Every professor or instructor will tell you that they undoubtedly enjoy reading and grading an essay or academic task where signposting words and phrases have been used. This is a secret that only the top grade and talented students have discovered. It is the reason they score As.
Essays that have a logical flow, where signposting words and phrases have been used, are appealing to read. When you signpost, no one struggles to read through your essay, identify your thoughts, claims, counterclaims, and arguments. In the end, such essays achieve their intended purpose, which then earns you the best grade.
Any student who aspires to score the best grades for their essays must master the art of signposting. Not only in essays but also in other academic tasks, assignments, or homework. It is a skill that sets you miles ahead of the rest.
In this guide, we take you through the best practices of signposting using examples for illustration and deep understanding before giving you a list of signposting words and phrases.
What is signposting?
You are probably wondering, "what are signposts in writing?" Let us begin by defining signposting before we head on to focus on signpost examples.
Signposting is a commonly used strategy when writing academic and professional papers. It refers to the use of phrases and words to guide readers through the content of a piece of written work such as an essay, research paper, term paper, proposal, or dissertation. It entails flagging the most significant parts of your arguments, signaling transitions, and clarifying any stakes of an argument.
Signposts are these words and phrases that help you articulate the structure of any given piece of writing to ensure that your writers flow with the ideas.
There are two classes of signposting: Major signposts and linking words and short phrases.
Major signposting entails the introduction , conclusion, and outlining of main arguments or the direction of arguments. It equally entails the use of opening phrases. On the other hand, linking words and short phrases encompass any connecting words that guide the readers through the main arguments by linking sentences, ideas, and paragraphs.
Example of signposting
To understand Biden's foreign policy for China, it is imperative to evaluate the policy direction of Trump's regime.
This example helps the reader to understand in advance that you will be taking them through the characteristics of Trump's foreign policy for China before exploring Biden's current foreign policy to China in a cross-comparative approach.
Another way to view the issue of global warming is'
In this example, you are trying to remind the reader that although you have covered some aspects of global warming, they should note another vital point.
How to Signpost in an Essay for more effortless Flow of Ideas
When you signpost, a reader whose mind is preoccupied can read your essay or piece of academic writing and understand your point without struggling. It is a bulletproof strategy that helps your readers comprehend each point. The readers can connect points, sentences, ideas, and paragraphs, which gives an ideal flow as they read.
Signposting also makes your writing enjoyable; you sound professional in your arguments. In addition, when you signpost, the structure of your essay, especially in the introduction, helps you present your arguments well.
Here are eight effective strategies , tips, and tricks you can use when signposting to write an essay that scores an A .
1. Use Verbs to Signpost
When introducing quotes or referring to the sources or references, use various verbs to signpost your readers that you are about to introduce a quote, then connect it to the main argument.
You can use verbs such as asserts, opines, contends, reasons, reports, concludes, demonstrates, claims, shows, concurs with, refutes, opposes, etc.
Be vigilant enough not to use the wrong verbs in a given context when using these verbs. Besides, ensure that you are precise. Use these verbs to endorse what the scholar said, refute or oppose what the scholar said, or compare the opinion of scholars on a given issue.
2. Use Retrospective Signposts to Reiterate
When writing an essay or dissertation, capturing your readers' attention becomes your ultimate goal. And while you capture their attention, you must also keep them motivated and engaged so they stick to your work.
One way to achieve this is by reminding the readers about the key points you have covered and where you are headed. You prepare your readers for what is coming.
You can use phrases such as "as is now evident," "as mentioned earlier," "in other words," "as a complement to the last point on," or "the main point is"
Using retrospective signposts can help you show how the previous points matter to the existing idea or argument. In addition, it helps the readers to take keen note of a point before introducing a new idea.
In most cases, you can do this at the end of paragraphs where you want to highlight the earlier point and expose its relevance to the essay question.
You can as well apply this strategy to your conclusion. Also, you can repeat complicated ideas, points, or arguments to avoid sparking controversy or creating abrupt surprises.
When you remind the readers about these key points, your intended direction, and your expected destination, you orient them through your reading to allow some good flow of ideas.
Repetition makes your readers get bored by reading something so many times. However, when you signpost these ideas, you help them see that you address a different point connected to the past ideas.
3. Effectively use Transitions
Transitions knit together ideas in an essay or academic writing task. Using transition words and phrases, you can link ideas in two sentences or paragraphs. You can use different transition words when writing, depending on your goal. Only ensure that your intention and the choice of a transition align.
You can illustrate your previous point using transitions such as 'for example,' 'for instance,' 'as an illustration,' or 'to further expound on.'
You can compare, show cause and consequence, or give additional points to what you have already covered. And when you use transitions, be wise enough not to overuse or place them for the sake of it.
Related Reading: How to write explosive compare and contrast essays.
4. Precisely use Signposts
Although signposting is intended for all the good reasons we have explained, your work will sound sloppy when abused. For instance, using words such as 'conversely' or 'however' in the wrong context makes you look foolish.
Resist any urge to sprinkle signposting words all over your written piece. Instead, you must be meticulous and link sentences, paragraphs, or ideas only when necessary.
Choose a transition or linking word that fits the context. For example, only use 'as a result' to signpost when the following idea is a consequence of an idea you previously wrote.
As usual, precise language will enable smooth and accurate communication with your audience; you must stick to it when writing your essay.
Related Read: How to make good paragraphs in an essay.
5. Signpost in your introduction
When signposting in the introduction, clearly elaborate:
The overall aim of your essay, e.g., 'This essay argues'.'
The main ideas you will discuss and in what order, e.g., 'First, second, third'.'
The rationale of choosing your main argument for the topic, e.g., 'Given that'.' Or ''will form the key focus of this essay.'
Quantify the content or aims of your essay, e.g., 'This essay discusses the three strategies'.'
In short, your introduction should present the essay's overall aim and share the points you discuss in the body paragraphs.
6. Signpost throughout the body paragraphs
You need to use paragraph breaks and subheadings to signpost through your essay. It is a way to keep the readers focused on the main points of your essay. However, you can only do this for long essays such as term papers, research papers, or dissertations.
Writing three to four sentences to effectively use paragraph breaks before starting another paragraph. Paragraph breaks are the single line space, indentation, or both that mark the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next.
In your body paragraphs, you can tell your readers about specific points to come or what has been discussed already.
Example: Having discussed the overall direction of Trump's foreign policy, it is necessary to consider Biden's current policy.
You can equally use words and short phrases within the paragraphs. For example, you can use words such as 'Consequently,' 'as a result,' 'therefore,' 'alternatively,' or 'however' to signal direction.
7. Signpost in your conclusion
Like the introduction, the conclusion of an essay also plays a critical role - a signpost in your conclusion to bring some element of closure and close the loop for your readers.
To signpost well, look for the verbs you used in the introduction and use the same verbs in their past tense. For example, "t his essay has discussed and concluded."
Ensure that your conclusion reminds the readers about the main points, arguments, and reasoning you have achieved in your essay and how your essay has answered the question.
A good essay outline should help you signpost ideas in your conclusion. That way, you can craft a conclusion that satisfies your readers' appetite.
8. Ensure that your topic is clear earlier on
Provide a rationale for choosing your topic early enough. Then, you have a few seconds to capture the attention of your readers, after which you either keep or lose their interest.
To have your readers engaged in reading your essay past the title, let the reader know the direction. Begin by writing a great hook , providing a detailed background, and explaining how the topic is relevant to your essay. Also, ensure that your main arguments are clear off the bat.
List of Signposting Words and Phrases for Essays
Now that you understand what it is, its significance, and various approaches to achieve it, let's have a quick look at the phrases and words or signposts that you can use in your essay.
Introducing new idea
Firstly, secondly, thirdly'
First, second, third'.
The first/next/final section'
The current debate'.
The current issue'.
Adding similar points
In addition
On the same note
Specifying a particular idea
Considering
Specifically
In particular
More specifically
In relation to
In terms of
With respect to
Giving examples or illustrating
For instance
For example
As an illustration
This can be explained by
To further illustrate
Summarizing ideas
To conclude
As evident from the discussion
As is clear from the discussion above
To summarize
In conclusion
The main issue that is apparent
The main points here
It is clear that
The strength of this approach
Making comparison
On the one hand
On the other hand
Compared to
In comparison
In contrast
This contrasts'
This conflicts'
This is contrary
Another angle
Linking or developing a new idea
Having said that'.
Picking from the last point
Having established
To further understand'
To elaborate further
In addition to
As well as'
Another issue'
Of equal importance
Extending the argument further
Related Reading: How to write a compare and contrast essay.
Final Remarks
Signposting is a single ingredient that makes your essay stronger, more understandable, and more flowing. In addition, it improves the taste of your essay even when your instructor is in no good mood.
Using the signposting tips and tricks we have discussed can help you achieve so much, even when writing a short essay, as you would with a longer essay.
When creating a good flow, the instructor or professor can identify with your argument. You invite them to your world and keep them to the end of the essay. Even as you signpost, be meticulous just as you would with transition words. Ensure that you use it sparingly and as necessary.
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How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent Essays
by William Wadsworth | Last updated Feb 17, 2023 | First published on Oct 9, 2019 | 0 comments
by William Wadsworth
The Cambridge-educated memory psychologist & study coach on a mission to help YOU ace your exams . Helping half a million students in 175+ countries every year to study smarter, not harder. Supercharge your studies today with our time-saving, grade-boosting “genius” study tips sheet .
Looking to take your essay to the next level WITHOUT learning a load of complex structures, knotty grammar and fancy vocabulary? It’s simple: start using signposting words and you’ll level up your essays, dissertations and assignments in no time at all!
And here’s how to use signposting words to improve your writing in 5 easy steps:
First up, what is signposting in writing?
Not sure what I’m talking about? It’s actually pretty simple:
Signposting in writing acts just like signposts on a hike! Imagine a handily placed wooden post that proudly proclaims “ You are here! Conclusion: 3 miles “.
Essentially, they stop your reader from getting lost in the forest of your words and arguments.
Using signposting in your essays is all about adding strategically placed words and phrases to create a clear map of your structure. You need to scatter them throughout the path of your essay to show your reader where they are in the discussion and what’s up next – just like the physical signposts that point the way on a hike!
There are two common uses for signposts in your writing:
Firstly, to point out the structure of your overall essay or next section / chapter – usually in the introduction
And secondly, to remind your reader of that structure and show how everything links together
You probably already use some signposting words and phrases naturally as you write. Did you spot how I used it in the bullet points above?
For a truly top-mark essay, it’s best to plan out where you want to put some signposts to make your essay as streamlined and persuasive as possible!
Why bother using signposting words? An example!
There are plenty of benefits to using signposting words and phrases in your writing!
Most importantly, signposting language improves the clarity and readability of your essay. These are both important things that help your examiner understand your argument as smoothly as possible (great for top marks!).
Your examiner / teacher won’t get lost, have to re-read a paragraph or two, get frustrated … and dock you marks ! All achieved by some simple, well-placed vocab.
Let me show you the power of using signposting words in your essay writing:
Take a look at this example of writing without any signposting language. It reads like a series of disjointed information. Do you understand it easily?
So how can we improve this paragraph, and make the structure of our argument crystal clear – simply by adding signposting words?
Take a look at the next version of this example, now with signposting – it’s so much easier to understand !
Thanks to History On The Net for refreshing my high school history to be able to write these examples…
You can see how the highlighted green signposting language immediately makes the listed causes and examples easily identifiable. As an added bonus: any vague phrases ( “several factors”, “these factors” ) have been clarified with specifics, and paragraph breaks make the structure obvious!
Signposting makes everyone happy – trust me!
Your examiners, teachers and tutors LOVE it when you use signposting. And not just because it makes their job easier! But because:
Using signposting properly helps your writing s ound professional, establishing your authority and skill in your topic instantly . This is a great skill to develop before college applications are due!
Plus, you’re creating a sense of anticipation for what is to come in your reader – you’ll make reading your arguments enjoyable!
No one loves spending time marking, so by making your reader’s life easier, they may be inclined to generosity when it comes to awarding your mark.
By making your argument and structure as clear as possible , you give yourself the best possible chance of getting all the credit you deserve! Both for the quality of the points you made, and the style with which you strung them together.
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How to use signposting words in your writing: 5 easy steps!
So, how to start incorporating signposting into your essays?
Remember that analogy between signposting language and actual signposts that keep you from getting lost on countryside hikes?
Well, it’s time to set out your latest essay draft on the table like an unchartered forest, and make a map ! Your signposting vocab list: that’s your stash of wooden arrows to hammer into the ground next to forks in the trees. Or (if you prefer different imagery) your Hansel and Gretel breadcrumbs, or luminous glow-sticks!
So grab a pen and some scrap paper for mapping out your overall structure and noting where you might need a signpost. And then start at the beginning 😊
Leave no reader behind!
Step 1: Give your reader the map
One of the most important places to add clear signposting words to your essay is right at the beginning, in the introduction.
This is where you hand your unsuspecting reader a map that shows them what to expect from the structure of your essay.
Here’s an example of structural signposting in an introduction:
“ This essay will explore the beautiful scenery surrounding Yorkshire’s magical Malham Cove. The analysis begins with a gentle riverside stroll to explore the argument surrounding the history of Janet’s Foss. This is followed by a short walk into the dramatic evaluation of five pros and cons of rock climbing at Gordale Scar . Next, this essay will examine the geological evidence during a scenic hilly stroll across to the beautiful Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove. Finally, the conclusion will draw together the themes of history and tourism and will suggest that future walks should be finished at the pub in Malham.
Immediately, our reader (or hiker) will know to expect in order: an analysis, historical argument, five pros and cons, and an examination of the evidence. And they also know what themes and suggestions our conclusion will focus on – great for keeping their mind focused on these concepts as they read.
In our short WWI example above, the map is quite simple but clear. I started by saying that “ there were five interlinked causes ”. That’s all that was needed for our reader to know to watch for 5 signposts on the route!
Top tip : It’s important to be as specific as you can when signposting! Notice there were five causes, and five pros and cons. Not “ some causes “, not even “ the pros and cons “. That number is really helpful in setting out the map.
Here are some more examples of introductory signposting in action:
“There are six reasons why…”
“… happened in eight steps”
“We need to evaluate three factors when deciding…”
“There are two reasons to support X, and three reasons to support Y.”
“There are three good reasons to …, but one strong reason not to”
A good introduction should include at least one sentence with signposting like this, to prepare your reader.
Want to learn some more kick-ass techniques for starting your essay off on the right foot ? Check out our guide to all things introduction, from mysteries and drama to facts and assumptions!
Step 1 BONUS: point out the sights for a more detailed map
For longer essays or dissertations, you might offer more than a single introductory paragraph.
In that case, part of your signposting might be a short description of what each area of discussion or chapter will cover :
For example, heading back to the causes of WWI : if we were writing several long paragraphs exploring the historical context of each of the five causes, then setting all five out in the introduction would be helpful to the reader.
This style of signposting makes use of lots of listing words and phrases: firstly, secondly, this will be followed by … and is often presented in a long list following a colon ( : ) and separated by semi-colons ( ; ).
You might also give an overview of any facts and evidence explored, or theories questioned .
Think of it like a note in your hike directions: “ Along this stretch of the river there have been several reported sightings of the elusive signposting moth, and this analysis will examine their validity in light of … “
This will give your reader a better understanding of the arguments within your overall structure – and fuel their anticipation!
Here are some examples of signposting phrases for complex arguments:
“First, evidence for … will be put forward.”
“ Second, I will discuss …”
“This will lead, third, to an examination of…”
“… which will be followed, fourth, by exploration of…”
Here’s a quick toolbox of useful verbs you can use to keep your writing varied when presenting more complex “maps” of this nature: discuss, divide, examine, explore, present, put forward evidence for .
Step 2: Show them where they are on your map
If you’ve given your reader a clear map at the start, then this step is simple to add to your essays! It’s the big “ YOU ARE HERE! ” marker on the map.
As you progress through your essay – and especially at the start of new sections:
You just refer back to the structure you told them you were following , and explain which section you are moving into as you make each fresh argument.
For a simple list of points (as in the First World War example above), this could be as simple as starting each paragraph with a s ignposting word that points to your list (in words, never a numeral!):
“The first of these five underlying causes was …”
“Secondly, imperialism, which often … “
“Fourth, there was strong nationalism in …”
For longer essays, your reminder signposts might be as simple as repeating the purpose of this next section. State your signposting directly and clearly, for example:
This analysis of the arguments surrounding the history of Janet’s Foss begins with …
Following on from this dispute, it is necessary to examine the geological evidence found on the Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove.
Even if a reader is skimming your essay quickly, it will still be obvious where they are in the overall structure of your argument. Even better, it makes it easy for them to skip ahead or go back to check an earlier point without getting totally lost.
Step 3: Use connectives to join up the journey
When it comes to effective essay writing, connective words are an important tool in your arsenal.
And connective words can be a great help when it comes to signposting too. Think of them as a thread you can use to connect your essay into a logical flow (detours included!).
Having a list of signposting connective words on hand is great for linking together points, paragraphs and arguments. You can use them to:
Show contrasting sides of a debate
Develop a point further
Describe things in order
Provide examples
Demonstrate results
So to get you started, here’s a list of some of the top signposting words for connecting up your essay:
Here are some examples of how you can put together connecting signposting words at the start of a new section to indicate different things:
Nevertheless, the following two counter-arguments are …
Furthermore, we found that X was … as demonstrated by …
Third, and in contrast, X was not a common feature of …
Step 4: Break up long journeys with paragraph breaks and subheadings
Nobody likes encountering a long and daunting wall of text.
Happily, paragraph breaks are a form of signposting in and of themselves. They show the reader when you are entering a new sub-section of your argument .
I’m not a big fan of a hard-and-fast rules about how many sentences a paragraph should contain: some sentences are short, others are long. Sometimes, a good paragraph might only be a couple of relatively long sentences. Other times, you might have five or six shorter ones.
If you’re not sure about the paragraph conventions of your writing genre, check out our ultimate guide to paragraph lengths for some specific advice!
In the meantime, remember that:
Signposting will help to keep your essay clear even as you make longer, multi-paragraph points. Use connectives to indicate which paragraphs belong to which sections of your overall structure.
In many areas of academia, there is an established protocol for headings (e.g. “Abstract / Introduction / Methodology / Results / Conclusion”).
Feel free to add subheadings under these major headings if you feel it will help your reader, especially in the sections that tend to get longer, such as the Methodology and Results.
Top Tip: Make sure to check that your newly signposted sentences and paragraphs still make sense grammatically with available tools such as Grammarly * – even the free version will give your mistake-checking a boost!
5. Signpost the destination to conclude smartly
Finally, be sure to wrap things up with a clear conclusion statement that heralds your reader’s arrival back at the pub in Malham after their long (but hopefully enjoyable) hike!
You might begin with a phrase like this:
To summarise
In conclusion
To conclude
Your conclusion might also remind the reader of all the sights they’ve strolled through – a sort of reverse of the introduction, in which all your threads are pulled together to support your concluding arguments.
Here are some examples of concluding signposting phrases in action:
“ Finally, to summarise the geological and historical debates surrounding the impact of tourism in Malham Cove …”
“In conclusion, while these five factors were powerful on their own, what in my opinion made them particularly dangerous was their interlinked nature, where one would fuel the other…”
And so, in conclusion…
…when used well, signposting words will help YOU do well in your essays this year.
Just remember to make it obvious, and be specific – especially when it comes to numbers!
And once you’ve got your essay written and signposted, check out my guides for successful proofreading , and printing and binding , to make sure that you hand in a winning assignment!
For more help becoming a phenomenal essay and exam-answers writer, I am currently accepting clients for 1:1 coaching – read more and get in touch here .
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Topic sentences and signposts make an essay's claims clear to a reader. Good essays contain both. Topic sentences reveal the main point of a paragraph. They show the relationship of each paragraph to the essay's thesis, telegraph the point of a paragraph, and tell your reader what to expect in the paragraph that follows. Topic sentences also establish their relevance right away, making clear why the points they're making are important to the essay's main ideas. They argue rather than report. Signposts , as their name suggests, prepare the reader for a change in the argument's direction. They show how far the essay's argument has progressed vis-ˆ-vis the claims of the thesis.
Topic sentences and signposts occupy a middle ground in the writing process. They are neither the first thing a writer needs to address (thesis and the broad strokes of an essay's structure are); nor are they the last (that's when you attend to sentence-level editing and polishing). Topic sentences and signposts deliver an essay's structure and meaning to a reader, so they are useful diagnostic tools to the writer—they let you know if your thesis is arguable—and essential guides to the reader
Forms of Topic Sentences
Sometimes topic sentences are actually two or even three sentences long. If the first makes a claim, the second might reflect on that claim, explaining it further. Think of these sentences as asking and answering two critical questions: How does the phenomenon you're discussing operate? Why does it operate as it does?
There's no set formula for writing a topic sentence. Rather, you should work to vary the form your topic sentences take. Repeated too often, any method grows wearisome. Here are a few approaches.
Complex sentences. Topic sentences at the beginning of a paragraph frequently combine with a transition from the previous paragraph. This might be done by writing a sentence that contains both subordinate and independent clauses, as in the example below.
Although Young Woman with a Water Pitcher depicts an unknown, middle-class woman at an ordinary task, the image is more than "realistic"; the painter [Vermeer] has imposed his own order upon it to strengthen it.
This sentence employs a useful principle of transitions: always move from old to new information. The subordinate clause (from "although" to "task") recaps information from previous paragraphs; the independent clauses (starting with "the image" and "the painter") introduce the new information—a claim about how the image works ("more than Ôrealistic'") and why it works as it does (Vermeer "strengthens" the image by "imposing order").
Questions. Questions, sometimes in pairs, also make good topic sentences (and signposts). Consider the following: "Does the promise of stability justify this unchanging hierarchy?" We may fairly assume that the paragraph or section that follows will answer the question. Questions are by definition a form of inquiry, and thus demand an answer. Good essays strive for this forward momentum.
Bridge sentences. Like questions, "bridge sentences" (the term is John Trimble's) make an excellent substitute for more formal topic sentences. Bridge sentences indicate both what came before and what comes next (they "bridge" paragraphs) without the formal trappings of multiple clauses: "But there is a clue to this puzzle."
Pivots. Topic sentences don't always appear at the beginning of a paragraph. When they come in the middle, they indicate that the paragraph will change direction, or "pivot." This strategy is particularly useful for dealing with counter-evidence: a paragraph starts out conceding a point or stating a fact ("Psychologist Sharon Hymer uses the term Ônarcissistic friendship' to describe the early stage of a friendship like the one between Celie and Shug"); after following up on this initial statement with evidence, it then reverses direction and establishes a claim ("Yet ... this narcissistic stage of Celie and Shug's relationship is merely a transitory one. Hymer herself concedes . . . "). The pivot always needs a signal, a word like "but," "yet," or "however," or a longer phrase or sentence that indicates an about-face. It often needs more than one sentence to make its point.
Signposts operate as topic sentences for whole sections in an essay. (In longer essays, sections often contain more than a single paragraph.) They inform a reader that the essay is taking a turn in its argument: delving into a related topic such as a counter-argument, stepping up its claims with a complication, or pausing to give essential historical or scholarly background. Because they reveal the architecture of the essay itself, signposts remind readers of what the essay's stakes are: what it's about, and why it's being written.
Signposting can be accomplished in a sentence or two at the beginning of a paragraph or in whole paragraphs that serve as transitions between one part of the argument and the next. The following example comes from an essay examining how a painting by Monet, The Gare Saint-Lazare: Arrival of a Train, challenges Zola's declarations about Impressionist art. The student writer wonders whether Monet's Impressionism is really as devoted to avoiding "ideas" in favor of direct sense impressions as Zola's claims would seem to suggest. This is the start of the essay's third section:
It is evident in this painting that Monet found his Gare Saint-Lazare motif fascinating at the most fundamental level of the play of light as well as the loftiest level of social relevance. Arrival of a Train explores both extremes of expression. At the fundamental extreme, Monet satisfies the Impressionist objective of capturing the full-spectrum effects of light on a scene.
The writer signposts this section in the first sentence, reminding readers of the stakes of the essay itself with the simultaneous references to sense impression ("play of light") and intellectual content ("social relevance"). The second sentence follows up on this idea, while the third serves as a topic sentence for the paragraph. The paragraph after that starts off with a topic sentence about the "cultural message" of the painting, something that the signposting sentence predicts by not only reminding readers of the essay's stakes but also, and quite clearly, indicating what the section itself will contain.
Copyright 2000, Elizabeth Abrams, for the Writing Center at Harvard University
Signposting is how you guide your reader and indicate to them the direction your writing will take. It can help to make your discussion flow smoothly by connecting the ideas and arguments in your writing and avoid the reader having to guess what is happening or what is being argued.
A lack of signposting can lead to writing with abrupt, disjointed breaks, stopping and starting with each new point, leaving the reader wondering what your points have to do with one another or what their relevance is. In this way, your writing can lose direction, become confused and read more like a series of unrelated points. A lack of signposting can also indicate that your argument is more descriptive than analytical.
introductions, conclusions and outlining main arguments; the signalling of key points in paragraphs through topic sentences.
connecting sentences/words that help guide the reader through the argument by linking ideas within your writing and indicating the direction of the discussion.
In addition to presenting your argument, you should guide the reader as you are doing it. Tell the reader what you will discuss next, then discuss it, then tell them what you have just done. These are your major signposts. Doing this helps the reader understand why you are discussing something and how it relates to the overall argument. At the same time, it forces you to write more concisely and avoid unnecessary repetition. The reader expects and needs signposts. You need to include headings or transitional sentences between major sections of your writing to indicate to your reader that you have finished one section and are moving on to another. Major signposts are used in the introduction to indicate how you are going to address the assignment, the key themes you will cover and in which order. They are also used to direct the reader throughout the assignment and to signal the conclusion. They can also indicate to the reader the important elements of your writing such as the purpose and connection between points.
Signposts can also be used to signal transition in your writing. These signposts are words or phrases that express a connection between two ideas and make the transition from one point to the next in sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your writing and help your reader understand the logic of how your ideas fit together and the direction of your discussion. Without them, it can be difficult to follow the flow of ideas in your writing. They can help your reader see how a part of your argument is being continued, developed, challenged, changed, or summarised. Used within your paragraphs, they can help your reader move from one idea to another as well as move to the next paragraph and avoids any jarring changes of topic that leave your reader struggling to understand the connection between two paragraphs. Rather than leap from one idea to the next, a transitional word or phrase can help your ideas connect and flow and make your writing more reader friendly. You can also think of a transition as a sort of bridge between ideas or between paragraphs. Transition sentences can inform the reader when your writing is moving from one idea to another, and how those ideas are connected. Clear transitions will help to avoid a list style paper of seemingly unconnected points about an issue.
a clear challenge for
a different view is
admittedly
against this
all the same
alternatively
although
although this may be true
although true
(and) yet
another possibility
at the same time
balanced against
besides
better/worse still
claims
but
contrastingly
conversely
correspondingly
despite this/being
differing from
equally
even so
even though
for all that
however
in/by comparison
in/by contrast
in fact
in opposition
in spite of
instead
likewise
nevertheless
nonetheless
notwithstanding
on the contrary
on the one/other hand
otherwise
rather
though
unlike
whereas
while/whilst
an example of this is
an illustration of this is
another example
as an example
as an illustration
as follows
a typical/particular/key example
chiefly
clearly
especially
for example
for instance
including
in effect
in other words
in particular
in the case of
in this case
in this situation
mainly
most importantly
namely
naturally
notably
not least
obviously
one such
particularly
primarily
say
significantly
specifically
such as
that is
that is to say
thus
to be more precise
to demonstrate/this demonstrates
to illustrate
to show that
to simplify
typical of this/such
above all
accordingly
additionally
again
also
another
apart from this
as a result
as well as
as with
at the same time
besides
collectively
comparatively
compared to
correspondingly
coupled with
equally
equally important
equivalent to
further
furthermore
in addition
in a similar way/fashion
in/by comparison
indeed
in essence
in the same way/manner
it could also be said
just as…so too
likewise
more importantly
moreover
next
relatedly
similarly
similar to
taken together
too
accepting/assuming this
accordingly
as a result/consequence
as previously stated
as such
as this assignment/research has demonstrated
because of this/that
clearly then
consequently
the effect of this is
finally
from the evidence detailed it seems that
from this it can be seen that
for this/that reason
given these points
has been noted/shown
hence
in all
in brief
in conclusion
in essence
in order to
in short
in summary
in the end
in the final analysis
in this/that case
in view of this
it follows that
it is evident
it might be concluded from this
leading to
on the whole
otherwise
overall
owing to/due to the fact that
resulting from/in consequence of this
since
so
subsequently
then
therefore
these examples show that
this evidence strongly suggests that
this implies
this may stem from
this suggests that
throughout
thus
to conclude
to summarise
to sum up
ultimately
whenever
above all
additionally
after
after that
afterwards
another
as long as
as soon as
at first
at last
at length
at present
at that/this time
at the same time
at this/that point
before
concurrently
consequently
currently
during
earlier
eventually
first and foremost
first and most importantly
finally
first(ly)
first of all
followed by
following on
following this
formerly
gradually
henceforth
immediately
in addition
initially
in the first/second place
in the past
lastly
lastly and most importantly
meanwhile
more/most importantly
moreover
next
once
previously
primarily
prior to (that)
recently
second(ly)
simultaneously
since
so far
soon
subsequently
then
thereafter
third(ly)
to begin/start with
ultimately
until now
while
above all
certainly
chiefly
clearly
conceivably
conclusively
crucially
doubtless
especially
evidently
for this reason
indeed
in fact
it should be noted
no doubt
of course
particularly
significantly
singularly
surely
undoubtedly
unfortunately
unquestionably
with attention to
as a rule
as usual
for the most part
generally
generally speaking
in most cases
on the whole
ordinarily
usually
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Better Essays: Signposting
Improving your essays
Explore how to structure your assignments, introduce new topics and take your reader on a journey
Essays can be considered a journey from the introduction to the conclusion. You're the driver, your readers are the passengers, and signposts are the roads you choose to take. The principles discussed here apply to most types of assignment.
Not signposting your essay is a bit like sleeping on a journey and only waking up occasionally – it can be disorientating. You'll wonder where you are and how you got there. Your tutors can feel this way if your content isn't clearly signposted.
The examples below are suggestions and you don't need to reproduce them exactly; each word and phrase has a precise meaning so you should check their meaning before you use them. Most of these terms can be used in any section of an essay, but some will suits particular fields more than others.
What signposting means
Signposting means using words to tell your reader about the content of your essay to help them understand as clearly as possible. Here are three examples of signposts and what they mean:
Signpost example
Meaning
…in order to explain and understand the causes of this offence, it would be useful to apply the criminological theory.
The reader knows that you'll use theory to explore and explain a criminal offence.
There are several ways in which the new style shopping centres may be seen as attractive.
The reader knows that you'll include at least two aspects of attractiveness.
Another issue which often concerns feminists is the pay gap.
The reader is reminded that you've already covered one issue, and introduces another.
Types of signposting
You can signposting using single words, short phrases, long phrases, or whole sentences. Examples of each are provided below:
single words: however, furthermore, initially
short phrases: in contrast, in conclusion, an additional point is
sentence: Having discussed the reliability of the research, this report will next address its validity.
Signposting in the introduction, body and conclusion
These lists include some terms you could use for signposting in your introduction, main body and conclusion.
Signposting in the introduction
You could use an opening statement like this to signpost your introduction:
This essay will:
It will then:
To quantify what your essay will do, you could say: 'This essay will address three aspects'. You could also signpost how this will be done, for example: 'This essay will attempt to determine whether cats are better pets than dogs by analysing studies of their behaviour.'
Signposting in the body
These examples show a word or phrase and what it tells the reader:
'This essay will now' — introduces what is next
'Furthermore' — takes the point, issue, or data further
'In contrast' — includes a strong alternative or challenge
'However' — adds an alternative or challenge, but less strongly than the phrase 'In contrast'
Signposting don't always have a statement of intent (like 'It will then', or 'In addition'). You could say: 'Cats are often seen as less affectionate than dogs'.
Signposting in conclusions
You can use many terms and phrases from the introduction and main body of your essay in the conclusion too, but not all of them are appropriate. You shouldn't introduce new material in a conclusion and can use the past perfect tense ('This essay has focused on') or present tense ('This essay shows that').
Download our signposting for better essays revision sheet
Download this page as a PDF for your essay signposting revision notes.
Writing: flow and coherence
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“Do not expect your reader to make the connections in your ideas ... make those connections explicit” Andy Gillet, Angela Hammond and Mary Martala, Successful Academic Writing
Signposting words and phrases are essential elements of academic writing - they make your writing flow. By making explicit how points are connected to each other you make it easier for your reader to follow your arguments . The reader is, after all, your marker and you don't want to make their job too hard. This page gives you a selection of common phrases that you can use to link together your paragraphs and so make logical connections between your ideas.
Signposts to introduce something new
One aspect which illustrates … can be identified as …
The current debate about … illustrates/identifies/highlights …
With regard to…/ with respect to…
Initially/secondly/finally, …
Continuing an argument with a related point
Furthermore, …
To further understand the role of …
In addition, …
Similarly, …
Likewise, …
What is more, …
Moreover, …
Another issue regarding … is …
Another line of thought on … is …
Going into more detail on a point/rephrasing
In particular, …
Specifically, …
Concentrating on …
By focusing on … in more detail, it is possible to …
To be more precise, …
In other words, …
To put simply … /To simplify, ...
Linking to a different point
Having established …, it is possible to consider …
… is one key issue; another of equal/ similar importance/significance is …
Also of importance is the issue of …
Reintroducing a topic
As discussed/explained earlier, …
The earlier discussion on … can be developed further here, …
As stated previously, …
As noted above, …
Introducing an opposing/alternative view
However, …
Conversely, …
In contrast, …
Alternatively, …
Nevertheless/Nonetheless, …
An alternative perspective is given by … who suggests/argues that …
Despite this, …
This conflicts with the view held by …
Reasoning/summarising the point
Consequently/As a consequence, …
Accordingly, …
Therefore, …
What this means/suggests is...
It could be concluded that …
The strength of such an approach is that …
For this reason …
Evidently*, …
Clearly/It is clear that, …*
Naturally*, …
It is clear that* …
In short, …
From this, it can be concluded/inferred/suggested that …
The evidence highlights that …
------ *Only use such phrases if you really are sure that your arguments cannot be challenged.
These are just a selection of the phrases you can you to make your writing flow and to keep the reader with you and following your line of argument. Academics often complain about a lack of this in assignments they mark so make sure you use them in your writing.
Don't overdo it . Only use signposts when they add clarity to your work. Some students try to put a signposting word into every sentence which can actually obscure meaning.
Be precise . The signposting words have very specific meanings. Only use a word like 'consequently' if you really mean that the following sentence is a true consequence of the previous one!
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Signposting in essays: A short guide
When should you signpost, signposting in conclusions.
How to use signposts
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Signposting in an introduction
The signposts in your introduction should indicate:
What the overall aim of your essay is ('This essay intends to...')
What ideas or factors will be discussed and in what order ('Firstly... secondly... finally...').
You may also wish to:
Justify why you have chosen to focus on certain aspects of a topic ('For this reason... will be the main focus of the essay.')
Quantify your aims or the content of your essay ('This essay will discuss three approaches to the issue of...')
Signposting throughout an essay
Throughout an essay you will probably use two types of signposting: small and large scale.
1. Large scale signposting tells the reader specifics about what is to come or what has gone before, for example:
'Having discussed the arguments in favour of the Third Way, it is also necessary to consider its limitations'.
2. Small scale signposts are individual words or short phrases which help to signal direction, such as:
Consequently
As a result
Alternatively
Additionally
The conclusion should remind your reader of the line of reasoning you have guided them through, and how your essay has answered the original question.
Verbs can be signposts, too
When introducing quotes or referring to other people's work, think about the verbs you can use. These can act as signposts to the reader in terms of how you feel about the theories or ideas you are discussing.
For example:
Shoolbred (2013) demonstrates...
Cooper (2014) claims...
Verbs like 'shows' or 'demonstrates' give the impression that you are endorsing a scholar's viewpoint, whereas verbs like 'asserts' or 'claims' indicate that you might be about to challenge their perspective. Never use a verb like 'proves' if that person did not actually prove something. Additionally, be careful with words like 'portrays' and 'conveys'. Find out their exact meaning and use them wisely.
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Academic writing
Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples
Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples
Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.
Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.
The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.
For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.
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Table of contents
When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.
Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.
Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.
Example text with and without transition words
The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.
If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.
Don’t overuse transition words
While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.
In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.
The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.
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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.
Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.
Additive transition words
Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.
Function
Example sentence
Transition words and phrases
Addition
We found that the mixture was effective. , it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted.
indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both and , not only but also , , in fact
Introduction
Several researchers have previously explored this topic. , Smith (2014) examined the effects of …
such as, like, particularly, including, as an illustration, for example, for instance, in particular, to illustrate, especially, notably
Reference
The solution showed a high degree of absorption. , it is reasonable to conclude that …
considering , regarding , in regard to , as for , concerning , the fact that , on the subject of
Similarity
It was not possible to establish a correlation between these variables. , the connection between and remains unclear …
similarly, in the same way, by the same token, in like manner, equally, likewise
Clarification
The patient suffered several side effects, increased appetite, decreased libido, and disordered sleep.
that is (to say), namely, specifically, more precisely, in other words
Adversative transition words
Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.
Function
Example sentence
Transition words and phrases
Conflict
The novel does deal with the theme of family. , its central theme is more broadly political …
but, however, although, though, equally, by way of contrast, while, on the other hand, (and) yet, whereas, in contrast, (when) in fact, conversely, whereas
Concession
Jones (2011) argues that the novel reflects Russian politics of the time. this is correct, other aspects of the text must also be considered.
even so, nonetheless, nevertheless, even though, on the other hand, admittedly, despite , notwithstanding , (and) still, although, , regardless (of ), (and) yet, though, granted
Dismissal
It remains unclear which of these hypotheses is correct. , it can be inferred that …
regardless, either way, whatever the case, in any/either event, in any/either case, at any rate, all the same
Emphasis
The chemical is generally thought to have corrosive properties. , several studies have supported this hypothesis.
above all, indeed, more/most importantly
Replacement
The character of Godfrey is often viewed as selfish, self-absorbed.
(or) at least, (or) rather, instead, or (perhaps) even, if not
Causal transition words
Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.
Function
Example sentence
Transition words and phrases
Consequence
Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany.
therefore, because (of ), as a result (of ), for this reason, in view of , as, owing to x, due to (the fact that), since, consequently, in consequence, as a consequence, hence, thus, so (that), accordingly, so much (so) that, under the/such circumstances, if so
Condition
We qualified survey responses as positive the participant selected “agree” or “strongly agree.” , results were recorded as negative.
(even/only) if/when, on (the) condition that, in the case that, granted (that), provided/providing that, in case, in the event that, as/so long as, unless, given that, being that, inasmuch/insofar as, in that case, in (all) other cases, if so/not, otherwise
Purpose
We used accurate recording equipment our results would be as precise as possible.
to, in order to/that, for the purpose of, in the hope that, so that, to the end that, lest, with this in mind, so as to, so that, to ensure (that)
Sequential transition words
Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.
Function
Example sentence
Transition words and phrases
Enumeration
This has historically had several consequences: , the conflict is not given the weight of other conflicts in historical narratives. , its causes are inadequately understood. , …
first, second, third…
Initiation
, I want to consider the role played by women in this period.
in the first place, initially, first of all, to begin with, at first
Continuation
, I discuss the way in which the country’s various ethnic minorities were affected by the conflict.
subsequently, previously, eventually, next, before , afterwards, after , then
Conclusion
, I consider these two themes in combination.
to conclude (with), as a final point, eventually, at last, last but not least, finally, lastly
Resumption
my main argument, it is clear that …
to return/returning to , to resume, at any rate
Summation
Patel (2015) comes to a similar conclusion. , the four studies considered here suggest a consensus that the solution is effective.
as previously stated/mentioned, in summary, as I have argued, overall, as has been mentioned, to summarize, briefly, given these points, in view of , as has been noted, in conclusion, in sum, altogether, in short
Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.
Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.
Confused use of therefore
“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.
We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.
The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”
We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.
Starting a sentence with also , and , or so
While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.
Also , a second round of testing was carried out.
To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.
A second round of testing was also carried out.
Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.
Transition words creating sentence fragments
Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.
The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.
Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.
We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”
Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.
And vs. as well as
Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.
Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”
Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.
Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”
Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.
Use of and/or
The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.
First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.
Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.
Archaic transition words
Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.
Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.
These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.
Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.
Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing
With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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Good Essay Writing: A Social Sciences Guide
Student resources, great signposting words.
The art of signposting is using key words and phrases to enable the reader to navigate their way through your argument. Here are some signposting words that will prove invaluable in that process. You may have your own favourites.
Great Signposting Words – download for a table of signposting synonyms.
Signposting
Major Signposts
Mainly used in the introduction to indicate how you are going to address the assignment, the key themes you will cover and in which order. They are also used to direct the reader throughout the assignment and to signal the conclusion.
Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
There are many more examples in the Academic Phrasebank More information on How to write introductions
Linking words and phrases
Use these to link your ideas, sentences and paragraphs into a coherent narrative or argument. This makes it much easier to understand, showing the relationship between your ideas and demonstrating your critical thinking.
Above all, equally important, especially, indeed, in fact, in particular, most important.
For example, for instance, in particular, namely, specifically.
In the same way, likewise, similarly.
and yet, but at the same time, even so, for all that, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise.
Accordingly, as a result, consequently, for that reason, for this purpose, hence, therefore.
Again, at first, at least, at length, at once, at that time, at the same time, concurrently, during this time, earlier, eventually, finally, first, second, third.
all in all, altogether, as has been noted, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in simpler terms, in summary.
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By Rory Smith
For almost half a century, the BBC’s broadcast schedule on a Saturday afternoon was both startlingly simple and comfortably unchanging. It amounted, in fact, to just a single word, one that somehow conveyed everything while telling viewers absolutely nothing. That word was Grandstand.
As anyone who has ever tried explaining the idea of a landline telephone to a teenager will know, the speed with which technology has shifted has rendered certain concepts not just redundant but somehow alien to generations who did not directly experience them.
The program “Grandstand” falls squarely into that category. From the moment it first appeared in 1958, it was a cornerstone of British broadcasting, a national institution, its bright, jolly theme song burned into the country’s consciousness. Its timings were consistent: “Grandstand” was on (almost) every Saturday, from midday until a little after 5 p.m.
Its content, though, was not. “Grandstand" was bookmarked by two soccer-related elements: “Football Focus,” a magazine-style preview of the weekend’s games, and “Final Score,” in which the host and a phalanx of reporters tracked the results live as they happened.
What happened in the middle was a sort of sporting potpourri, the exact opposite of on-demand television. Some weekends might contain international rugby or live tennis from Wimbledon or a Formula 1 grand prix. Others, a little thinner, might bring you hot badminton action from Kuala Lumpur, a few frames of snooker or some lawn bowling. (American readers of a certain age are probably flashing back to “Wide World of Sports” at this point, so here’s its famous intro .)
In 2001, the BBC made a slight tweak to the format, sluicing off “Football Focus” and “Final Score” as separate, identifiable entities. The Grandstand brand — beloved, but hemorrhaging viewers to satellite and cable broadcasters who had, by that stage, bought the television rights to anything anyone wanted to watch — would now apply only to the filling.
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How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent
How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent
How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent
Expository Essays Made Easy: 5 Tips to Writing Better
How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent
Scholarship essay: Signposting in essays
COMMENTS
Signposting
Signposting words and phrases are essential elements of academic writing - they make your writing flow. By making explicit how points are connected to each other you make it easier for your reader to follow your arguments. The reader is, after all, your marker and you don't want to make their job too hard. This page gives you a selection of ...
Signposting in an Essay: What it is and a list of Phrases to use
Signposting also makes your writing enjoyable; you sound professional in your arguments. In addition, when you signpost, the structure of your essay, especially in the introduction, helps you present your arguments well. Here are eight effective strategies, tips, and tricks you can use when signposting to write an essay that scores an A. 1.
How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent Essays
Using signposting words is the quickest and easiest way to supercharge your writing - with examples, vocab lists and an easy five-step guide! About; Blog. ... One of the most important places to add clear signposting words to your essay is right at the beginning, in the introduction.
Effective Signposting
Effective Signposting. Signposts are words or phrases that help articulate the structure of a piece of writing and ensure that readers don't get lost. Signposting will flag the most important parts of an argument, signal transitions, and clarify the stakes of an argument. Here are some examples of helpful signposts:
Topic Sentences and Signposting
The pivot always needs a signal, a word like "but," "yet," or "however," or a longer phrase or sentence that indicates an about-face. It often needs more than one sentence to make its point. Signposts. Signposts operate as topic sentences for whole sections in an essay. (In longer essays, sections often contain more than a single paragraph.)
Signposting
Academic Skills Kit. Writing. Academic Writing. Signposting. Signposting language can help you guide the reader through your writing and make sure the order is clear and flows well. These are small words or phrases that help the reader follow your argument, understand the relationship between your ideas and anticipate what's going to come next.
Signpost to guide your readers
Use signposting to show the reader the connections and relationships between the ideas you present. Use signposting throughout your writing so that you and the reader stay on track and can easily follow your work. Use a range of different signposting strategies: simple words and phrases, sub-headings, transition sentences, link words and reminders.
The Writing Center
Return to all guides. "Signposts" are short phrases that writers use to highlight the connections between ideas and sentences. Functions of Signposting Language. 1) They highlight a point. "The fish-tetrapod transition has been called the greatest step in vertebrate history (Long and Gordon, 2004) and even one of the most significant ...
The three kinds of signposting in academic writing (and when to use
There's overview signposting, summary signposting, and navigation signposting. is the kind that you use in the introduction to your dissertation and also in the introduction of each of your chapters. 'In this chapter I do this. I first do this, before doing this. Then, I do this, before concluding with a discussion of this.'.
Signposting in essays: A short guide
Using signposts precisely. It can make your work seem sloppy if you use signposting words in the wrong contexts. Avoid the temptation to dot signposting words throughout your text at random. Think carefully about the link between two paragraphs or phrases, and choose a word that effectively conveys that link. For example, 'however' should ...
PDF Signpost words and phrases
Simply adding a few connecting words - known as "signposts" - make it much more readable: Incorporation offers several advantages to businesses and their owners. For one thing, ownership is easy to transfer. The business is able to maintain a continuous existence even when the original owners are no longer involved (Brown, 1999).
Signposting, Transitions & Linking Words/Phrases
There are two main types of signposting: Major Signposts: introductions, conclusions and outlining main arguments; the signalling of key points in paragraphs through topic sentences. Transitions & Linking Words/Phrases: connecting sentences/words that help guide the reader through the argument by linking ideas within your writing and indicating ...
Signposting
Signposting. Signposts are words and phrases that guide the reader through your argument. This language feature indicates the logical progression of your critical position and the links between your points. You can use signposts to introduce your critical position, indicate the development of your position, introduce alternative views, rebut ...
Better Essay Signposting
What signposting means. Signposting means using words to tell your reader about the content of your essay to help them understand as clearly as possible. Here are three examples of signposts and what they mean: …in order to explain and understand the causes of this offence, it would be useful to apply the criminological theory.
Signposting
Signposting words and phrases are essential elements of academic writing - they make your writing flow. By making explicit how points are connected to each other you make it easier for your reader to follow your arguments. The reader is, after all, your marker and you don't want to make their job too hard. This page gives you a selection of ...
Signposting in essays: A short guide
Quantify your aims or the content of your essay ('This essay will discuss three approaches to the issue of...') Signposting throughout an essay. Throughout an essay you will probably use two types of signposting: small and large scale. 1. Large scale signposting tells the reader specifics about what is to come or what has gone before, for example:
PDF Using 'signpost' words
These 'signpost' words and phrases make connections and transitions between the ideas in your writing. They help to make your argument clear to the reader by pointing out the relationship between your ideas, and where your line of thought is going. They can be used to signal the structure of your essay or the logical connections in your ...
Transition Words & Phrases
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
PDF Signposting
Signposting. Signposting language can help you guide the reader through your writing and make sure the order is clear and flows well. These are small words or phrases that help the reader follow your argument, understand the relationship between your ideas and anticipate what's going to come next. These words may not seem important, but they ...
What is Signposting in an Essay (+ 43 Signposting Words)
Signposting the structure of your essay strengthens the presentation of your argument, especially when used in the introduction. Here are six tips to keep in mind when using signposting words, to help you write an essay that stands out. 1. Address the main topic early on. You have only eight seconds to capture the reader's attention.
Great Signposting Words
Great Signposting Words; Transition Words; Writing Conclusions. Three Conclusions; Referencing. Referencing DOs and DON'Ts; Jumbled References; Essay Writing Skills an Other Forms of Social Science Writing. Identifying Social Science Essay Practice in Other Formats; Some Common Worries. When to Stop Writing; What Tutors Look for When Marking ...
PDF Signposting words and phrases
Signposting words and phrases Having researched your topic in preparation for writing an essay, you will probably have accumulated a wide range of facts, published research, and other inf ormation relevant to the topic. Many people simply throw these facts together in bo dy paragraphs, without properly applying them to the topic or signalling ...
Signposting
Linking words and phrases Use these to link your ideas, sentences and paragraphs into a coherent narrative or argument. This makes it much easier to understand, showing the relationship between your ideas and demonstrating your critical thinking.
Opinion
The culinary revolution of the 1990s has also exposed us to new words, and the cultures associated with them, in an ongoing way unknown to 1950s Americans for whom "pizza pie" was an exotic treat.
Should Soccer Make Space for Other Sports?
That distinction has only become more pronounced in the years since. The major leagues in the major sports — the Premier League, the Champions League, the N.B.A. and the N.F.L. — are now year ...
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Signposting words and phrases are essential elements of academic writing - they make your writing flow. By making explicit how points are connected to each other you make it easier for your reader to follow your arguments. The reader is, after all, your marker and you don't want to make their job too hard. This page gives you a selection of ...
Signposting also makes your writing enjoyable; you sound professional in your arguments. In addition, when you signpost, the structure of your essay, especially in the introduction, helps you present your arguments well. Here are eight effective strategies, tips, and tricks you can use when signposting to write an essay that scores an A. 1.
Using signposting words is the quickest and easiest way to supercharge your writing - with examples, vocab lists and an easy five-step guide! About; Blog. ... One of the most important places to add clear signposting words to your essay is right at the beginning, in the introduction.
Effective Signposting. Signposts are words or phrases that help articulate the structure of a piece of writing and ensure that readers don't get lost. Signposting will flag the most important parts of an argument, signal transitions, and clarify the stakes of an argument. Here are some examples of helpful signposts:
The pivot always needs a signal, a word like "but," "yet," or "however," or a longer phrase or sentence that indicates an about-face. It often needs more than one sentence to make its point. Signposts. Signposts operate as topic sentences for whole sections in an essay. (In longer essays, sections often contain more than a single paragraph.)
Academic Skills Kit. Writing. Academic Writing. Signposting. Signposting language can help you guide the reader through your writing and make sure the order is clear and flows well. These are small words or phrases that help the reader follow your argument, understand the relationship between your ideas and anticipate what's going to come next.
Use signposting to show the reader the connections and relationships between the ideas you present. Use signposting throughout your writing so that you and the reader stay on track and can easily follow your work. Use a range of different signposting strategies: simple words and phrases, sub-headings, transition sentences, link words and reminders.
Return to all guides. "Signposts" are short phrases that writers use to highlight the connections between ideas and sentences. Functions of Signposting Language. 1) They highlight a point. "The fish-tetrapod transition has been called the greatest step in vertebrate history (Long and Gordon, 2004) and even one of the most significant ...
There's overview signposting, summary signposting, and navigation signposting. is the kind that you use in the introduction to your dissertation and also in the introduction of each of your chapters. 'In this chapter I do this. I first do this, before doing this. Then, I do this, before concluding with a discussion of this.'.
Using signposts precisely. It can make your work seem sloppy if you use signposting words in the wrong contexts. Avoid the temptation to dot signposting words throughout your text at random. Think carefully about the link between two paragraphs or phrases, and choose a word that effectively conveys that link. For example, 'however' should ...
Simply adding a few connecting words - known as "signposts" - make it much more readable: Incorporation offers several advantages to businesses and their owners. For one thing, ownership is easy to transfer. The business is able to maintain a continuous existence even when the original owners are no longer involved (Brown, 1999).
There are two main types of signposting: Major Signposts: introductions, conclusions and outlining main arguments; the signalling of key points in paragraphs through topic sentences. Transitions & Linking Words/Phrases: connecting sentences/words that help guide the reader through the argument by linking ideas within your writing and indicating ...
Signposting. Signposts are words and phrases that guide the reader through your argument. This language feature indicates the logical progression of your critical position and the links between your points. You can use signposts to introduce your critical position, indicate the development of your position, introduce alternative views, rebut ...
What signposting means. Signposting means using words to tell your reader about the content of your essay to help them understand as clearly as possible. Here are three examples of signposts and what they mean: …in order to explain and understand the causes of this offence, it would be useful to apply the criminological theory.
Signposting words and phrases are essential elements of academic writing - they make your writing flow. By making explicit how points are connected to each other you make it easier for your reader to follow your arguments. The reader is, after all, your marker and you don't want to make their job too hard. This page gives you a selection of ...
Quantify your aims or the content of your essay ('This essay will discuss three approaches to the issue of...') Signposting throughout an essay. Throughout an essay you will probably use two types of signposting: small and large scale. 1. Large scale signposting tells the reader specifics about what is to come or what has gone before, for example:
These 'signpost' words and phrases make connections and transitions between the ideas in your writing. They help to make your argument clear to the reader by pointing out the relationship between your ideas, and where your line of thought is going. They can be used to signal the structure of your essay or the logical connections in your ...
Example sentence. Transition words and phrases. Addition. We found that the mixture was effective. Moreover, it appeared to have additional effects we had not predicted. indeed, furthermore, moreover, additionally, and, also, both x and y, not only x but also y, besides x, in fact. Introduction.
Signposting. Signposting language can help you guide the reader through your writing and make sure the order is clear and flows well. These are small words or phrases that help the reader follow your argument, understand the relationship between your ideas and anticipate what's going to come next. These words may not seem important, but they ...
Signposting the structure of your essay strengthens the presentation of your argument, especially when used in the introduction. Here are six tips to keep in mind when using signposting words, to help you write an essay that stands out. 1. Address the main topic early on. You have only eight seconds to capture the reader's attention.
Great Signposting Words; Transition Words; Writing Conclusions. Three Conclusions; Referencing. Referencing DOs and DON'Ts; Jumbled References; Essay Writing Skills an Other Forms of Social Science Writing. Identifying Social Science Essay Practice in Other Formats; Some Common Worries. When to Stop Writing; What Tutors Look for When Marking ...
Signposting words and phrases Having researched your topic in preparation for writing an essay, you will probably have accumulated a wide range of facts, published research, and other inf ormation relevant to the topic. Many people simply throw these facts together in bo dy paragraphs, without properly applying them to the topic or signalling ...
Linking words and phrases Use these to link your ideas, sentences and paragraphs into a coherent narrative or argument. This makes it much easier to understand, showing the relationship between your ideas and demonstrating your critical thinking.
The culinary revolution of the 1990s has also exposed us to new words, and the cultures associated with them, in an ongoing way unknown to 1950s Americans for whom "pizza pie" was an exotic treat.
That distinction has only become more pronounced in the years since. The major leagues in the major sports — the Premier League, the Champions League, the N.B.A. and the N.F.L. — are now year ...