Signal Word Detectives

In this worksheet, students analyze a passage and underline or circle contrast signal words such as “however,” “although,” “whereas,” and “but.” They then respond to comprehension questions about how these words reveal differences between characters or ideas. The activity teaches students to recognize textual clues that show contrast and to understand how authors structure comparisons. This strengthens reading comprehension, text analysis, and understanding of relationships between ideas. Students also learn how signal words contribute to clarity and cohesion in writing.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Identifying Contrast Signal Words

English Language Arts – Reading Comprehension and Analysis

English Language Arts – Text Structure: Compare and Contrast

Critical Thinking – Understanding Opposing Ideas

This worksheet is part of our Opposites and Contrasts Worksheets collection.