4.2 Identifying relationships in text
To determine whether a support or oppose relation holds between two or more statements, look out for connecting words or phrases. These are not always present. However, if they are, they can provide helpful clues. Table 1 lists a few examples of connecting words and phrases and the most likely relation that they communicate.
Table 1 Connecting words and phrases and the likely relationships they convey
| Text | Connecting word/phrase | Likely relationship |
| A because B. | because | B supports A |
| A therefore B. | therefore | A supports B |
| A for example, B. | for example | B supports A |
| A. First, B. Second, C. Finally, D. | first, second, finally | B, C and D support A |
| A but nevertheless B. | but nevertheless | A opposes B |
| A. However B. | however | B opposes A |
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