Just as a master chef knows exactly which spice to use when a skilled GMAT reader must know which keywords signal what. Different types of keywords serve different purposes, and recognizing them helps you navigate passages with precision and confidence. Let’s explore each type in detail, starting with the building blocks of passage organization.
The following are some broad categories of keywords we see in GMAT RC passages:
- Structure and Organization Keywords
- Contrast and Comparison Keywords
- Cause-Effect Keywords
- Evidence and Example Keywords
- Emphasis and Importance Keywords
- Function and Purpose Keywords
- Author’s Stance Keywords
- Contextual phrases/expressions
In this article, we will describe the first two categories in detail and provide a practice question to help you hone your skills.
1 Structure and Organization Keywords
Structure and organization keywords are like a passage’s architectural blueprint – they reveal how different parts of the text connect and how the author’s argument develops. These keywords help you create a mental map of the passage as you read.
1.1 Types of Structure Keywords
1.1.1 Sequential Markers
- Signal the order of ideas or events
- Examples: “First,” “Second,” “Finally,” “Subsequently,” “Initially”
- Function: Help track the progression of arguments or chronological events
- Usage note: Often indicate the relative importance of points (first point usually significant)
1.1.2 Additive Markers
- Add related ideas or supporting points
- Examples: “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “Additionally,” “Also,” “In addition”
- Function: Show building or strengthening of an argument
- Usage note: Often indicate continuing support for a major point
1.1.3 Transitional Markers
- Signal shifts between ideas or aspects of an argument
- Examples: “Meanwhile,” “Similarly,” “Likewise,” “In the same way”
- Function: Help connect related ideas or show parallel concepts
- Usage note: Help predict how new information relates to previous points
1.1.4 Summary Markers
- Indicate conclusion or summary of ideas
- Examples: “In conclusion,” “Overall,” “Ultimately,” “In summary”
- Function: Signal the author’s final position or main takeaway
- Usage note: Often precede the most important information in the passage
1.2 How to Use Structure Keywords Effectively
1.2.1 Creating Mental Maps
- As you read “First,” prepare to note a key point
- When you see “Moreover,” connect new information to the previous point
- At “In conclusion,” prepare for the author’s main message
1.2.2 Predicting Content
- “Furthermore” suggests supporting evidence is coming
- “Similarly” indicates a parallel example or idea
- “Finally” signals the last point in a series
1.3 Practice Example
Consider this passage excerpt:
First, genetic factors play a crucial role in longevity. Moreover, recent studies have identified specific genes associated with extended lifespan. Furthermore, these genetic markers appear consistently across diverse populations. Similarly, related genetic patterns have been observed in other species.
Structure keywords tell us:
- “First” → This is a main point about genetics and longevity
- “Moreover” → Additional support for genetic factors
- “Furthermore” → More evidence building the genetics argument
- “Similarly” → Connection to parallel evidence from other species
1.4 Test Your Understanding:
When you see “Furthermore” in this passage, you should:
a) Expect contradicting evidence
b) Prepare for a new, unrelated topic
c) Anticipate additional support for the genetics argument d) Look for a conclusion
TL;DR
Structure keywords are your first line of defense against passage complexity. Mastering them helps you:
- Track the logical flow of ideas
- Anticipate what’s coming next
- Create a clear mental outline
- Navigate quickly to relevant information when answering questions
2 Contrast and Comparison Keywords
Contrast and comparison keywords are like traffic lights in your passage – they signal when ideas are opposing each other or being compared. These keywords often mark critical turns in the author’s argument and help you anticipate shifts in perspective.
2.1 Types of Contrast and Comparison Keywords
2.1.1 Contrast Markers
- Signal completely opposing ideas
- Examples: “However,” “Nevertheless,” “Yet,” “In contrast,” “On the contrary”, “Although”, “Despite”
- Function: Introduce ideas that oppose or challenge previously stated points
- Usage note: Often introduce critical counterarguments or limitations
2.1.2 Comparison Markers
- Show similarities or differences between ideas
- Examples: “Similarly,” “Likewise,” “In the same way,” “Just as,” “Compared to”
- Function: Help understand relationships between different concepts
- Usage note: Often used to strengthen arguments through parallels
2.1.3 Unexpected Result Markers
- Signal surprising or unexpected contrasts
- Examples: “Instead,” “Rather than,” “Unexpectedly,” “Surprisingly”
- Function: Highlight deviations from expected outcomes or common beliefs
- Usage note: Often indicate important findings or key arguments
2.2 How to Use Contrast and Comparison Keywords Effectively
2.2.1 Anticipating Direction Change
- When you see “However,” prepare for an opposing viewpoint
- At “Although,” expect a qualification or exception
- With “Similarly,” look for supporting parallels
2.2.2 Understanding Argument Structure
- Use these keywords to identify main arguments and counterarguments
- Track how the author handles opposing views
- Identify which side of an argument the author supports
2.3 Practice Example
Consider this passage excerpt:
Traditional economic theory suggests that increased automation leads to job losses. However, historical data from the Industrial Revolution shows that technological advancement actually created more employment opportunities. Although some industries initially experienced workforce reductions, the overall economy expanded, creating new types of jobs. Similarly, modern technological shifts have led to job creation in previously non-existent sectors.
Contrast and comparison keywords tell us:
- “However” → Challenges the traditional view
- “Although” → Acknowledges a partial truth in job losses
- “Similarly” → Connects historical example to modern situation
2.4 Test Your Understanding:
In this passage, the contrast keywords help show that:
a) The author fully supports traditional economic theory
b) The author presents a nuanced view of automation’s effects
c) The Industrial Revolution had only negative effects d) Modern technology always reduces jobs
3 Takeaways
- Keywords Mastery Principle: Keywords are deliberate signposts in GMAT RC – mastering them transforms random scanning into strategic reading.
- Structure Keywords Blueprint: Structure keywords act as passage blueprints – they predict content flow and create mental maps for quick navigation.
- Contrast Keywords Strategy: Contrast keywords signal key argument shifts – they mark where authors challenge ideas or present counterpoints.
In weeks to come, we will present details about other types of Keywords mentioned in the beginning of this article. So, stay tuned!
