Connecting devices are bridges between the different parts of a document that tie all of the pieces together into one coherent package. Connecting devices show the reader how various sections of information are related, and they help keep the reader o n track with the flow of information. Documents which do not include connecting devices are disjointed, choppy and difficult to read. Connecting devices are analogous to the traffic signals people rely on when driving. Imagine a major metropolitan are a, such as Seattle, without bridges, traffic signs or traffic lights to guide drivers through traffic. Chaos and confusion would abound! The same is true of a document which lacks connecting devices: the reader will have a difficult time following the writer's train of thought and the document will not flow smoothly.
There are four major types of connecting devices. Each of these connecting devices is described below.
(1) Suppose a writer's topic is "volunteer work." One major section of the paper describes the benefits of volunteering. Within this section of information, the writer describes three major benefits of volunteer work: (a) helping others, (b) gaining work experience, and (c) a sense of accomplishment. Each of these benefits is discussed in a separate paragraph, and transitions are used between these paragraphs as the writer moves from one benefit to the next. The first transition below signals to the reader that the writer is changing from the benefit of helping others to the benefit of gaining work experience. The second transition below signals a move from the benefit of valuable work experience to building self-esteem.
"Not only does volunteer work provide a valuable source of help for people in need, it also provides the volunteer with valuable work experience."
"As we have seen, the benefits of volunteering include work experience and help for others. These two benefits produce a third benefit - a sense of accomplishment for the volunteer."
(2) Suppose a writer's topic is "when and how to use the Heimlich Maneuver." Within this paper, there are two major sections, one which describes the symptoms of someone who is choking, and one which describes the steps to take when using the Heimlich Ma neuver. In this case, the writer uses a transition between these two sections of information to signal a major change of topics.
"Now that I have described the symptoms that a person will exhibit when choking, I will move on to discuss how to use the Heimlich Maneuver to save the life of a potential victim."
A signpost is a key phrase or word that calls the reader's attention to the specific point the writer is covering. It is a brief "sign" that helps point out which point a writer is discussing at any given time. Common signposts include the following :
Signposts are typically used in three places: (a) when distinguishing items in a sequence; (b) when summarizing a series of ideas; and (c ) at the beginning of a phrase.
(1) Suppose a writer is discussing the problem of famine in Africa and Asia. There are four primary causes of this famine, and the writer wishes to call out each of these causes separately from the others. Each cause will be discussed in a separate par agraph. Because there are a sequence of related items, the writer uses signposts to highlight each cause as it is being covered in a new paragraph. These signposts allow the reader to quickly and easily identify which particular cause is being covered a nd where to find the other causes.
"The first cause of this problem is increasing population growth throughout Africa and Asia."
"The second cause of famine is inefficient agricultural production."
"The third cause of is recurrent drought in the affected countries."
"The final cause of famine is mismanagement of available food resources by local bureaucrats."
(2) Suppose a writer is summarizing the three key steps in the criminal justice process. The writer wants each of these steps to be emphasized such that the reader gets a clear summary with easily identifiable items. Using signposts in this case clearl y calls out each step for the reader.
"There are three steps in the process. The first step is charging the accused. The second step is plea bargaining. The final stepis convicting and sentencing the guilty party."
Previews are used to highlight upcoming information and show how this information is organized. Previews help create proper expectations for the reader about what material will be covered, and the order in which this material be presented. They are valu able because they help enhance the clarity of the document and keep the reader on track with the flow of information. Previews are used in two main places: in the introduction following the writer's statement of purpose, and between major sections of in formation before leading into upcoming sections.
Suppose a writer's stated purpose is to discuss the topic of traffic congestion, which is broken into two sections: causes and solutions. The writer could use a preview in the introduction to show how the document will unfold and how the topic will be d ivided, as shown in the first example below. The writer could also use a preview between the two main sections, as shown in example two.
"The first section of this paper will discuss the major causes of traffic congestion. Following a description of these causes, the main solutions for traffic congestion will be covered."
"Now that I have discussed the causes of traffic congestion, I will turn my attention to three possible solutions to this problem. First I will cover the solution of carpooling. Second, I will discuss mass transit systems. Finally, I will describe a lternative forms of transportation."
Internal summaries are used in the body of a document to review important information already covered before moving on to new information. They provide a summary of the material the paper has already described, and thus help the reader remember import ant information before more material is introduced. This allows the reader to get "caught up" mentally, and connects previously covered sections with upcoming sections.
Internal summaries are most effective when used in two places: (a) at the end of each major section of the paper when a lot of technical or complicated information has been covered; or (b) after the second major section when the paper is divided int o three or more major sections. For example, if a paper was divided into five main parts, an internal summary would be effective after the third section. If a paper was divided into seven main parts, an internal summary would be effective after the fourth or fi fth main section.
Suppose a writer is covering the topic of alcoholism, and has divided the document into three main parts. The first part covers four major symptoms of alcoholism. The second part covers four major effects of alcoholism on the alcoholic's life. The t hird part covers three treatment alternatives available to the alcoholic. In this scenario, it would be effective to include an internal summary after the "symptoms" and "effects" sections, but before the "treatment alternatives" section, as shown below.
"To summarize, there are four major symptoms displayed by an alcoholic, and four ways this disease affects a person's life. The symptoms are physical exhaustion, low self-esteem, psychological delusions, and a preference for alcohol over food. The ef fects are social isolation, physical malnutrition, emotional distress, and professional incompetence. The next section of this paper will describe the treatment alternatives available to the alcoholic."
Suppose a writer's stated purpose is to describe the problem of domestic violence. The first section covers the different forms of domestic violence. The second section covers the types of help available to victims of domestic violence. The final se ction discusses the forms of rehabilitation available to perpetrators of domestic abuse. In this case, the writer could include an internal summary after the first two sections, but prior to the third, as shown below.
"As I have described, domestic violence takes three forms: physical, emotional and psychological. Victims of this abuse have two types of help available to them: legal and therapeutic. Having discussed these aspects of domestic violence, I will now describe some contemporary techniques for rehabilitating people who engage in this type of abuse."