RC Handout 10B

Text Structure Signal Words

Authors of content area textbooks do not always write in consistent, easily discernible
text structures. There may be many text structures within a single paragraph. Through
the use of signal words, textbook authors give the reader clues that will help to identify
text structures.

Problem- Cause-and-
Description Comparison Solution Effect Sequence

is a a reason for the

characteristic of is similar to problem causes first, second

for example is different from the problem is effects next

most important although a solution is as a result of on (date)

to illustrate instead the question is since initially

is a feature of however as a result of because (of) finally

also in the same way difficulty for this reason not long after

another but solve consequently now

in fact yet help leads following

for instance similarly one answer is produces preceding

such as while in order to before

on the other
in addition hand effects of after

just like, just as if . . . then when

likewise this led to

whereas therefore

Effective Instruction for Secondary Struggling Readers: Research-Based Practices

READING COMPREHENSION
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