Nonfiction Signal Words

Transitions or signal words are words that show the connection between ideas. For instance, comparison words tell us that the author is pointing out how two things are similar. Comparison words include: like, likewise, just, equally, in like manner, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion. For instance, if an author write, "Edwin and Keon are equally excited about school," Then the author is telling us how Edwin and Keon are the same.

Which of the following (multiple correct) words tell us that an author is comparing two things.

• likewise

• for example

• once

• similarly

• just as

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Which of the following words does not tell me the author is going to compare, or point out a similarity between two subjects.

• however

• alike

• as in a similar fashion

• equally

• just

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Contrast words signal a change in the direction of the writer's thought. These signal words tell you that the author is pointing out a difference between two things. The following are contrast words: but, however, in contrast, yet, differ, difference, variation, still, on the contrary, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand. Which statement below is a contrast.

• Kendal plays basketball in the same way as Lavar.

• Christine like strawberry ice cream, Gabriel, on the contrary likes fudge ripple ice cream.

• The next step is to pour the liquid from the cylinder to the beaker

• Antonio curses because it annoys Mrs.B

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Which of the following are signal words that show comparison or contrast? (choose more than one answer)

• because

• still

• on the contrary

• likewise

• next

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

Which of the following is a signal word that shows comparison?

• on the contrary

• variation

• however

• in the same way

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Which of the following is a signal word for cause and effect?

• for this reason

• as opposed to

• such as

• problem

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Which of the following is a signal word for compare and contrast?

• to illustrate

• similar to

• first, second...

• because of

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

Which of the following is a signal word for cause and effect?

• as well as

• consequently

• to begin with

• solution

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

Which of the following is a signal word for compare and contrast?

• if....then...

• after

• compared with

• first...second

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

Which of the following is a signal word for cause and effect?

• such as

• also

• instead of

• this led to....so..

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5