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111 Recognizing Signal Transition Words

This document discusses different types of signal words that can help readers follow the structure and key points of a text. It identifies four main categories: emphasis words that draw attention to especially important ideas, addition words that indicate more information is being added, change-of-direction words that signal a shift in the author's line of thinking, and illustration words that introduce examples. Conclusion words are also discussed as guiding the reader to the last and most significant point. Examples are provided for common words in each category.

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25 views2 pages

111 Recognizing Signal Transition Words

This document discusses different types of signal words that can help readers follow the structure and key points of a text. It identifies four main categories: emphasis words that draw attention to especially important ideas, addition words that indicate more information is being added, change-of-direction words that signal a shift in the author's line of thinking, and illustration words that introduce examples. Conclusion words are also discussed as guiding the reader to the last and most significant point. Examples are provided for common words in each category.

Uploaded by

humaira ღ
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Paragraph Skills Handout 111

Recognizing Signal Words/Transitions 111


EMPHASIS WORDS
Among the most valuable signals for readers are emphasis words. They directly signal that a particular idea
or detail is especially important. Think of such words as red flags that the author is using to make sure
readers pay attention to an idea. Here are some typical words showing emphasis.
important to note especially valuable a key feature the main value
a significant factor most noteworthy a vital force above all
remember that the chief factor should be noted most of all
a primary concern a major event a central issue
the most substantial issue the chief outcome a distinctive quality
the principal item especially relevant pay particular attention to

ADDITION WORDS
Addition words tell readers that the writer’s thought is going to continue in the same direction. He or she
is going to add on more details or points of the same kind. Here are some addition words.
also first of all last of all and
another for one thing likewise second
finally furthermore moreover the third reason
first in addition next

CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION WORDS
Change-of-direction words prepare readers for a change in the direction of the writer’s thoughts. They
suggest that the writer will probably reverse or modify a previous statement. Here are examples of change-
of-direction words.
but yet otherwise on the other hand
however instead still conversely
in contrast even though on the contrary nevertheless

ILLUSTRATION WORDS
Illustration words signal that an example or illustration will be given to make an idea clear. The following
words are examples of illustration words.
for example specifically for instance
to illustrate once such as

CONCLUSION WORDS
Conclusion words guide the reader to expect the writer’s last and possibly most important point within a
paragraph or larger unit of thought. Here are some examples of conclusion words.
therefore in conclusion as a result in summary
finally consequently hence last of all

Signal/Transition Words Handout 111 (July 2013; ASC Eng/Read) Page 1


Paragraph Skills
TRANSITION WORDS AND PHRASES
To Add One Similar Thought To Add and Amplify
to Another moreover also
likewise again in addition further
as well as and again furthermore
furthermore similarly

To Contrast Ideas Show Differences To Emphasize


even though on the other hand certainly above all
however by contrast in fact most importantly
but though surely indeed
in contrast whereas undoubtedly especially
not withstanding yet truly without a doubt

To Show Cause and Effect To Illustrate and Foreshadow an Example

therefore otherwise incidentally indeed


thus in short namely such as
as a result hence for example specifically
consequently accordingly in fact for instance
since because in other words

To Compare Ideas and Show Likeness To Restate or Repeat


in other words
likewise once again
in the same way again
at the same time that is
similarly to repeat
resembling to put it differently

To Summarize, Show Consequences, Result To Show Conclusion


to conclude in other words even though I admit
thus accordingly granted I concede
then for that reason of course certainly
finally as a result after all no doubt
consequently surely

Signal/Transition Words Handout 111 (July 2013; ASC Eng/Read) Page 2

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