Recognize and Use Signal Words and Phrases in Your Reading

Categories and Examples When you come across these words,

immediately think.

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Example Words "Here comes an example. Must check

- specifically to make sure I understood the point just

- to illustrate made."

- for example

- for instance

- that is

Cause-and-Effect Words "There's an effect word. Better check back

- consequently when I have a chance to make sure I can

- therefore find the cause now that I know what the

- as a result effect is."

- if.then

- accordingly

- thus, so

- hence

Enumeration Words "That's a lot of steps. I'd better be sure I'm

- the four steps. keeping track of all of them and getting them

- first, second, third in the right order."

- next, finally

Addition Words "There's something else to be added.

- furthermore It must be worth remembering."

- as well as

- along with

- in addition

- also

- not only.but also

- moreover

Contrast Words "Here comes the other side of the coin.

- on the other hand Let's see how it differs from what's been

- in contrast said already."

- conversely

- although

- however, despite

- whereas

Comparison Words "Lots of similar things, another example of

- likewise the author's point is coming."

- similarly

- comparatively

- identical

Swivel Words "Looks like there's going to be a little

- however bit of doubt or 'give back' on the point

- nevertheless just made. Better pay attention to this

- yet qualifying remark."

- but

- still

Concession Words "Okay! Here comes an argument or two

- to be sure from the opposing point of view."

- indeed

- though, although

- granted

- of course

Emphasis Words "Looks as though what's coming up is

- more important going to be important."

- above all

- remember

- in other words

- finally

Repeat Words "Here comes another explanation. Maybe

- in other words I'll understand this one a little better."

- it simply means

- that is

- briefly

- in essence

- as we've seen

Time Words "A time relationship is being established.

- before, after Let' see: What came first, what came last,

- formerly, soon and what came in-between?"

- subsequently

- prior, during

- meanwhile

Place Words "I'll put these ideas and facts, not only in

- above their proper places, but also in their proper

- below relationship."

- beyond

- adjacent to

Summary Words "Good. Now I'll get a wrap-up of the points

- for these reasons that have been made. It's almost sure to be

- on the whole full of key ideas."

- in conclusion

- in a nutshell

- to sum up

- in short

- finally

Test Words (from lectures) "Sounds like a potential test item. Better

- this is important. be sure to pay close attention to it."

- remember this.

- you'll see this again.

- here's a pitfall.

Source: Unknown

Russell Conwell Center

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