3. Signposting

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to use signposting words effectively in their IELTS Writing Task 1 (Letters) and Task 2 (Essays) to improve cohesion and coherence. They will also learn how to organize their writing logically and create a smooth flow of ideas.

What are Signposting Words?

Signposting words (also called connective devices or linking words) are words or phrases that help guide the reader through your writing. They show the relationship between ideas, introduce new points, and create a logical structure. Examples include however, moreover, therefore, and for example.

Why are Signposting Words Important in IELTS Writing?

Improve Cohesion:
Signposting words connect sentences and paragraphs, making your writing flow naturally.
Example: “I enjoy reading. Moreover, I love writing stories.”
Enhance Coherence:
They help organize your ideas logically, making your writing easier to follow.
Example: “Firstly, I will discuss the problem. Then, I will propose a solution.”
Boost Band Score:
Using a range of signposting words demonstrates your ability to use lexical resource and grammatical range, which are key scoring criteria in IELTS Writing.

Types of Signposting Words

Here’s a quick overview of the main categories of signposting words and their functions:

Function	Examples
Addition	in addition, and, similarly, likewise, as well as, furthermore, moreover
Sequence	firstly, initially, then, next, after this, finally
Consequences	as a result, thus, so, therefore, consequently
Certainty	obviously, certainly, of course, undoubtedly
Condition	if, unless, whether, provided that, so that
Definition	is, refers to, means, that is, consists of
Example	for instance, for example, such as, namely, to illustrate
Reason	since, as, because, due to, owing to, the reason why
Time	before, since, until, meanwhile, when, as soon as
Contrast	however, on the other hand, despite, though, whereas, nonetheless
Summary	in conclusion, in summary, lastly, finally, to sum up, to conclude

How to Use Signposting Words in IELTS Writing

1. In IELTS Writing Task 1 (Letters):

Use signposting words to organize your letter into clear paragraphs.
Example:
- Introduction: “I am writing to express my concern about…”
- Body Paragraph 1: “Firstly, I would like to mention…”
- Body Paragraph 2: “In addition, I would like to suggest…”
- Conclusion: “Finally, I hope this issue can be resolved soon.”

2. In IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essays):

Use signposting words to structure your essay and link ideas.
Example:
- Introduction: “This essay will discuss the causes and effects of…”
- Body Paragraph 1: “One major cause is…”
- Body Paragraph 2: “Another significant factor is…”
- Conclusion: “In conclusion, it is clear that…”

Practice Activities

Activity 1: Identify Signposting Words

Read the following sentences and identify the signposting words and their functions:

“I enjoy reading. Moreover, I love writing stories.”
- Moreover → Addition
“Firstly, I will discuss the problem. Then, I will propose a solution.”
- Firstly → Sequence, Then → Sequence
“It rained heavily. As a result, the match was canceled.”
- As a result → Consequences

Activity 2: Rewrite Sentences Using Signposting Words

Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate signposting words:

“I like apples. I like oranges.”
- Rewritten: “I like apples. In addition, I like oranges.”
“She was tired. She went to bed early.”
- Rewritten: “She was tired. Therefore, she went to bed early.”
“The weather was bad. We decided to stay home.”
- Rewritten: “The weather was bad. As a result, we decided to stay home.”

Activity 3: Write a Paragraph Using Signposting Words

Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) using at least 3 signposting words from different categories. For example:

Use one word from Addition.
Use one word from Contrast.
Use one word from Summary.

Example:
“Regular exercise is important for maintaining good health. Moreover, it helps reduce stress and improve mood. However, many people struggle to find time for it. In conclusion, making small changes to your daily routine can help you stay active and healthy.”

Tips for Using Signposting Words Effectively

Don’t Overuse: Use signposting words sparingly to avoid making your writing sound unnatural.
Be Clear: Ensure the signposting word clearly shows the relationship between ideas.
Practice: Regularly practice identifying and using signposting words in your writing.
Vary Your Language: Use a range of signposting words to demonstrate your vocabulary skills.

Conclusion

Signposting words are essential for creating a well-organized and cohesive piece of writing in IELTS. By using them effectively, you can guide the reader through your ideas, improve the flow of your writing, and boost your band score. Practice using these words in different contexts to master their usage and enhance your writing skills.

Homework:

Identify signposting words in sample IELTS essays or letters and analyze how they improve cohesion and coherence.

Write a letter or essay using at least 10 signposting words from the table above. Highlight the words you use and explain their function.

Table 1 Signposts usually found at the beginning of the sentence

Function	Signpost
Introduce a new subject	Regarding With regard to As regards Concerning Turning to
Sequence ideas	Firstly The most important reason Another reason Finally
Introduce a contrasting idea	However In contrast On the other hand Nevertheless Although Yet
Introduce a similar idea	Likewise Similarly Also
Add another idea	Moreover Furthermore In addition Besides
Give an example	For example For instance
Give the cause	Because of Due to
Give the effect	Therefore As a result As a consequence Consequently For this reason

Table 2 Signposts usually found within a sentence (conjunctions)

Function	Signpost
Introduce a contrasting idea	Cities are polluted, but/while/whereas the countryside is not.
Give an example	Urbanisation causes a lot of pollution such as air, noise and water pollution.
Add another idea.	Air pollution is caused by smoke from factories and/as well as cars.
Air pollution is caused by smoke from factories too/also.
Give the cause	Cities are polluted because/as there is so much smoke.
Give the effect	There is a lot of smoke in cities so/so that they become polluted.

This is the table consisting of all the most common connective devices used in IELTS writing and speaking.

Using connective words to signpost:-

Addition

in addition
and
similarly
likewise
as well as
beside that
furthermore
moreover
even
and then
not only… but also

Sequence

firstly
initially
to begin with
then
next
earlier/ later
after this
following this
afterwards
following that

Consequences

as a result
thus
so
therefore
thereby
eventually
consequently

Certainty Condition Definition

obviously if is

certainly unless refers to

plainly whether means

of course provided that that is

undoubtedly for consists of

so that

whether

depending on

Example Reason Time

for instance since before

one example as since

for example so as

just as because (of) until

in particular due to meanwhile

such as owing to at the moment

namely the reason why when

to illustrate in other words whenever

leads to as soon as

cause just as

Contrast Summary

however in conclusion

on the other hand in summary

despite lastly

in spite of finally

though to sum up

but to conclude

on the contrary to recapitulate

otherwise in short

yet

instead of

rather

whereas

nonetheless

compared with

alternatively