This post first appeared on LinkedIn in 2022 and has been lightly edited for this site.
Some writers may argue that logically moving from one point to another is important. However, I’d argue that moving a reader from one point to another is even more important. A piece of writing can be perfectly organized and still leave the reader behind somewhere around paragraph three. This is where transitions come into play, and they are my topic for today. In previous articles related to rhetorical devices, I included several uncommon words. Today, I’ll be doing the same, though the concepts matter more than the terminology. As usual, there are resources at the end for further reading.
Procatalepsis
When a writer anticipates objections and then addresses those concerns, the writer is using procatalepsis (sometimes called prolepsis, though that word gets used for a couple of other things too). If done properly, it can create a form of back-and-forth exchange.
Procatalepsis I: It may be objected that [objection]. However, such an objection does not hold because [rebuttal].
Procatalepsis II: Opponents of this idea may say [objection]. Such an objection misrepresents [what it gets wrong].
Procatalepsis III: A common argument against this idea is [objection]. An argument like that, however, overlooks [what it leaves out].
Anticipated objections are generally summarized in one or two sentences. Anything longer is a bit much. The focus should be on the rebuttal or response. Since the response is the focus, the writer should take as much space as needed to explain. Procatalepsis can be useful in creating the structure of a paragraph or even an entire section of an essay. And if the opening of this article felt a bit familiar just now, that is because it is a close cousin—I raised a point and then one-upped it. Sorry about that.
Metabasis
Metabasis (also called transitio) is a way of giving a summary statement about points previously made. Summary statements help readers follow the progression of your argument. Certain stock words or phrases are generally used for summary statements and the follow-ups. Below are a few structures to keep in mind.
Metabasis I: Up to this point, I have introduced [ground already covered], but now, I’d like to consider the effect of [new point] in our work.
Metabasis II: In the previous paragraphs, we have explored [ground already covered]. At this point, I’d like to focus more on [new point].
Metabasis III: After having discussed [ground already covered], let’s look a bit more closely at [new point].
Metabasis is made up of two distinct parts. The first is a signal to mark where the summary begins, and the second is a signal to mark the new discussion point. Given that metabasis makes use of a summary with a follow-up discussion point, it works best in longer works. It is generally unnecessary in a short essay (fewer than five pages). Use metabasis sparingly; depending on the nature of your work, a two-hundred-page dissertation could probably benefit from a few uses, but for a ten- or twenty-page essay, just one (maybe two) would likely suffice.
Hypophora
Hypophora (also called subjectio) refers to raising a question and then immediately answering it, using the pair to move an argument forward. The question acts as a signpost, and the answer gets you into the new topic. Below are a few structures to keep in mind.
Hypophora I: A question that generally arises at this point is [question]. The short answer is [answer].
Hypophora II: This idea brings up the question of [question]. In practice, [answer].
Hypophora III: Readers at this stage often want to know [question]. What the evidence suggests is [answer].
Honestly, hypophora is my least favorite transitional device because it is often lazily applied. Question transitions need to be naturally included to stimulate curiosity. Throwing in a random question simply because you couldn’t think of a better way to move to a new topic is a poor approach. Consider a transition like “Why is ABC important? ABC is important because [reason].” Technically, that is a perfectly good hypophora, which is part of the problem. Nobody reading was actually wondering why ABC is important, so the question is manufactured, and the answer just repeats the question back with a because tacked on the end. If you are going to ask, ask something the reader was already wondering about.
Hypophora can be useful and practical. It is one of the easiest transitional devices to employ. However, don’t be lazy with it. Use it only when it makes sense to do so; use ideas based on the examples given above; and most of all, use your creativity.
Conclusion
There are many ways to signal transitions in your work. Today, I highlighted three. Using transitions helps readers navigate your thought process, giving your ideas a clearer path to the reader.
For Further Reading
Harris, Robert A. 2018. Writing with Clarity and Style: A Guide to Rhetorical Devices for Contemporary Writers. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.
Lanham, Richard A. 1991. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Quinn, Arthur. 1982. Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase. Salt Lake City: Gibbs M. Smith.