Signal Words and Text Structures

Choose the signal words that indicate chronological order.

• first, next, finally, 8:30, after

• cause, effect, as a result of, because

• problem, solution, promise, struggle

• compare, contrast, similar, different

Choose the signal words that indicate compare and contrast.

• therefore, cause, effect, consequently

• later, then, next, Monday

• similar, different, common, on the other hand

• possibility, struggle, hope, problem

Choose the signal words that indicate cause and effect.

• next, after, then, first, last

• struggle, promise, problem, solution

• consequently, as a result of, so, therefore

• similar, common, compare, contrast

Choose the signal words that indicate problem and solution.

• first, last, next, after

• cause, as a result of, consequently

• compare, similar, both, alike

• threat, difficulty, possibility, hope

"The beloved children's writer, Shel Silverstein is well known for his three books of children's poems. The first book, Where the Sidewalk Ends was first published in 1974. The second book, A Light in the Attic, came out seven years later in 1981. The final book, Falling Up, was published in 1996."

What words signal the author's organizational pattern?

• "The Sidewalk's End", "Falling Up"
• Beloved
• First, Second
• Shel Silverstein

Moths and butterflies often look similar. Both have large wings and long, thin bodies, and both start their lives as caterpillars. However, butterflies usually have brighter colors on their wings than moths. Also, butterflies are most active during the day, while moths are generally creatures of the night.
What words signal the author's organizational pattern?

• Moths, butterflies
• Both, similar, however, while
• long, thin
• creatures

To make a snowman, start by rolling a big ball for the body. Then roll a smaller ball and put it on top of the big ball to use as the head. Next, find two sticks to use as arms. Then you can use objects such as coal, a carrot, and raisins to make the face. Add a hat and your snowman is complete!

What words signal the author's organizational pattern?

• Snowman

• Sticks, coal

• Start, next, then,

• Make, use, add

Some of the students in room 52 were upset because they never got to use the balls and jump ropes  at recess. Another group of kids always got them first and they refused to share. When Mrs. Kelly found out what was going on, she developed a rotation system so that everyone would have a chance to use the equipment. 
What words signal the author's organizational pattern?

• balls, jump ropes, recess
• Some, another, she
• Upset, refused, developed, system
• rotation, equipment

When farmers use fertilizer to fertilize their crops, the left over fertilizer can run into nearby ponds, streams and rivers. The result is that the nutrient-rich fertilizer causes way too much algae to grow. All that algae is bad for the plants and animals that live there.
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What words signal the author's organizational pattern?

• When, the, all
• Fertilizer, crops, algae
• Use, run, grow
• Result, causes

Next time you are thirsty, try drinking a glass of water instead of a soda. Although both will quench your thirst, soda is full of sugar and chemicals. Water, on the other hand, is a much healthier choice. Water helps your digestive system to function properly and keeps you immune system strong so you won't get sick.
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What words signal the author's organizational pattern?

• Instead, although, on the other hand
• Quench, helps, keeps
• Water, soda
• glass, full, strong