Text Structures & Signal Words

Classification

Grouping things based on their similarities

Sequence signal words

first, second, third, next, finally, before, after, then

Chronological signal words

first..., initially, following, finally, then, afterward, meanwhile, and the use of dates

Description signal words

for example, such as, for instance, in addition, also, specifically, for example

problem and solution signal words

issue, since, should, therefore, fix

Advantages & Disadvantage signal words

pros & cons, good, bad, positive, negative, benefit, advantage, disadvantage

Advantages & Disadvantages

the writer presents the good and bad sides of an idea.

Description

The writing contains descriptive words that shows and not tells; gives details about characters and actions.

Compare & Contrast

The writing explains how things are the same and different.

Cause & Effect

The writing gives the event and then what happened because of the event.

Problem & Solution

The writing has an issue and its solution.

Chronological

The writing is set up as a starting date and an ending date. Events happen in order.

Sequence

The writing is set up as steps; first, second, third, etc.

cause and effect signal words

because, since, if/then, due to, as a result, for this reason, on account of

compare/contrast signal words

but, similarly, however, also, on the other hand

classification signal words

categories, characteristics, classify, features, elements, sort, group