What is a 'signal word' in text structure, and give an example?

• A. They indicate tone and mood and nothing else
• B. They describe the author’s mood
• C. They indicate the order or relationship, such as first or however
• D. They indicate a spelling error

Answer: (C)

Signal words are signposts in writing that show how ideas connect or the order of steps. They help you follow the structure by signaling sequence (first, next, finally), cause and effect (therefore, as a result, because), addition (and, also), or contrast (however, but). For example: “First, gather the materials. Next, mix the ingredients. Finally, bake for twenty minutes.” This clearly signals the order of steps in the process. They aren’t about the writer’s mood or spelling errors, which is why the other choices don’t fit.