What are “Signal Words”? Words and phrases which have appeared repeatedly on the NYS Assessments within the multiple choice and constructed response questions, as well as in the answer choices. Signal Words provide clues: to what the question is specifically asking identifying the skill being assessed about the mental task necessary in order to select/construct a successful answer

“Signal Words” Activities Use a copy of last year’s assessment and highlight all the signal words you find in the questions and the answer choices. Identify how the signal words relate to the ELA or Social Studies Standards; or to the Math or Science Key Ideas. Investigate how individual signal words provide clues as to the specific type of problem or skill being tested. Use the item map for a specific assessment to identify other signal words that appear more than twice in the same standard or key idea.

“SIGNAL WORDS” from the NYS Assessments Math, Science, & Technology: Solve Lowest Ratio Probability Estimate How long Excerpt Function Form Measure Risk Chance Answer How Much Which Which step Smallest number According Maximum Expression Approximately Closest to How long What percent Relationships Which statement Which equation Which expression Which drawing Next number Average speed How many ELA & Social Studies: Best describes Compare First time Phrase Best characterizes Described Contrast Between Expresses According to the article Examine According to the author Reasonably conclude Effect Which fact Passage Least useful Mostly about Context Suggesting In order to Next to Best shows Eventually Point of view Main theme If Symbol of What Summarize Conclude Think about Reflect upon

“SIGNAL WORDS” from the NYS Assessments Math, Science, & Technology Solve Lowest Ratio Probability Estimate How long Excerpt Function Form Measure Risk Chance Answer How long What percent Relationships Which statement Which equation Which expression Which drawing Next number Average speed How many How Much Which Which step Smallest number According Maximum Expression Approximately Closest to

“SIGNAL WORDS” from the NYS Assessments ELA & Social Studies Best describes Compare First time Phrase Best characterizes Described Contrast Between Expresses According to the article Examine According to the author Reasonably conclude Effect Which fact Passage Least useful Mostly about Context Suggesting In order to Next to Best shows Eventually Point of view Main theme If Symbol of What Summarize Conclude Think about Reflect upon