation.  

Source: Blackwell, J. (2013). Advancing coaching and mentoring in and across organisational contexts. Organisational Report. UCL Institute of Education: Unpublished MA Assignment.


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