It shows how to make one's mark (4)

I believe the answer is:

sign

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'mark' is the definition.
('sign' can be a synonym of 'mark')

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sign that I've seen before include "Notice; symbol" , "Put one's name to a document" , "Autograph" , "Notice; omen" , "Indication; symbol" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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