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Signposting words and Phrases to use in Essays

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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.

How to signpost in an essay

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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Better Essays: Signposting

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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:

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.

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What is Signposting in an Essay (+ 43 Signposting Words)

Stefani H.

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Have you ever read any piece of academic work and come across phrases like “In this essay,” “this essay is about,” or “as we conclude?” These are signposting words or phrases, and we commonly use them in supporting points throughout an essay.

Essays need to have a logical flow and using signposting words can help you achieve that. They play an important role in keeping your readers focused on the point of discussion and the overall aim of the essay.

As a result, signposting in an essay is a technique you must have in your writing skillset . It is a surefire way to help readers understand your point or the connection between points, guide readers through your essay or remind them when you change direction and of key points.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what is signposting in an essay and also share 40 signposting words you can use.

Signposting in an Essay How It Works

Signposting gives your essays a certain flow and style that readers love. It shows how each point is connected, the link between paragraphs, what you are discussing, and where you are, so your readers can follow your essay with ease.

It involves using words and phrases that will require the reader much less concentration to understand your point.

Apart from helping the reader to easily follow your work, signposting in an essay makes your work enjoyable to read, as you will sound professional. 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. Besides, as little as 20% of readers read past the headline of an article or essay.

Your chances of having more people read past your essay headline lie in revealing to the reader where the text is heading early on.

Failure to do so, other things will distract them or they’ll begin to prejudice. As a result, don’t be afraid to tell readers what your essay is all about before you set off writing the meaty part of it.

For example, in your introduction, you can say, “this essay will discuss three factors affecting the gender pay gap...”.

2. Reiterate key points

As a writer, you can’t stop capturing your readers’ attention. You also need to keep them engaged and motivated to continue reading your essay.

You can achieve this by reminding your readers of where you are headed, key points, what you have covered, and what is coming. For example, you can use phrases like “the key point here is...” or “in other words...” or “I had already mentioned earlier that X == Y...”.

When you do so, it shows that the point matters and they need to take it into serious account. Another reason for reminding readers of the destination or key points is it brings them back to your essay just in case their minds wander away.

Consider also repeating complicated points—ones that are hard to comprehend because they may cause controversy or create unnecessary surprises.

Reminding readers of key points, destinations, and what you intend to write is a good orientation technique. So if you are talking about the same point, the reader will know from the repetition likewise, if you are talking about a different point.

3. Use paragraphs breaks and subheadings

Paragraph breaks and subheadings are also a form of signposting signals that keep readers focused on your essay by informing them when you are starting a new subsection or a new argument.

They are mostly ideal in longer essays such as research essays or after major headings like Methodology and Result which tend to get longer.

The trick around paragraph breaks is to use three to four paragraphs before starting another one. But we also know that some sentences will be shorter and others longer, so it is upon you to make the right judgment when using paragraph breaks or when splitting sentences.

Consider also using boldface to signal transition, while italics, underlining, and solid caps, keep the reader focused on your piece.

4. Use transitions well

Sometimes, a reader will easily understand how two sentences or paragraphs relate. Sometimes they won’t. If it is not obvious, make it obvious by adding transitions .

There are different transitions you can use to show different things. To illustrate a previous point, use “for example” or “for instance”.

To develop a point further, use “even more,” “in addition,” “furthermore,” or “similarly.” To contrast, a point, use “despite,” “however,” or “nevertheless.” This is just a snapshot. You can find more transitions in the next section of this text. Even so, cap the number of transitions you use to avoid boring the reader.

5. Write clear introductions and conclusions

Write clear introductions and conclusions . For instance, in the introduction, give the overall aim of the essay and share what will be discussed. In the body, signal what you intend to discuss and what is to come. Similarly, in conclusion, remind readers what you have discussed and whether you have answered the original question.

Essays tend to become complicated to read, and without a proper introduction and conclusion, your readers will lose interest.

It’s also a good idea to create an outline before you start drafting the essay. Outlines are like roadmaps. It gives your paper structure and guides you through the writing process.

6. Use signposting sparingly

The best way to communicate something to a reader more effectively and accurately is to use precise language and words. That is why it is prudent to carefully consider what words you are using and where in the text to place them. To avoid making your work look sloppy, avoid excessive signposting in an essay.

When you decide to link two paragraphs or two texts, think carefully about what words you would want to effectively convey your message. For example, if you choose a word like “in contrast,” ensure you want to add a strong alternative or challenge something. Do not use it if you want to add more weight to a previous point.

43 Signposting Words You Can Consider for your Essays

Having hinted at the importance of using signposting sparingly, we want to look at the common signposting words and phrases and where to use them to link your paragraphs or words so that your ideas have a logical connection and are easily understandable.

Here are the different ways you can use signposting, along with examples for inspiration.

A. To highlight a point

  • Importantly
  • More importantly
  • Furthermore
  • It is also important to highlight

B. Making a comparison

  • In contrast
  • On one hand
  • On the other hand
  • In comparison
  • Another point to consider is
  • Compared to

C. Summarizing

  • In conclusion
  • To summarize
  • The (number) main points are

D. Giving an example

  • For example
  • This can be illustrated by
  • For instance

E. Introducing a new perspective

  • Illustrates

F. Adding a similar point

G. being more specific.

  • In particular
  • More specifically
  • In relation to
  • In terms of
  • With respect to

In summary, we have discussed ways to make your writing or essay stronger, more easily understandable, and improve your writing as a whole through the use of signposting.

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When your professors find your line of reasoning and links between ideas easy to follow and understandable, they will be more engaged. You can achieve this by using signposting sparingly, adding paragraph breaks and subheadings, repeating key points and phrases, and revealing the main point or argument at the start of your essay.

Wondering how to submit a well-structured essay that doesn’t bore your readers? Write to us at Writers Per Hour and we’ll get our professional writers on the job. From researching and outlining to drafting the easy and revising it, you’re sure to receive A-grade essays.

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Writing academically: Signposting

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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.

Student holding sign saying "Here's a new idea"

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, …

student holding sign saying "...and there's more"

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 …

Student holding magnifying glass thinking "focus"

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, ...

Stident holding two signs saying "Here's a good point" and "& here's another"

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 …

Student holding sign saying "I want to look at this some more"

Reintroducing a topic

As discussed/explained earlier, …

The earlier discussion on … can be developed further here, …

As stated previously, …

As noted above, …

Student holding two signs saying "Some think this" and "Others disagree"

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 …

Student holding a sign saying "Am I persuading you?"

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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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:

“This essay examines biblical symbolism in Moby-Dick . . . ” This signpost states the focus of the essay .
“After a review of recent scholarship on biblical symbolism, I consider how Melville relates funerary symbolism to both death and rebirth . . . ” This signpost clarifies how the author’s focus is distinguished from previous scholarship .
“My purpose in focusing on Queequeg’s coffin . . . ” This signpost clarifies the stakes of the author’s argument .

Single words and short phrases can be useful signposts, such as additionally , consequently , however , also , in contrast . But make sure to use these words correctly. However should be used to pivot to an opposing idea or to acknowledge another side of an argument, and consequently indicates that an idea is a result or consequence of a previously discussed idea or point. Signposts that identify the sequence or direction of your argument can also be effective: for example, first , next , then , finally ; or first , second , third , and so on.

Using signposts can improve your writing by giving it structure and direction, but excessive signposting creates unnecessary wordiness and can give the impression that you don’t trust the reader’s ability to follow your argument or that you’re grafting signposts on to compensate for a poorly articulated argument. Here are some signposts that may do more harm than good:

“ It’s important to note that Melville’s treatment . . . ” Show, don’t tell, what is important.
“ What I want to call attention to in this passage . . . ” Skip the wordy opening; lead with “In this passage . . . ”
“ I will now turn to the pulpit of Father Mapple . . . ” If you’ve signposted your essay’s structure at its beginning, you don’t have to give directions throughout .
“ As I argued in the previous section, the symbolism of the white whale . . . ” If the point has been well made, your reader will remember it. Summarize it briefly, but you don’t need to mention the earlier section .

Early drafts of an essay are likely to include some extra signposting, because you may be developing and revising the essay’s structure as you write. For this reason, it’s a good idea to read the final draft of a piece of writing with an eye toward its transitions and signposts, to make sure that they support and clarify your argument. At this stage of revision, you can eliminate any wordy or excessive signposts.

Frank Nzewi 07 October 2021 AT 10:10 AM

This topic is useful to me, because it clarifies the use of signposting.

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signpost essay meaning

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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’re really the glue that holds a piece of writing together. Without signposting language, writing can lose direction, become confused and read like a series of unrelated points. Try reading the paragraph without them and see how it changes the meaning.

Signposting words are useful in the introduction to signal your structure, and echoed in the first lines of paragraphs to indicate how the paragraphs relate to each other. They are also useful at sentence level to make the links between them clear. There are different kinds of links and relationships, so you need to choose a signposting word that does the right job.

Signposting of order

You can use these kinds of signposting words to direct the reader through your writing, provide a ‘roadmap’ for the order in which you’re going to talk about things, help them keep on track throughout and remind them of key information or anticipate questions. This kind of signposting can be especially useful for introductions, conclusions and when transitioning from one big idea to another or talking about methods and procedures.

Informs readers of the writing’s overall structure.

  • First/Firstly,…
  • To begin with…
  • Second/Secondly,…
  • Afterwards,…
  • Following this…
  • To conclude,…

Helps readers anticipate content that’ll appear later in the writing.

  • In the following section…
  • As we shall see,…
  • As explored below,…
  • As will be explained later,…

Reminds readers of important information mentioned earlier.

  • In the previous section,…
  • As we have seen,…
  • As demonstrated above,…
  • As indicated earlier,…
  • As discussed previously,…
  • Prior to this,…
  • Initially,…

Helps readers identify where they are in the writing’s overall structure.

  • Turning now to…
  • Moving on to…
  • Having considered…we will now consider…
  • It is now necessary to…
  • This section identifies…

Signposting of relations

You can use these kinds of signposting words to show that you are constructing logical steps in your argument, show the relationship between ideas and make it clear to the reader where you’re identifying similarities and differences, cause and effect, summaries, examples or particularly important pieces of information.

Tells the reader that this point builds on the previous.

  • As well as,…
  • In addition…
  • Additionally,…
  • What is more…
  • To elaborate,…

Tells the reader that this point is a further example of the previous.

  • Similarly,…
  • Just as…, so too…
  • In the same way,…
  • Correspondingly,…
  • Complementary to this…

Prepares the reader for an example.

  • For example,…
  • For instance,…
  • To illustrate,…
  • In particular,
  • …including…
  • …as can be seen in…
  • …as demonstrated by…
  • …exemplifies…

Tells the reader that this point is in opposition to the previous.

  • In contrast,…
  • In comparison,…
  • Conversely,…
  • On the other hand,…
  • Otherwise,…
  • Alternatively,…
  • Despite this,…
  • Nonetheless,…
  • Nevertheless,…
  • That aside,…
  • While this may be true…
  • Notwithstanding…
  • Then again,…
  • On the contrary,…

Tells the reader that this point is a result of the previous.

  • Therefore,…
  • Consequently,…
  • Accordingly,…
  • As a result,…
  • This means that…
  • This causes…
  • For this reason…
  • Because of this…
  • In view of this,…
  • With this in mind…
  • It can be seen that…
  • Resulting from this…
  • This suggests that…
  • Subsequently,…

Prepares the reader for a summary of previous points.

  • In summary,…
  • Altogether,…
  • On the whole,…
  • To review,…

Provides the reader with another way of saying the same thing.

  • In other words,…
  • Better still,…
  • Stated otherwise,…
  • That is to say,…
  • Put simply...
  • To look at this another way....

Helps the reader identify key information.

  • In particular,…
  • Especially…
  • Importantly,…
  • Furthermore,…

Tips for using signposting language

Choose wisely.

Signposting words aren’t interchangeable and can be really confusing for the reader if used inappropriately. So make sure you choose the right word to reflect the relationship you’re trying to communicate.

Use deliberately

You don’t need to use a signposting word in every sentence, so before you do ask yourself if it helps make the meaning clearer, or just bogs down the writing.

Edit carefully

When you want to get the wordcount down, you might be tempted to get rid of signposting words first so you can keep more of the information. This might not be as useful as it seems, though, because lots of information without any signposting can make it really difficult for the reader to understand what you’re trying to say.

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Academic writing skills guide: signposting, transitions & linking words/phrases.

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Signposting in essays: A short guide

When should you signpost, signposting in conclusions.

  • How to use signposts
  • Conclusion and further reading

Signposting in an introduction

The signposts in your introduction should indicate:

  • what is the overall aim of your essay ('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

signpost essay meaning

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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What Is Signposting in English and Why Does It Matter?

Published on, july 1, 2022, november 15, 2022, this article may contain affiliate links.

signpost essay meaning

Signposting is a simple and easy-to-learn technique that can improve your listening, writing and even presentation skills. In fact, once you know this technique, you will see it everywhere! Let us explain it to you with this step-by-step guide.

What Is Signposting in English and Why Does It Matter?

Table of contents

A presentation is very similar to a school essay, if you think about it. Both have an introduction. Both have a conclusion. Both have a certain number of main points. An essay is a structured way of writing. A presentation is a structured way of speaking.

But when you read an essay, you know exactly where you are - you can look at the page and see if you are near the beginning of the essay or near the end. You can see which main point you’re reading, by glancing at the paragraphs.

What about when listening to a presentation? Do you know “where” you are? With a good presenter, the answer is yes! Because a good presenter uses a technique called signposting.

So what exactly is signposting?

Just like a signpost by the road that tells you where you are going, signposting in a presentation tells the listener what is coming next.

Here is an example:

Now that we have looked at the causes of work-related stress, let’s examine the solutions.
The first solution that I would like to highlight is…

The language used here clearly signals that the speaker is moving on from talking about the causes of stress to talking about the solutions.

When we use language like this, the structure of our presentation is clear and transparent to everyone listening. Remember, listeners like to know “where” they are in a presentation.

At the sentence level, we can use signposting language to show what we are about to say. Here’s an example:

The best thing about Steve is that he is a trustworthy friend.

The simple signposting phrase in bold tells the listener what to expect next in the sentence. It may seem like a trivial thing, but this style of communication greatly improves understanding.

Signposting can help you with your listening

So far, we have looked at signposting from the speaker’s point of view. However, signposting is also something that can help you with your listening.

Imagine that you hear this sentence:

George is a conscientious guy.

Let’s assume that conscientious is a word that you don’t know. Is the speaker saying something good about George or something bad? Did they say ‘conscientious' or ‘contentious’?

As a listener, you’ll still be puzzling over the word ‘conscientious’ as the speaker continues, and you will lose the flow of the conversation.

But, in fact, we usually speak like this:

What I like about George is that he is a conscientious guy.

Now that we can recognise the signpost (in bold), we can at least understand that being conscientious is a positive trait (it describes a person who likes to do the correct thing) and we know that the speaker didn’t say ‘contentious’ (argumentative). We can move on with the rest of the conversation.

If you are attending a lecture or a talk, listening for signposting language will help you structure your notes. As soon as you hear, “I’m going to mention three methods to lose weight…”, you can prepare a space to write method one, method two and method three.

You should especially listen out for cues that the speaker is moving on to a new topic, giving an example or ending the talk.

You need to listen for phrases like these:

  • My next point is…
  • The next main point is…
  • The next thing I wish to highlight is…
  • Now that we have discussed…, let’s move on to…
  • For example…
  • For instance…
  • Here’s an example…
  • To conclude…
  • In conclusion…
  • To conclude this talk, I would like to…

Signposting can help you with your writing

The main difference between writing and speaking is structure. When speaking, you simply say the first thing that comes to mind. But when writing, you take time to plan out what to say. You plan the order of your paragraphs and you plan the structure of your paragraphs (or at least, you should!).

However, simply planning out your structure is not enough. You need to make an effort to show the structure to the reader. We do this through signposting.

Imagine that you need to write a short essay or an article comparing large and small companies. The first paragraph might look like this:

Have you ever wondered whether it is best to work at a small or large company? This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of both in order to help you make that decision.

Here are excerpts from the following paragraphs:

The benefits of working in a large company are … For example … On the other hand, large companies can be … An example is … A small company is good for … For instance … However, many small companies … A good example is … In conclusion …

Can you see how the signposting phrases make the structure clear to the reader? We can already see that the article will be easy to understand, no matter what the points are.

In the modern world, a large number of people skim and scan articles to get information quickly. The use of signposting makes it especially easy to do this.

Hence, if you use signposting, the speed readers of the world will thank you for it!

Signposting can help you with presentations

Remember how I said that a presentation is similar to an essay?

Look again at the signposting phrases that I suggested for an essay:

These same signposting phrases can be used in a presentation, too!

But let’s look at the introduction to a presentation. This is the part of a presentation where you lay out the structure of what is to come . Again, signposting phrases can help you do this.

Take a look at this introduction to a presentation on mental health issues at the workplace:

Have you ever felt stressed, neglected, alone or overwhelmed at the workplace? For some of us, these negative emotions can develop into serious mental health issues. As a workplace psychologist, I see this every day.

In my talk today, I’m going to discuss five different mental health issues. After that, I will walk you through ways to deal with each one. ‍ I will end my talk with a Q&A session where I’ll be glad to field any questions you may have.

After this simple introduction, the audience knows exactly what to expect. They will hear about five issues, followed by five solutions. They also know to expect a Q&A session. They’re now ready to begin the talk.

Signposting can help you in day-to-day communication

Casual, day-to-day conversation is not structured, like an essay or a presentation. Nevertheless, simple signposting at the sentence level can help us in daily communication.

Paula: Do you think this hat looks nice on me? Pablo: I don’t want to sound rude, but it looks quite silly.

Can you see what Pablo is doing here? He is afraid that he might upset Paula, so he leads in with a signposting phrase. This alerts Paula that he is going to say something sensitive and he wants her not to be upset. It also softens the harsh comment; we generally soften comments by saying them indirectly.

Here is a second example:

Pierre: There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Pietro: Oh no! Am I in trouble? Pierre: Not exactly, but I have been receiving complaints from your coworkers…

Notice how Pierre doesn’t mention complaints at the beginning of the conversation. Instead, he uses the signposting phrase in bold.This phrase indicates that the topic of discussion will be serious, and that is why Pietro wonders if he is in trouble.

Pierre uses this technique to set the tone and expectations for the conversation.

Note how the two examples shown here are quite subtle . Understanding subtle and indirect meanings is an advanced language skill. This means that it is something you should look out for as you move up from intermediate to advanced level English.

My advice is to listen out for more examples of this kind of signposting, and write them down in your notebook when you hear them. Your ultimate goal is to use them yourself.

Signposting can help you with the IELTS test

The concept of signposting is used throughout IELTS exams .

IELTS listening passages are carefully scripted to include signposts to help you. In IELTS reading, the signposting phrases help give context when you need to guess the meaning of a word or phrase.

You will also be expected to use signposting language when you write and speak, and the examiner will look for examples. If you use signposting language correctly, you will score marks for ‘coherence and cohesion’ (the logical flow and connection of your writing/speaking).

In the writing section of the IELTS, coherence and cohesion provide 25% of the total marks.

If you are able to use signposting phrases, but do not always use them correctly, that indicates a band 6 score. At band 7, signposting phrases are used correctly and appropriately. At band 8+, use of signposting approaches the skill level of a native speaker.

Some examples of signposting

Here is a list of example signposting language to get you started. Remember, there are many more than we can list here.

Introducing a topic

  • The topic of today’s talk is…
  • Today, I would like to discuss…
  • What I wish to talk about today is…

Developing a point

  • Additionally…
  • Furthermore…

Contrasting…

  • Nevertheless…
  • Even though…

Emphasising a point

  • The important thing is…
  • It is important to note that…
  • The vital thing to understand about this is…
  • To summarise what we have discussed…
  • In conclusion, what I would like to say is…

Embrace signposting as a major feature of English

Perhaps you had never heard of signposting before reading this article.

If so, then I hope this article has opened the door to a major feature of the English language. The more you know about signposting, the more you will see and hear it everywhere.

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Exam Study Expert

How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent Essays

by William Wadsworth | Oct 9, 2019

William Wadsworth

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?

signpost essay meaning

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 !

an example of how signposting words and language can improve your essays and writing

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!

map showing 6 steps to effective signposting in your writing

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.

signpost essay meaning

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:

a list of connective signposting words to improve your essay or thesis

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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signpost essay meaning

When you write strong, clear paragraphs, you are guiding your readers through your argument by showing them how your points fit together to support your thesis. The number of paragraphs in your essay should be determined by the number of steps you need to take to build your argument. To write strong paragraphs, try to focus each paragraph on one main point—and begin a new paragraph when you are moving to a new point or example.

A strong paragraph in an academic essay will usually include these three elements:

  • A topic sentence. The topic sentence does double duty for a paragraph. First, a strong topic sentence makes a claim or states a main idea that is then developed in the rest of the paragraph. Second, the topic sentence signals to readers how the paragraph is connected to the larger argument in your paper. Below is an example of a topic sentence from a paper by Laura Connor ‘23 that analyzes rhetoric used by Frederic Douglass, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Karl Marx. In her paper, Connor argues that Marx’s rhetoric was most effective in driving social change. In his numerous writings, Marx critiques capitalism by identifying its flaws.  This topic sentence makes a claim that will then need to be supported with evidence: readers can expect that the sentence will be followed by a discussion of what Marx saw as the flaws in capitalism, which will in turn help them understand Connor’s thesis about how these three authors used their rhetoric to effect social change. A topic sentence signals to your readers what idea is most important in that paragraph—and it also helps you know if you’ve effectively made your point. In this case, Connor has set up the expectation for readers that by the end of the paragraph, they will understand Marx’s view of the flaws in capitalism. Imagine that, instead of writing “Marx critiques capitalism by identifying its flaws,” Connor had begun that paragraph with a descriptive sentence. For example, she could have written something like this: “Marx wrote a critique of capitalism.” While that sentence describes something that happened, it does not give readers information about what will be in the rest of the paragraph—and it would not have helped Connor figure out how to organize the paragraph.
  • Evidence. Once you’ve made a claim in your topic sentence, you’ll need to help your readers see how you arrived at that claim from the evidence that you examined. That evidence may include quotations or paraphrased material from a source, or it may include data, results, or primary source material. In the paragraph that follows Connor’s topic sentence above, she offers several quotations from Marx that demonstrate how he viewed the flaws in capitalism. 
  • Analysis. It’s not enough to provide evidence to support a claim. You have to tell your readers what you want them to understand about that evidence. In other words, you have to analyze it. How does this evidence support your claim? In Connor’s paragraph, she follows her presentation of evidence with sentences that tell readers what they need to understand about that evidence—specifically that it shows how Marx pointed to the flaws in capitalism without telling his own readers what to think about it, and that this was his strategy. It might be tempting to end your paragraph with either a sentence summarizing everything you’ve just written or the introduction of a new idea. But in a short paragraph, your readers don’t need a summary of all that you’ve just said. And introducing a new point in the final sentence can confuse readers by leaving them without evidence to support that new point. Instead, try to end your paragraph with a sentence that tells readers something that they can now understand because they’ve read your paragraph. In Connor’s paragraph, the final sentence doesn’t summarize all of Marx’s specific claims but instead tells readers what to take away from that evidence. After seeing what Marx says about capitalism, Connor explains what the evidence she has just offered suggests about Marx’s beliefs.

Below, you’ll find Connor’s complete paragraph marked with topic sentence, evidence, and Connor’s analysis of the evidence.

Image version

Anatomy of a Body Paragraph

TOPIC SENTENCE/ In his numerous writings, Marx critiques capitalism by identifying its flaws. ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE/ By critiquing the political economy and capitalism, Marx implores his reader to think critically about their position in society and restores awareness in the proletariat class. EVIDENCE/ To Marx, capitalism is a system characterized by the “exploitation of the many by the few,” in which workers accept the exploitation of their labor and receive only harm of “alienation,” rather than true benefits ( MER 487). He writes that “labour produces for the rich wonderful things – but for the worker it produces privation. It produces palaces—but for the worker, hovels. It produces beauty—but for the worker, deformity” (MER 73). Marx argues capitalism is a system in which the laborer is repeatedly harmed and estranged from himself, his labor, and other people, while the owner of his labor – the capitalist – receives the benefits ( MER 74). And while industry progresses, the worker “sinks deeper and deeper below the conditions of existence of his own class” ( MER 483).  ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE/ But while Marx critiques the political economy, he does not explicitly say “capitalism is wrong.” Rather, his close examination of the system makes its flaws obvious. Only once the working class realizes the flaws of the system, Marx believes, will they - must they - rise up against their bourgeois masters and achieve the necessary and inevitable communist revolution.

Not every paragraph will be structured exactly like this one, of course. But as you draft your own paragraphs, look for all three of these elements: topic sentence, evidence, and analysis.

  • picture_as_pdf Anatomy Of a Body Paragraph

Cambridge Dictionary

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Meaning of signpost in English

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signpost noun [C] ( ROAD SIGN )

  • anti-billboard
  • Belisha beacon
  • no standing phrase
  • no waiting phrase
  • the lights phrase
  • yellow line
  • zebra crossing

signpost noun [C] ( SHOW FUTURE )

  • breastbeating
  • masterclass
  • ostensively
  • point ( something / someone ) out
  • point the way idiom
  • virtue signalling
  • visualization

signpost verb ( ROAD SIGN )

Signpost verb ( show future ).

  • horizon scanning
  • premonition
  • premonitory
  • the writing is on the wall idiom
  • there's no knowing/telling/saying idiom
  • unforeseeable
  • unintuitively
  • unreasoning

signpost | American Dictionary

Examples of signpost, translations of signpost.

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signpost essay meaning

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Definition of signpost

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of signpost  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

Examples of signpost in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'signpost.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1884, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near signpost

sign painter

Cite this Entry

“Signpost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signpost. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of signpost, more from merriam-webster on signpost.

Nglish: Translation of signpost for Spanish Speakers

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IMAGES

  1. How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent

    signpost essay meaning

  2. How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent

    signpost essay meaning

  3. How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent

    signpost essay meaning

  4. How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent

    signpost essay meaning

  5. Using Signposting to Create Flow in Essays

    signpost essay meaning

  6. (PDF) Examples SIGNPOSTING

    signpost essay meaning

VIDEO

  1. The Signpost

  2. The Signpost

  3. The Signpost

  4. The Signpost

  5. #daily use English words with meaning #essay meaning

  6. Signpost Series

COMMENTS

  1. Signposting in an Essay: What it is and a list of Phrases to use

    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, "this essay has discussed and concluded."

  2. Better Essay Signposting

    You could use an opening statement like this to signpost your introduction: 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.'.

  3. Topic Sentences and Signposting

    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.

  4. 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.

  5. Signposting

    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!

  6. 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. "This essay examines biblical symbolism in Moby-Dick . . .

  7. 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 ...

  8. LibGuides: Signposting in essays: A short guide: Home

    Signposts help to guide the reader through: they indicate what will happen; remind them of where they are at key points along the way; and indicate the direction your essay is going in. Signposting should happen throughout your whole essay as it helps to link your paragraphs together. There should be some element of signposting in each ...

  9. LibGuides: Academic Writing Skills Guide: Signposting, Transitions

    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 the direction of the discussion.

  10. When should you signpost?

    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:

  11. The Writing Center

    Avoid using excessive signposts like those illustrated below. X " It may be important to note that peanuts are powerful allergens...". In the above sentence, you may be able to omit this signpost, and can instead utilize the "show don't tell" method. Furthermore, if your thesis and argument are clear, you shouldn't need to tell the ...

  12. Signpost to guide your readers

    There are four different types of signposts: major signposts like "In this section, I provide an overview of …". transition sentences and sub-headings to signify the overall structure of your writing. l inking words such as "because", "therefore" and "however" will help the coherence of your writing. reminders to keep your ...

  13. What Is Signposting in English and Why Does It Matter?

    Signposting can help you with the IELTS test. The concept of signposting is used throughout IELTS exams. IELTS listening passages are carefully scripted to include signposts to help you. In IELTS reading, the signposting phrases help give context when you need to guess the meaning of a word or phrase.

  14. PDF Using 'signpost' words

    The signpost words and phrases can be used at the start of sentences or, in most cases, in the middle or at the end, as demonstrated above. They can be very effective in the first sentence of your paragraph to indicate what the function of that paragraph is in the context of your argument, or in the middle of a paragraph to develop your point.

  15. 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).

  16. PDF t is often helpful to quantify what the essay will do. For example

    It is often helpful to quantify what the essay will do. For example, . Then use connecting words like , , , through the essay in order to signpost the different points. You may also signpost how the essay will do these things. For example: a source or sources such as a literary

  17. How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent Essays

    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 ...

  18. Anatomy of a Body Paragraph

    A strong paragraph in an academic essay will usually include these three elements: A topic sentence. The topic sentence does double duty for a paragraph. First, a strong topic sentence makes a claim or states a main idea that is then developed in the rest of the paragraph. Second, the topic sentence signals to readers how the paragraph is ...

  19. SIGNPOST

    SIGNPOST definition: 1. a pole at the side of a road, especially at a point where two or more roads meet, that gives…. Learn more.

  20. Signpost Definition & Meaning

    signpost: [noun] a post (as at the fork of a road) with signs on it to direct travelers.

  21. Signpost Essay Meaning

    Signpost Essay Meaning - 100% Success rate Our Team of Professional Essay Writers. As we are an honest and well-paying essay writer service, writers come flying our way. Nonetheless, in the writers' community, we are known for our strict selection process. You as a client can be sure that you will be working with the best paper writer in the ...

  22. Signpost Essay Meaning

    Our cheap essay writer service is a lot helpful in making such a write-up a brilliant one. View Sample. 77. Customer Reviews. Nursing Business and Economics History Art and Design +64. 4.7/5. Nursing Business and Economics Management Healthcare. Signpost Essay Meaning -.

  23. Signpost Essay Meaning

    Signpost Essay Meaning - Once I Hire a Writer to Write My Essay, Is It Possible for Me to Monitor Their Progress? Absolutely! Make an order to write my essay for me, and we will get an experienced paper writer to take on your task. When you set a deadline, some people choose to simply wait until the task is complete, but others choose a more ...