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Many sentences show a logical relationship among the ideas they contain. Signal words (also known as transition words) are specifics words and phrases that suggests which logical relationship is used.
Collectively, these relationships reveal a text structure, an internal organization of a text. That is, they show how information is organized in a text and presented to the reader. In nonfiction and informational texts, the writer's intent or purpose in creating the text often determines how the text will be organized.
Note: Most writers switch from one type of text structure to another an may even combine structures
Words that suggest a contrast or opposite idea:
albeit
all the same
although
as opposed to
be that as it may
but
contrarily
contrary
conversely
despite
differ
different from
even as
even at
even if
even so
even though
even with
for all that
however
in contrast
in spite of
in truth
instead
ironically
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding
on the other hand
otherwise
per contra
rather than
regardless
save for
though
though this may be
unlike
unusual
whereas
while
yet
alike
also
analogous to
both
by the same token
comparatively
compared with
correspondingly
equally
in like manner
in similar fashion
in the manner that
in the same degree
in the same manner
in the same way as
just as...(so)
likewise
much like
not only…but
same as
similar to
similarly
too
Words that suggest a comparison or parallel idea:
Words that suggest cause and effect:
accordingly
as a consequence
as a result
because / becomes
cause / caused
concluded that
consequently
due to
effects
ergo
give / gave rise to
hence
if so
if…(then)
in consequence
in consideration of
in order to
in view of
led to / lead to
make / made
on account of
reason
result / resulted in
resulting from
since
so
so much that
the more...the more
thereby
therefore
thereupon
thus
under these circumstances
under those circumstances
was so...that
was such...that
Words that suggest an example, supporting idea, or restatement:
additionally
along with
also
an additional
another
as well as
besides
chiefly
coupled with
first...second...third...
for example
for instance
furthermore
in addition
in other words
in particular
including
moreover
namely
specifically
such as
that is
Signal Words Bingo Cards (contrast, comparison, cause-effect, example-support)
Choose the answer that is the most effective substitute for each underlined part of the sentence. If no substitution is necessary, choose “Leave as is.”
Since the bus was late, we arrived at our meeting on time and voted for the new proposal.
A) Because
B) Provided
C) Even though
D) Leave as is.
In this sentence, ; for example, does not correctly link the ideas. Which of these should be used?
She could see the value of pep rallies for football games; for example, she wanted other sports, clubs, and organizations to benefit from the spirit and encouragement our students show at pep rallies.
A) , and
B) , or
C) ; since
D) ; instead
In this sentence, the word instead does not correctly link ideas. Which of these should be used instead?
I would gladly volunteer to cut the grass on that property to keep it from looking so ugly; instead, to go on that property without the owner’s permission would be trespassing.
A) obviously
B) however
C) still
D) likewise
Read the paragraph.
Research has shown that soy nuts contain heathful cancer-fighting properties; _____, doctors recommend that people should include them in their diets. _____, they are a high-calorie snack, so people should limit their intake to one ounce per day.
Choose the best set of transitions to complete the sentences.
A) accordingly...Thus
B) recently...Indeed
C) additionally...Likewise
D) therefore...However
Read the paragraph.
(1) Most submarines in the water today are commanded by the armed forces of one nation or another. (2) There is one small submarine that is owned by an individual, an English inventor named Robert Leeds. (3) His submarine is considered the worlds’ first recreational submarine.
What transition could be added to the beginning of Sentence 2?
A) For example
B) However
C) Furthermore
D) Similarly
E) none of the above
(1) While fun is a critical element in the Combine Demolition Derby, great attention is also given to the safety of participants and observers. (2) Every driver must wear a helmet and a safety belt. (3) Dangerous parts of the combines, including the glass and much of the equipment, is removed from the machines. (4) All combine drivers must be at least 18 years old, and an ambulance has to be available throughout the event.
What transition should be added to the beginning of Sentence 4?
A) As a result
B) Furthermore
C) However
D) Previously
E) none of the above
(1) First of all, scientists say that Mars is very cold. (2) Even though the planet’s red coloring makes it look warm, temperatures on Mars usually remain significantly below freezing. (3) Temperatures can dip to 225 degrees Fahrenheit below zero and can fluctuate more than 200 degrees in a single day.
What transition word or phrase could be added to the beginning of Sentence 3?
A) Regardless
B) Meanwhile
C) Obviously
D) In fact
E) none of the above
On a dark, secluded street stood three abandoned houses. The first had broken shutters and shattered windows. Next to it stood a dilapidated structure badly in need of paint. Adjacent, amid debris, stood a shack with graffiti scrawled across the door.
Weeks before they decided on their destination, the seniors had already begun a massive fundraising project to help finance their class trip. When they were offered the choice between Rome and London, an overwhelming majority chose Rome. Then preparations began in earnest. In the months that followed, the students' enthusiasm escalated until the day the plane finally took off, carrying them toward an experience they would remember forever.
Selecting a new car requires each buyer to weigh a number of factors. First to be considered is the car's appearance. Next, and even more critical, are the car's performance and safety ratings. Most significant to any prospective buyer, however, is the car's price.
Which of the following best describes the organization of paragraph 1 ?
Chronological order
Spatial order
Cause and effect
Order of importance
Which of the following best describes the organization of paragraph 2 ?
Chronological order
Spatial order
Cause and effect
Order of importance
Which of the following best describes the organization of paragraph 3 ?
Chronological order
Spatial order
Cause and effect
Order of importance
From the very beginning, I wrote to explain my own life to myself, and I invited any readers who chose to make the journey with me to join me on the high wire. I would work without a net and without the noise of the crowd to disturb me. The view from on high is dizzying, instructive. I do not record the world exactly as it comes to me but transform it by making it pass through a prism of fabulous stories I have collected on the way. I gather stories the way a lepidopterist hoards his chloroformed specimens of rare moths, or Costa Rican beetles. Stories are like vessels I use to interpret the world to myself.
— Pat Conroy
Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
The author provides several explanations for taking a certain course of action.
The author uses analogies to explain his experience of a particular action.
The author makes a comparison between his own experiences and that of others in his profession.
The author chronicles the various phases of his work in a particular discipline.
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