Structural Triggers

Structural triggers are words that indicate that something is either similar, contrasting, related, or is about to change. Identifying structural triggers helps you to understand when the author is either supporting an argument, comparing two parts of an argument, contrasting ideas, and drawing conclusions. When you come to a trigger word, pay closer attention to see where the author is going.

List Triggers:

first, secondly,
also
in addition
moreover

Contrasting Triggers:

alternatively
by contrast
however
on the other hand
rather than
while
yet

Conclusion Triggers:

consequently
in conclusion
then
thus
therefore
as a result
accordingly

Comparing Triggers:

similarly
in the same way
analogous
parallel
likewise
just as
to
also
as

Example Triggers:

for instance
e.g.
such as
this is an illustration of

Evidence, or Fact Triggers:

because
since
in light of

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