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Reading and Study Skills, 7/e

John Langan

More Mastery Tests

Signal Words

In the spaces provided, write the major signal words used in the following selections. The number and kinds of signal words that you should look for are shown at the start of each selection.

Selection 1: Two contrast signals; one cause-and-effect signal; one addition signal.


1		The elderly age segment is a growing market that presents many opportunities for marketers. Demand will continue to rise for health care and services, books, nursing homes, travel, retirement housing, and many leisure-time activities. But people in this age group do not like to be stereotyped, and marketers must be sensitive in communicating with them. Several years ago, the H. J. Heinz Company test-marketed a line of "Senior Foods"--lamb, beef, and chicken dishes in eight-ounce containers. The products were dropped six months later; the reason was that older people did not like to see their age reflected in the product's name. On the other hand, the marketing focus of Gerber Products Company does not inhibit older consumers from purchasing and consuming (for dietary reasons) an estimated 6 percent of its baby food. Also, a study conducted by Dannon Yogurt found that 25 percent of the company's sales were made to people over age fifty-five. Clearly, the elderly have unique needs that marketers must try to satisfy.

Selection 2: One emphasis signal; one cause-and-effect signal; two addition signals; two contrast signals.


2		Speed-reading courses often claim that an increase in speed will mean an automatic increase in comprehension. But this claim is simply not true. With difficult material, understanding is likely to fall as rate rises. Speed-reading courses may increase the number of words your eyes take in and "read" per minute. In addition, comprehension may improve while you take such a course. The cause for this, however, is that you tend to concentrate more as you read faster. The best way to increase reading speed and comprehension is to develop reading comprehension skills. Speed will come as you learn how to identify main ideas and go quickly over lesser points and supporting details. Also, speed will come as you learn how to vary your reading rate according to the nature of the material and your purpose in reading.

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