Not every signal reverses the sentence. Support and cause words keep it moving the same way: the blank then agrees with the clue. Knowing which family you are in decides whether to echo the clue or flip it.
The same-direction families
| Family | Signals | Effect on the blank |
|---|---|---|
| Continuation | and, also, moreover, in addition, furthermore | extends the clue — same charge |
| Cause / result | because, since, therefore, so, as a result, thus | the blank follows from the clue |
| Example | for example, for instance, such as | the blank is illustrated by the clue |
The method: clue echo
- Spot the signal and decide its family: same-direction or contrast.
- If same-direction, predict a word that agrees with the clue.
Example: "Because the trail was poorly marked, the hikers grew ___."
- Cause word because; clue poorly marked predict a matching effect: "lost / confused".
Contrast words flip; support and cause words echo. Step one is always: which family is this signal in?
Mixed sentences
A sentence can hold both. "Because she practiced daily, her playing, once clumsy, became ___." The "because practiced" cause points positive, and "once clumsy became" is a contrast that also points positive. When clues agree, your prediction is safe; when they fight, trust the clue nearest the blank.