From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Keywords are the words that are used to reveal the internal structure of an author's reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. Indeed, they are an essential part of any language. There are many different types of keyword categories, including: Conclusion, Continuation, Contrast, Emphasis, Evidence, Illustration, Sequence, and more. Each category serves its own function, as do the keyowrds inside of a given category.

[edit] English Keywords

Conclusion or Causality

The function of these keywords is to signal a summation of the thesis.

- therefore; thus; in conclusion; believes; so; 
- consequently; it can be seen that; can conclude that; claims that;

Continuation

The function of these keywords is to signal more support for the same claim is coming up.

- and; also; moreover; furthermore; plus; 
- in addition; at the same time; as well as; equally;
- besides; what is more; both...and; equally important; not only...but also

Contrast (linguistics)

The function of these keywords is to signal a comparison of similarities and differences.

- but; despite; yet; however; alternatively; 
- still; although; unless; otherwise; not; 
- though; while; nevertheless; by contrast; notwithstanding;
- rather; conversely; in spite of; on the other hand; contrarily

Emphasis

The function of these keywords is to signal what is considered important.

- I think; above all; essentially; clearly; most of all; 
- especially; primarily; particularly; in large measure; indeed;

Evidence

The function of these keywords is to signal support for a claim is coming up.

- because; for; since; the reason is that;

Illustration/Exemplification

The function of these keywords is to signal that an example is being given as support for a claim.

- for example; for instance; specifically; to illustrate; such as; 
- In the words of; To "name"; For "name"; According to "name"; as "name" says,;

Sequence

The function of these keywords is to signal that there is a structure or order that has been formulated in the writing.

- Firstly,...,Secondly,...Thirdly,...Lastly; Next; 
- Finally; On the one hand; Recently;

[edit] Reference

* http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/trans1.html
* http://www.virtualsalt.com/transits.htm