Which of the following best describes the purpose of a transition in a text?

The purpose of a transition in a text is to connect one idea to another. Transitions act as bridges that guide readers through the flow of writing, helping them understand how different ideas relate to each other and ensuring a coherent reading experience. By using transitions effectively, a writer can highlight the relationships between concepts, whether it’s showing contrast, similarity, or progression of thought. This smooth connection helps the reader follow the author's argument or narrative more easily.

The other options refer to different functions within a text: introducing a new topic sets the stage for a discussion, summarizing a key point provides a recap of important information, and providing an example illustrates a point with specific cases. While these are all valuable aspects of writing, they do not encompass the core function of transitions, which is primarily focused on linking and guiding the reader through the text's ideas.