Which term refers to words that indicate an author's train of thought and help readers follow reasoning?

• A. Voice
• B. Signal words
• C. Mood
• D. Audience

Answer: (B)

Signal words act as signposts that show how the writer is thinking and how they move from one idea to another. They cue the reader to follow the reasoning, such as when the author lists steps in a process, explains cause and effect, compares ideas, or states a conclusion. Seeing words like first, next, therefore, because, or as a result helps you trace the argument and understand how the writer builds their thinking to reach a point.

Voice describes the writer’s personality and style, not the steps of reasoning. Mood is the emotional atmosphere of the text. Audience is who the writing is intended for. These elements don’t signal the author’s train of thought the way signal words do, so they’re not the best fit for this question.