1. Comparing & Contrasting

How are two things/people similar and/or different?

like, similar, also, in the same way, unlike, compared to, in contrast with, although, however, even though, on the one hand...on the other hand, different than.

2. Distinguishing Different Perspectives

Seeing things differently; two different characters, one person's changing view.

perspective, point of view, attitude, differences, looking from...opinion, reader, narrator, outlook, perception, angle, standpoint, however, on the one hand...on the other hand.

3. Explaining Cause & Effect

What are the results of certain actions, events, interactions?

cause, effect, as a result, the consequences of, in the end, the outcome, if...then, implication, due to, because, thanks to, provoke, spark, incite, encourage, persuade, explanation.

4. Explaining Patterns

Repeated words, phrases or behavior that tells us something about a character, or what the writer thinks is important.

repeat, repetition, significance, similar, recur, rule, arrangement.

5. Uncovering Motives

Why to people do the things that do?  What is the character or the writer trying to achieve?

aim, intention, purpose, goal, cause, reason, motivation, drive, 

6. Inferring

What are they REALLY saying? Reading between the lines.

infer, deduce, conclude, read between the lines, assume.