What is the purpose of using signal words like 'first' and 'next' in a text?

Using signal words like 'first' and 'next' serves to indicate the sequence of events within a text. These words help guide the reader through a narrative or instructional process by clarifying the order in which actions or events occur. This organization is particularly important in both storytelling and procedural texts, allowing readers to follow along easily and understand how different steps relate to each other. By employing these transition words, the author enhances clarity and coherence, making it easier for readers to anticipate what comes next in the sequence and how each part connects to the overall narrative or explanation.