Welcome fellow GC-ers to issue No. 5 of Revise and Resubmit, the Writing Center’s newsletter! This November, we’ve got some advice on how to use signposting and signaling language to create reader-friendly arguments, a preview of our upcoming workshops, and a writing break that’s a pretty gouda time!
Featured Resource: Signposting and Signaling Language
Just like drivers use signals to help other cars anticipate where they’re going, writers use signposting and signaling language to help readers navigate their argument. Signposting means using words, phrases, and sometimes even whole paragraphs to orient readers. When a reader has a clear sense of what lies ahead, they can focus their energy and attention on understanding the argument rather than wondering where it might be going. Signposting is a scalable concept, which means that it happens in small and big ways throughout a piece of writing. For instance, writers might use signaling language like “Similarly,” “In contrast,” or “However,” to clarify the relationship between ideas within a paragraph. Or, they might use more extensive phrases like “This is important for two reasons: first…Second…” so that readers can easily keep track of the argument. In longer projects, writers might use an entire paragraph of signposting to lay out the overall structure for the reader (e.g. This chapter has three parts: first, I analyze X. Next, I consider Y. Finally, I argue Z). Whether you’re working on an essay, journal article, thesis, or conference presentation, it can be helpful to consider where your intended audience might benefit from the kind of explicit guidance that signposting and signaling language offer. Want to learn more? Check out “Where’s This Section Going? Signposting to Connect Claims,” “Will My Reader Know What’s Important? Mapping and Signposting as Tools to Navigate Between Claims,” and “Does Each Topic Sentence State the Purpose of the Paragraph? Check Topic Sentences for Signaling.”
Upcoming Events
- Making the Most of a Dissertation Progress Meeting Workshop — Wednesday, November 6 @ 10:00 AM; register here
- Anatomy of a Good Hook Workshop — Friday, November 15 @ 11:00 AM; register here
- Soliciting Effective Feedback Workshop — Monday, November 18 @ 11:00 AM; register here
- Structuring Argument-Based Writing Workshop — Thursday, December 5 @ 10:00 AM; register here
And Now, Your Writing Break
The Winter Village at Bryant Park has returned! Browse the shops, do some curling, and stop by the Baked Cheese Haus to get what our director describes as one of the most delightful snacks of the season: raclette.
