Signal Words and Phrases
Find the signal word in this sentence: "Because it rained, the game was postponed." Which signal word shows cause and effect? Explain briefly.
"Because" shows the cause that explains why the game was postponed.
What is the usual author’s purpose for a descriptive text? Name it and give one signal phrase that indicates description.
To tell or explain something, someone or an idea.
signal phrase: for example, demonstrates, illustrates, similar to, one example
how the author organized the writing for the reader to understand the author's meaning.
What is the purpose of an author using the cause-and-effect text structure?
Explaining the reasons behind an event and the consequences that follow.
Read: "Due to the heavy winds, the branches fell from the tree." Which phrase signals cause and which signals effect? Explain your answer.
"Due to" signals the cause (heavy winds) that led to the effect (branches fell).
Find the correct signal word in the sentence. "Cats are independent, while dogs are more social." Which signal word shows compare and contrast? Explain briefly.
"While" contrasts cats and dogs by showing a difference in behavior.
Given the sentence: "Both roses and tulips need sunlight." Name the author’s likely purpose and point to the exact word that shows comparison.
Answer: The author’s purpose is to inform/compare the two types of flowers.
Evidence: "Both"
Explanation: "Both" highlights similarity, showing the author is describing likenesses between the flowers.
What are the 5 types of non-fiction text structure?
cause and effect, problem and solution, sequence, description and compare and contrast
What is the purpose of an author using the description text structure?
Providing a detailed account of something.
Read: "Although both cars and bicycles can get you to school, cars are faster." Which signal word indicates contrast and how does it affect meaning?
Signal word: "Although"
Explanation: "Although" signals contrast between the ability of both vehicles to get to school and the faster speed of cars.
In what text structure would the author use the following signal words? challenge, prevent, help, solve, fixed, because of, issue, problem, solution
Problem and Solution
What is the author's purpose in this paragraph?
The new library has many features that help visitors. For example, there are comfortable reading chairs, computers for research, and a quiet study area. In addition, the children's area includes colorful bookshelves and a craft table, which makes the space inviting for families.
Use this sentence starter to answer the question on your desk.
The author’s purpose is to ________ (inform/describe) because the text shares specific details about the _________________and uses signal words like: ______________.
Name a few signal words you might see when the author's purpose is to compare and contrast two animals.
similar, different, in contrast, compared to
What is the purpose of an author using the sequence text structure?
to tell the order of events or steps in a process.
(when or how)
Read: "The museum displays many items, including fossils and tools." Which signal word shows details, and how does it help describe the topic?
Signal word: "including"
Explanation: "Including" signals that examples (fossils and tools) are being provided as descriptive details.
In what text structure would the author use the following signal words? one example, similar to, a characteristic is, this demonstrates, illustrates
Description
What is the author's purpose in this paragraph?
First, Maya gathered all the materials she needed to build a birdhouse: wood, nails, glue, and paint. Then she measured and cut the wood pieces carefully. After that, she nailed the pieces together and let the glue dry. Finally, she painted the birdhouse and hung it in the backyard.
Use this sentence starter to answer the question on your desk.
The author’s purpose is to ________ (instruct/inform/) because the text puts _________________and uses signal words like: ______________.
Create a 5-step sequence (with signal words) describing how to plant a seed.
First, choose the right seed for the climate.
Second, prepare the soil.
Third, plant the seed.
Next, water the seed.
Finally, care for the seed and make sure it gets the right amount of sunlight.
What is the purpose of an author using the compare and contrast text structure?
Highlighting similarities and differences between two or more items, people, things or ideas.
Read: "The heater stopped working; consequently, the room was cold." Which signal word links problem to result, and where would you find a solution word in a later sentence?
Signal word linking result: "consequently" (shows effect of heater stopping)
Explanation: "Consequently" links the problem (heater stopped) to the effect (room was cold); a solution word would be something like "to fix this" or "they repaired" in a later sentence.
Read: "The heater stopped working; consequently, the room was cold." Which signal word links problem to result, and what would a solution word be that you might find in a later sentence?
Consequently" links the problem (heater stopped) to the effect (room was cold); a solution word would be something like "to fix this" or "they repaired" in a later sentence.
What is the author's purpose in this paragraph?
Two community gardens in our city provide fresh produce and places to meet neighbors. Garden A uses raised beds and drip irrigation, which conserves water and reduces weeding; Garden B uses traditional rows and volunteers who hand-water twice a week. While both gardens improve access to fresh vegetables and teach gardening skills, Garden A costs more to set up but requires less daily work, whereas Garden B is cheaper to start but relies on more volunteer time; therefore, each garden fits different neighborhood needs.
Use this sentence starter to answer the question on your desk.
"The author’s purpose is to ________ (inform/compare/evaluate) because the paragraph shows ___________________ and uses signal words like: ____________________."
Provide two signal words that commonly indicate cause and effect, then write a short two-sentence example using one of them.
responses will vary but should include signal words like: because of, cause, effect
What is the author's purpose of using the problem and solution text structure?
Identifying a problem and proposing a solution to it.
Read: The town faced a growing problem: many residents produced too much food waste that went to the landfill. To address this issue, the local government introduced a composting program that collected food scraps weekly and created community compost bins. Over two years, the compost program reduced landfill waste by nearly half, improved soil in public gardens, and taught families how composting can save resources.
Which signal word or words links problem to result, and what is the author's purpose?
signal words: problem, to address this issue, reduced, improved
to inform the reader of the problem of litter and introduced a solution of compost