Mastering Signposting in Academic Writing
Table of Contents
Signposting is a crucial technique in academic writing. It involves using words and phrases strategically to guide your reader through your essay or dissertation. Two main types of signposting are:
1. Major Signposts: introductions, conclusions and outlining main arguments/
the direction of the argument in paragraphs/opening phrases.
2. Linking Words & Short Phrases: linking ideas, sentences and paragraphs.
Linking Words & Short Phrases
✓ To add more ideas: again, furthermore, in addition, moreover
✓ To compare or contrast ideas: alternatively, contrastingly, conversely, whereas
✓ To prove something: evidently, for this reason, because, inevitably
✓ To show exceptions: however, nevertheless, yet, in spite of
✓ To repeat or refer back to something: as has been mentioned/noted…/As previously
discussed
✓ To show that you will include something later: this will be discussed in detail later
✓ To emphasise something: definitely, obviously, inevitably, undeniably
✓ To give an ex…