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Vocabulary: Transition Signals & Signposting

Transition signals and signposting serve similar purposes in paragraph writing, but they differ in their
scope and function.
Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate a shift from one
idea to another within a paragraph or between paragraphs. They help
to maintain coherence and flow by guiding the reader through the
logical progression of ideas.

Examples of transition signals include “however,” “in addition,”
“moreover,” “on the other hand,” “furthermore,” and “consequently.”

Examples:

1. “However, despite these challenges, the company managed to achieve its sales targets for the
quarter.”
2. “In addition to cost savings, the new software solution also offers enhanced security features.”
3. “On the other hand, competitors have struggled to keep up with changing consumer
preferences.”

Signposting, on the other hand, refers to explicit statements that inform
the reader about the organization and structure of the text. Signposts
provide a roadmap for the reader, indicating what to expect and how the
information is structured. They often appear at the beginning or end of
paragraphs and sections.

Examples of signposting include introductory phrases like “Firstly,”
“Secondly,” “In conclusion,” “Moreover,” and “To summarize.”

Examples:

1. “Firstly, we will examine the impact of digital marketing strategies on brand awareness.”
2. “Moreover, our analysis reveals a strong correlation between customer satisfaction and repeat
purchases.”
3. “To summarize, the key findings highlight the importance of adapting to evolving market trends.”

Did you know that transition signals and signposting are
not just limited to written reports?
They play a crucial role in oral presentations as well.
Using these techniques effectively can enhance both clarity
and engagement in your presentations.

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English for Executive Administrative Assistant