Nonfiction Signpost Definitions
What signpost is used when the author gives information that is unexpected or contradicts what they said previously?
Contrast & Contradictions
Identify the signpost: "According to a recent study, more than 60% of students report feeling stressed about exams"
Numbers and Statistics
His explanation was concise, giving only the essential steps without extra details. What does the word "concise" mean? What context clues helped you figure it out?
A. Very long and detailed
B. Confusing and rambling
C. Short and to the point
C. short and to the point
Scientists have been studying hurricanes for many years to understand how they form and why they are so dangerous. According to meteorologist Dr. Lena Ortiz, “Hurricanes gain strength from warm ocean water, which is why they often weaken after moving over land.”
Voice of Authority
Persuade, Inform, or Entertain?
A section in a history book describing the conditions and causes of the great deepression in the Midwest in the 1930s.
Inform
What signpost is when an author uses a quote from someone else to support their information on their topic?
Quoted Words
The Arctic fox survives in cold climates by using camouflage, a trait that helps it blend into the snow. This camouflage makes it harder for predators to spot the fox, increasing its chances of survival.
Word Gaps
The hikers reached the summit of the mountain and admired the panoramic view."
What does "summit" most likely mean?
A. a small stream
B. the top or highest point
C. a narrow path
B. The top or highest point
Schools across the country are working to improve student attendance. In a public statement, the Department of Education explained, “Regular attendance is essential for student learning and long-term success.”
Other's words
Persuade, Inform, or Entertain? An article where the author argues that an iPhone is better than an Android phone
Persuade
When an author uses a number, statistic, or data to emphasize a point?
Numbers and Statistics
Homework is always harmful to students and never helps them learn. It is only used to waste kids' time.
Extreme or Absolute Language
The ancient manuscript was brittle and tattered, yet the scholar handled it very carefully.
What does "brittle" mean here? Explain the clue in the sentence that helps you decide.
A. Easily broken or fragile
B. Newly printed
C. Tough and sturdy
A. Easily broken or fragile
When the earthquake struck the city, many people were caught off guard. One resident who experienced the event said, “The ground started shaking, and everything on the shelves fell at once.”
Personal Perspective
Persuade, Inform, or Entertain? A story about a family trying to stick together and survive through the Great Depression in the Midwest in the 1930s.
Entertain
When an author uses an unfamiliar word.
Word Gap
Recycling helps reduce waste and protect the environment. According to environmental scientist Dr. Carla Nguyen, “Recycling saves energy and reduces pollution by limiting the need for new materials.” This expert opinion supports the importance of recycling.
Quoted Words
The board's decision was unanimous, so the proposal passed without disagreement.
What does "unanimous" mean?
A. Made by one person only
B. Disagreed by many people
C. Agreed to by everyone
C. Agreed to by everyone
Researchers have learned that sleep plays a major role in brain development. Neuroscientist Dr. Malik Johnson explains, “Teen brains are still developing, which is why sleep is especially important during adolescence.”
Voice of authority
Persuade, Inform, or Entertain? A speech written by a student listing the negative effects school uniforms have on a student's confidence and why every school should have a no uniform policy.
When the author uses over the top language to exaggerate a point.
Extreme or Absolute Language
For many years, scientists believed dinosaurs were cold-blooded reptiles that moved slowly. However, new evidence shows that some dinosaurs may have been warm-blooded and very active. This discovery surprised researchers and changed how scientists think about dinosaur behavior.
Contrast and Contradictions
The museum curator curated an eclectic exhibit — paintings, sculptures, and odd trinkets — that reflected a miscellany of different cultures." Use context clues to explain what "eclectic" means.
A. diverse and drawn from many different things
B. only focused on one thing
C. damaged or incomplete
A. diverse and drawn from many different things
During the historic march, thousands of people gathered to demand change. A student who attended the event recalled, “I felt proud standing with so many others who wanted their voices heard.”
Personal Perspective
Persuade, Inform, or Entertain? A medical report describing the effects of junk food on the body.
Inform