Unit 9 Lesson 5 - Signal Words

Choose the correct signal word to complete the sentence. Ronnie is not looking forward to school today because he has to take a difficult biology test. __________, he has to take another test in math.

Additionally

Read the passage below. Anything distracting a driver operating a vehicle is potentially dangerous. One such distraction is texting on a cell phone because it requires the driver to look away from the road, even if for just a few seconds. Similarly, talking on one's cell phone can also cause a distraction because the person is listening to the speaker on the other end and not paying sole attention to the road in front of them. In summary, the best thing to do while driving is to concentrate only on the road. What signal word or phrase lets the reader know how texting and talking on one's cell phone while driving are alike?

similarly

Read the passage below. Did you know that crocodiles tend to have longer, pointed, V-shaped snouts while alligators generally have wider, rounder, U-shaped snouts? The signal word "while" serves what purpose?

It signals a difference between alligators and crocodiles.

Read the passage below. Earth and Mars are known as terrestrial planets because they are both made up of rock and metal. However, scientists know much more about the internal structure of Earth than they know about the internal structure of Mars. What is the effect of the comparison signal word "both"?

It signals that Earth and Mars have something in common.

Read the passage below. Since Zarah waited to complete her project until the night before it was due, she went to bed very late. In the morning, she was too tired to hear her alarm and woke up late. As a result, she missed the bus and was late for school. Halfway to school, she realized that she had forgotten her project because she had been in such a hurry. Zarah vowed never to wait until the last minute to complete something again. The phrase "because she had been in such a hurry" is the cause of which effect?

Zarah forgetting to take her project with her to school

Read the passage below. Exercise has been proven to help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Another benefit of exercise is that it has been shown to improve mood, thus making people feel more relaxed. What continuation signal word indicates that the second sentence contains more information about the same topic as the first sentence?

another

Read the passage below. When I first saw my friends playing soccer at recess, I was not sure I wanted to play. I had never played soccer before and, therefore, was not sure I would be very good at it. I decided to observe the game for a while before deciding, so I sat on the bench and watched my friends run around, laugh, and cheer for each other. They all appeared to be having a great time. Finally, I decided to get on the field and give the game of soccer a try. Which signal word indicates what event happened the last?

finally

Read the passage below. Chen was very hungry and could not wait to eat her lunch. Although she knew it was no guarantee against getting sick, Chen decided to wash her hands first because she knew it was one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. What sequence signal word appears within the sentences?

first

Read the passage below. When Michael first realized that he would be performing his clarinet solo in front of a large crowd of people, he became extremely nervous. Before he could tell his music teacher Mrs. Gage, she reassured him that he was more than ready to face this challenge and would be very proud of himself once he had. As a result, Michael viewed the upcoming performance with excitement rather than fear. What is the purpose of the cause and effect signal words "as a result"?

to show that Michael's teacher helped him change the way he viewed the upcoming performance

Read the passage below. Honesty is an important trait in any friendship. It lets the other person know that you respect them enough to be truthful. It may not always be easy, but it helps to avoid problems or hurt feelings that may arise when someone knows they have been deceived. In summary, it helps to create the trust that is needed to be truly close to someone. The signal words "in summary" serve what purpose?

to signal a final idea or concluding thought