What are signal words used for in writing?

Signal words play a crucial role in writing as they help clarify the relationships between ideas and establish logical connections within a text. By incorporating these words, a writer can guide the reader through the flow of information, highlighting contrasts, comparisons, causes, effects, and other kinds of relationships that exist in the content.

For example, words like "however," "therefore," "in addition," and "on the other hand" serve to link sentences and paragraphs, making it easier for readers to understand how ideas relate to one another. This improves comprehension and enhances the overall readability of the text. By indicating these connections clearly, signal words help the reader to grasp the intended meaning more effectively.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of signal words. While they may contribute to the narrative or character development in some contexts, their main value lies in clarifying the connections between concepts and guiding the reader’s understanding of the argument or narrative flow.