Download Text Structure Types and Signal Words

Text Structure Types and Signal Words
Text Structure
Signal Words
Message to Reader
Cause/Effect or
Problem/Solution
because, due to, since,
therefore, so, as a result,
consequently, nonetheless,
if . . . then, accordingly, thus,
nevertheless
These signal words alert the
reader to cause(s) leading to
effect(s) or problem(s) leading to solutions.
Compare/Contrast
like, just as, similar, both,
also, too, unlike, different,
but, in contrast, on the
other hand, although, yet,
either . . . or, however, while,
as well as, not only . . . but
also, comparatively, likewise,
instead
These signal words alert the
reader to upcoming comparisons and contrasts.
Description/
Explanation
moreover, as with most,
additionally, in other words,
furthermore, second, next,
then, finally, most important,
also, in fact, significantly,
imagine that, for instance,
particularly, for example, in
front, beside, near
These signal words alert the
reader to an upcoming list or
set of characteristics.
Sequencing/
Time-Order
before, eventually, first, during, while as, frequently, at
the same time, after, initially,
whenever, secondly, then,
next, at last, finally, now,
recently, when, to begin with
These signal words alert
the reader to a sequence of
events, actions, or steps.
Reproduced with permission from Johnson and Karns, RTI Strategies That Work in the 3-6 Classroom.
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