Signal words - whar are they and why are they important?

I suspect that my students get tired of hearing about signal words, but they are an important part of the collaboration between the writer and the reader.  The writer uses them to let the reader know where they are going in their writing and the reader's job is to be looking for them.  Here are some ways writers use signal words and some samples:
To signal the reader there is a list -

• There may be a number word telling the reader how many points, items, etc. to watch for.
• Examples: first, second, third, next, finally, including, examples, etc.

You can tell if the chronological order is important in several ways -

• By the context. For example, if it is something that has to be completed in a particular order such as changing a tire.
• Examples - in order, steps, following, beginning, previously, while
• You may also see dates when chronological order is important.

To signal compare and/or contrast -

• Examples for compare: similarly, likewise, also, too, alike
• Examples of contrast: but, on the other hand, however, whereas

To signal cause and effect -

• Examples: as a result, leads to, therefore, because, if...then

In my class this week students were evaluating two articles and discussing which one did the better job of getting the point across.  It was unanimous that the one with the signal words was easier to follow and understand and therefore was the one favored!


This information is also helpful when the tables are turned - when you are the writer and someone else is the reader.
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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.