Transitions

What are transitions?

Transitions are words and phrases that help organize thoughts when you speak and write. They help allow the reader (or listener) to interpret easily the ideas that are being transmitted. The transitions can work at all levels - from sentence to sentence, idea to idea, or paragraph to paragraph.  abrupt changes or breaks create disruption, so in order to avoid this, grease is needed to smooth the joints.

What kind of transitions are there?

Transitions are used depending on what the speaker is trying to achieve.

Generalizing

The words are used to generalize information, or maybe when you want to state overall facts.

in general
generally
ordinarily

as a rule
generally speaking

Giving Examples

These are used to present examples or details to support an argument or idea.

for example

for instance

such as

as an illustration

namely

particularly

specifically

N.B.
1. namely: This word means specifically.
There is an idea of reincarnation; namely, that out children are really returning ancestors.

2. particularly, specifically, namely: These words allow the writer or speaker to put limits on a larger topic.

Adding Information

These words are used to add more information, to show agreement, or to reinforce ideas.

and

also

moreover

first, second, third, etc.

additionally

in addition (to that)

too

furthermore

finally

not only . . . , but also . . . 

Comparing and Contrasting

These words are used for comparison, contrast, and contradiction

but in contrast on one hand one the other hand whereas although even though though

in spite of however likewise while nevertheless

N.B.

1. on one hand, on the other hand: When you say on one hand, you must say on the other hand. However, you can use on the other hand alone.

The team leader said, "It is time to take a break. On the other hand, we always take a break at this point. Let's finish this task, then we can take a break."

Consequence

These words are used for cause and effect or showing results.

as a result

for this reason

hence

thus

because of this

consequently

subsequently

therefore

N.B.

1. hence, thus: These two words are mainly used in writing. They are not often found in speaking.

Sequential Information

These words are used to create sequences, steps, and chronological patterns.

first/second/third/finally
after last but not least
after that
first of all/second of all

Summarizing

These are used to finish the essay or to restate ideas.

in conclusion
to conclude
in summary
to summerize
as can be seen

N.B.

I’ve seen lists that have many, many words for concluding. In all honesty, these are the most common.

So . . . 

Transition words are used to organize your thoughts in a logical sequence. Therefore, they are not only for the TOEFL iBT exam, but for speaking and writing in general, both academic and ordinary. You can find longer lists of transition words all over the Internet.