What is the purpose of transition words in an essay?

Transition words play a vital role in writing by connecting ideas and improving the overall flow of an essay. They are used to guide readers through the text, helping them follow the progression of thoughts and arguments. By linking sentences and paragraphs, transition words make it easier for readers to understand relationships between ideas, whether it be cause and effect, contrast, addition, or sequence. This enhanced coherence is essential for effective communication, as it ensures the essay reads smoothly and engages the audience.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of transition words, as they either introduce errors, create disconnections, or complicate the writing unnecessarily. Therefore, the use of transition words is crucial for clarity and organization in an essay.