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the main and supporting ideas. tions between ideas in writing. Knowing such
words will help you understand how the ideas
4. Identify text structure are connected and also help you make accurate

Identifying the structure of the text is predictions as you read.
another step in reading. A text will be divided 6� Signposts
into many paragraphs. The first paragraph
will be the introduction, and the last will be While reading, look for signposts. Sign-
the conclusion. A new paragraph may start posts help you find the important parts of a
a new idea or sometimes carry over an idea text. They also tell you that some things are not
from the previous paragraph. A single topic is so important. Words and phrases like ‘above
sometimes developed over many paragraphs. all’, ‘the main point to note’, ‘the important
A paragraph may also have more than one point is’, etc. tell you what is important. Some
topic. A text divided into paragraphs is easier signposts, like ‘There are three major facts to
to understand. So, when the text is not divided be noted’, tell you how many main points are
into paragraphs, try to divide them according there in the text. So, while reading, by paying
to their content. Breaking the text into para- attention to such signposts, important points
graphs helps the reader sort out the text and may be highlighted. Some signposts express
thus understand it better. This will also help text organisation. Phrases like ‘there are three
you to summarise the contents. important facts... firstly..’ suggest the order in
which the ideas are arranged. Some show a
5� Vocabulary change of topic, like ‘let us now consider’,

How can you understand the meaning of a ‘next’, ‘lastly’, etc.
word in context? Look at the words used. What Given below are certain words that are used
parts of speech do they belong to? What are to convey certain ideas. This will help you
linking words? How does a text link facts and understand the ideas while reading a text.
ideas? Linking words are used to mark connec-

Idea Words Used

Reason because, since, on account of

Contrast whereas, but, however

Conclusion consequently, as a result, to summarise/conclude, in short, therefore

Rephrasing in other words, i.e

Example for eg., for instance,to illustrate

Addition In addition, Furthermore

Fig 2.3.1 Words used in particular contexts

SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication 73