Reading

UNIT 1Sports & Recreation

SIGNAL WORDS

Signal words are helpful to anticipate the next points or ideas in a writing. They are used to provide smooth transition from one point to another, or, from one paragraph to the next.

SIGNAL WORDS

PURPOSE SIGNAL WORDS Signals a contrast or reversal of

thoughtalthough, but, however, on the other hand, nevertheless, on the contrary, instead, yet, unlike, conversely

Signals additional information also, in addition, furthermore, and, likewise, moreover, besides, another

Signals reasoning and explanation because, the reason for, in order that

Signals an example or illustration for example, for instance, in other words, such as

Signals enumeration, such as time order, sequence or listing

one, two, three…, first, second, third…, next, then, finally, time of day, dates (day, month, year)

Signals a summary or conclusion therefore, consequently, thus, in summary, in conclusion, in short

Identifying Signal WordsEXERCISE 1

To better understand this reading skill, read the following sentences and note the underlined signal word in each sentence. On the lines provided, indicate the type of signal of each underlined word, using the following key.

a. a contrast or reversal of thought

b. additional information

c. reasoning and explanation

d. an example or illustration

e. enumeration, such as time order, sequence or listing

f. a summary or conclusion

________ 1. Youngster Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi has the chance to again shine on the big stage because he has earned a wildcard ride in the sixth leg of the FIM Superbike World Championships (WSBK) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

________ 2. Zaqhwan was selected due to his excellent performance such as his track record in the Asia Road Racing Championships (ARRC).

________ 3. In addition, he has shown his commitment in the Moto2 wildcard ride last year.

________ 4. The Honda bike that Zahqwan will use will only arrive a week before the Malaysian event but he does not expect any big problem adapting to the machine.

________ 5. Tyre manufacturer Pirelli is coming in as the main sponsor for the event and Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Razlan Razali, who just returned from Assen where SIC penned a three-year agreement as hosts with rights holder Dorna, said that finally all the arrangements have been settled.

________ 6. “We are planning a line-up of exciting off-track activities, for example; a post-race concert called The Circus – where fans will be treated to a showcase of modern acrobatic acts and music by renowned DJs.

________ 7. Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Razlan Razali said “The event will be eagerly welcomed by the local biking community. Thus, our rider; Zaqhwan must show his best performance.”

________ 1. Changes are always hard to accept but in life change is inevitable, and there is never a perfect situation where everyone is happy.

________ 2. The new 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engines made their competitive debut in the season-opening race in Melbourne two weeks ago. However, it did not go down well with many.

________ 3. There were complaints that the new hybrid units have an uninspiring sound and are much quieter than the old V8 engines.

________ 4. Turbo engines are naturally quieter than naturally-aspirated ones because the turbo takes energy out of the exhaust flow to produce more power from the engine.

________ 5. In addition, the new F1 engines have a motor generator unit attached to the turbo to regenerate some of the energy that would otherwise be wasted.

________ 6. McLaren driver Jenson Button, the oldest man on the grid, has also urged the drivers to concentrate on the racing instead of the roar.

________ 7. The cars are going to be developed to go faster than the old ones in a couple of years. Finally everyone will get used to the sound.

________ 8. In short, we can’t have everything perfect. We will get used to it.”

EXERCISE 2

Identifying Signal WordsEXERCISE 3

Read the following sentences, and then underline the best signal word(s) in the parentheses.

1. There is a chance for Lee Chong Wei to become the first Malaysian world badminton champion (and, however) it is the major motivation for him to get back on his feet for the World Championships in Copenhagen from Aug 25-31.

2. The final falls on the Independence Day and Chong Wei is determined to present the nation with the best gift. (However, on the other hand) the 31-year-old needs to recover quickly from his thigh injury.

3. Last Friday, Chong Wei decided to skip the Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 3 (because, but) the injury was aggravating.

4. (Finally, On the contrary), he took one of the first three stem cell injections to fast-track the recovery process.

5. (Although, Furthermore) the recovery and rehabilitation period will be tough, Chong Wei remains upbeat and hopeful.

6. “I gave up the chance to win the Commonwealth Games singles gold for the third straight time, (but, because) I’m not going to give up hopes on the World Championships and Asian Games in September,” said Chong Wei.

7. “(In addition, Nevertheless) Malaysia will be celebrating Independence Day during that time and it will be truly great to celebrate it together as a world champion,” he added.

ReferencesHancock, O. H. (1998). Reading Skills for College Students (4th Ed). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Lim, T. H. (2014, March, 31). F1 race more important than engine sound. The Star. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Say-What/2014/03/31/F1-race-more-important-than-the-engine-sound/

Lim, T. H. (2014, April, 29). Zaqhwan gets wildcard for Superbike race. The Star. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Motorsport/2014/04/29/Zaqhwan-gets-wildcard-for-Superbike-race/

Paul, R. (2014, July, 7). Chong Wei still hoping to recover for Worlds. The Star. Retrieved on 14th July 2014 from http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/07/07/Chong-Wei-eager-to-recover-for-Worlds/