Reading Word Types

Understand the difference between pivot, baseline, support, illustrative, and concession words

Pivot Word

Used to change direction of information (ex. but, however, despite, instead, nonetheless, still)

Baseline words

Followed by pivot to challenge an idea/situation (ex. normally, typically, thus, commonly); baseline-pivot combo

Concession words

Used to openly oppose the norm (ex. admittedly, while its true that, indeed); similar to baseline but not followed by pivot

Support words

Used to related and support previous statement (ex. moreover, for instance, additionally, furthermore)

Illustrative words

Used to describe the main idea or tone of passage (ex. therefore, clearly, thus)