Signal words

• English
• Secondary Education

Signal words

Mastering Signal Words for Reading Comprehension

Signal words, also known as transitional words or cohesive devices, are key indicators in a text that show the relationships between ideas. Being able to identify and use signal words effectively improves reading comprehension in several ways:

Benefits of Identifying Signal Words:

1. Improves Understanding of Text Structure: Signal words help you see how ideas flow, whether they compare, contrast, or build on one another.
   
2. Clarifies Relationships Between Ideas: You can better follow cause-and-effect or sequence patterns within the text.
3. Helps with Predictions and Inferences: Recognising signals helps anticipate what’s coming next.
4. Increases efficiency in Reading: Knowing where to focus allows you to grasp main ideas faster.
5. Boosts Test Performance: Many standardised reading tests 

Although the instructions seemed simple ,several students made mistakes. Type: ______________________

1. Contrast
2. Example
3. Time
4. Cause and effect

I forgot my homework, and therefore I received a lower grade. Type: ______________________

He is allergic to dairy products. For example, he avoids milk and cheese. Type: ______________________

Meanwhile, the guests waited in the lobby for the banquet to begin. Type: __________

The painting is beautiful, but it is not as valuable as the sculpture. Type:

As a result

1. comparison
2. contrast
3. cause and effect
4. sequence

Similarly

1. Sequence
2. cause and effect
3. Adding more information
4. comparison

First, second, third...

1. chronology
2. sequence
3. adding more information
4. comparison

He has several pets; ____________, he has a dog, a cat, and a rabbit. choose from:
however, however, for instance, moreover, eventually

1. however
2. for instance
3. eventually
4. moreover

She was tired; ____________, she finished her project before going to sleep. choose from:
however, however, for instance, moreover, eventually

1. however
2. for instance
3. eventually
4. moreover

I planned to go hiking, ____________ the weather forecast predicted rain. choose from:
however, however, for instance, moreover, eventually

1. however
2. for instance
3. eventually
4. moreover

The construction was delayed; ____________, the building opened six months
late. choose from:
however, however, for instance, moreover, eventually

1. however
2. for instance
3. eventually
4. moreover

The new restaurant is an Affordable;____________, the food is excellent. choose from:
however, however, for instance, moreover, eventually

1. however
2. for instance
3. eventually
4. moreover

Use the following word in a sentence:
Consequently (cause and effect)

Use the following word in a sentence:
In contrast (comparison)

Use the following word in a sentence:
meanwhile(time)

Use the following word in a sentence:
Furthermore(addition)

Use the following word in a sentence:
although (contrast)

What does "Whatever" signal in the first sentence?

What type of relationship is indicated by 'as a result'

How does 'meanwhile' help the reader understand what happened?

Why is 'in conclusion' used in the last sentence?