Introduction to Academic Writing

Signposting

When we start to write, of course we know what we are trying to say, but it is easy to lose sight of the reader. Try to help the reader find their way through your document and give them pointers to help them understand the purpose of your writing.

For example, you might signal shifts from one section to another, signal ways in which ideas link, signal when an explanation is offered, signal when you are introducing a critique or counter-argument or when you beginning to conclude or make recommendations.

Signal how ideas are connected:

• In the next section, the psychological theories relating to procrastination will be explored.  

Signal explanations:

• Procrastination could also be explained by...

Signal critique or counter-argument:

• However Khan (2019) proposed an unusual understanding of procrastination which challenges ideas about perfectionism...

In terms of your planning and structuring, you should think carefully about to use signposting language to link the ideas between your paragraphs, signal key transitions develop your argument. Some examples are included below:

To reference other parts of your essay

• As noted above
• As previously stated,
• Given the evidence outlined earlier in the essay

To introduce a supporting point

• Likewise,
• In the same way,
• Similarly,
• Relatedly,

To introduce a contrasting point

• Against this,
• A clear challenge for
• By contrast
• Although

To introduce reason/outcomes

• Consequently,
• Taken together the evidence seems to suggest
• Accordingly,
• As such,

To introduce a conclusion

• As this essay has demonstrated
• From the evidence detailed here, it seems that
• In summary,
• In conclusion,
   

Review this resource

Before you move on, please give us some quick feedback about this resource: Give feedback