sequence of events essay

Sequence of Events in a Story: How to Order Scenes That Build Suspense

by Joslyn Chase | 0 comments

Have you ever felt cheated when reading a book? Like the author held back information that would have enhanced your reading experience? Or neglected to include all the relevant details that would have allowed you to solve the mystery? Did the sequence of events in the story feel . . . off?

Think about this:

What if J.K. Rowling neglected to have Hagrid tell Harry about his parents’ deaths until the end of The Sorcerer’s Stone?

What if the writers of Die Hard had let Hans Gruber discover Holly was John McClane’s wife right up front?

What if Suzanne Collins had forgotten to alert readers to a rule change allowing tributes from the same district to win as a team in The Hunger Games?

Leaving out these vital pieces of information—or putting them in the wrong place—would have robbed these stories of a full measure of suspense, dulling the impact of their final scenes.

As a writer, you never want readers to feel cheated or disappointed by your book. But how can you make sure you include all the relevant pieces of the puzzle, in the correct order, to sustain suspense and satisfy your reader?

The Sequence of Events in a Story Makes a Difference

The chronological order of events in a story is not always the best way to deliver the information to the reader. I remember reading passages in William Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily in a college literature course. I felt struck by the way Faulkner moved his narrative around in time, creating a complex, multi-dimensional reading experience.

Faulkner was a master, and worthy of study, though I’d be leery about trying to imitate the advanced technique he used in A Rose for Emily . He began his narrative at the penultimate moment of the story—Emily’s funeral—and then used flashbacks, jumping back and forth in time, letting his viewpoint character relate the series of events until the final, revealing scene.

My main takeaway from this was that writers are unstuck in time, able to move around and present the events of a story to the reader in various ways. I became fascinated by the subject.

Since then, I’ve studied and experimented with various methods for delivering information to the reader.

In this article, I’ll share ways you can develop your own techniques for making sure your reader gets all the pieces of the puzzle, in optimal order, to achieve the effect you desire.

The Reader as an Active Participant

Readers get the most satisfaction from reading a story when they are engaged as active participants. Many factors go into making this happen.

One of the most critical components is information flow—when a writer delivers everything the reader needs to know, in a timely fashion.

Given the right information, at the right time, readers should be able to follow the rising action, gauge significance, and predict possible outcomes, letting them interact with story events and characters in a real way. This is important, whether you're telling a joke, restyling a fairy tale, or writing a complex novel.

An effective flow of information allows readers to forget they’re reading, and just be inside the story. Because everything they need is delivered just as they need it, nothing boots them out of the fictive experience.

It’s imperative to establish depth, characterizing scene and setting from inside your viewpoint character’s head , rather than describing from an external perspective. Also, make sure you engage your reader’s emotions with a main character they can support and something crucial at stake.

You might think of these steps like fastening the seatbelt that straps readers in and prepares them for the twists and turns ahead.

Let’s take a look at how sequencing events in a story will allow you to engage the three modalities that entertain readers and move the story forward.

Before A Sequence Comes a Scene

Before we get into the sequence of events in a story, however, it's worth taking a pause to review what a scene is. In order for story structures to work, writers need to learn the craft of writing a scene.

Once they can do this, they strengthen their skill of sequencing scenes in order to form acts, or other units of story.

A logical sequence will engage the reader, and this endeavor works even better when each scene holds a reader's attention with equal interest.

In this video, you can learn more about what makes a great scene and how to write your own.

Suspense, Surprise, and Curiosity

How a writer orders the events in a scene can determine a reader's response to the story.

There are three main responses a reader could feel: suspense , surprise , or curiosity . Let’s examine this by changing around the order of the following four events in a scene:

• Darren cuts the brake line on Flora’s car.
• Flora leaves the house and climbs into her car.
• Flora starts the car and steers it down the mountain pass.
• Flora’s car jumps the guard rail and she crashes to her death.

Suspense depends upon providing something for the reader to worry about and delaying the outcome, giving them time to agonize and anticipate. So, one way you might order events to foster suspense is to go right down the list, events one to four.

As readers, we see Darren tamper with the brake line and we feel Flora’s peril as she leaves the house and gets into the car, unaware of what awaits her. As she starts down the mountain pass, our worry and anticipation grow. What will happen? Will she find a way to stop the car from careening over a cliff? Right up until the moment the car plummets over the edge, we wonder if she’ll throw herself clear or stop the car somehow.

If you’re going for surprise , however, a better presentation would start with the second event.

We see Flora leave the house and drive down the mountain. We’re surprised when the car picks up speed, veering out of control, and Flora discovers the brakes don’t work.

Depending on how long you give Flora to wrestle with the car, we either don’t have time to prepare for the shock as Flora sails over the cliff, or we get a little buildup of suspense as we hope she finds a way to save herself. Either way, the story situation resolves when the information in the first event is revealed to the reader.

On the other hand, you could leverage curiosity by starting with the fourth event.

We see Flora’s car crash and explode into a fiery ball. We ask why did this happen? Was it an accident or murder? Who is responsible? How did they accomplish it? A reader's curiosity rises and carries them forward while suspense blossoms as the answers—revealed in events one, two, and three—are delayed.

It’s a good idea to incorporate a few surprises into your story, and to use curiosity to perk questions in your reader. But suspense makes the best mainstay. The anticipation of danger is more emotionally involving than the danger itself.

Sudden violence electrifies but can’t sustain an emotional effect and diminishes with repetition and duration. Curiosity will waver, if it's not backed up by suspense. These three modalities together make a great team, but let suspense be the primary driving force in your story.

Whichever you choose as your main modality for handling each scene, suspense will play into it as readers receive information and use it to formulate predictions about what will happen next.

Don’t Withhold Important Information

Lisa Cron’s book Wired for Story, is structured on a Myth/Reality basis. Here’s one of the Myths she puts forth:

Withholding information for the Big Reveal is what keeps readers hooked.

And here’s the Reality: 

Withholding information very often robs the story of what really hooks readers.

She follows up by warning, “If we don’t know there’s intrigue afoot, then there is no intrigue afoot.”

To get a better idea of what this means, let’s try an experiment.

First, I’ll sketch out a scene where I’ve withheld some information, thinking to better surprise my reader with it later:

Gerald visits a used car dealership and checks out several models. He chooses an old Mustang, but the slick dealer tries to interest him in a Corvette. Finally, the reluctant dealer lets Gerald take the wheel of the Mustang as they go out for a test drive. Gerald is not impressed. The car makes a knocking sound and rides lower on the chassis than it should. He thinks about taking a second look—popping the hood, checking out the trunk—but decides it’s not worth his time.

The piece of information I kept from the reader is that the dealer has kidnapped a woman and has her gagged and bound in the trunk of the Mustang. He's ready to transport her when his workday ends.

By withholding that information until the end of the scene, I could get a decent cliffhanger with a surprise effect. I could have the dealer wait until Gerald leaves and then open the trunk to show the frightened woman inside. Not bad.

But, I think I can get more mileage out of it—and more suspense—by letting the reader know about the victim beforehand.

That way, every nuance during the sales talk, every bump on the test drive, and that moment when Gerald thinks about opening up the trunk are rife with suspense, leading the reader to anticipate possible outcomes.

The Standard Murder Mystery

As writers, we get to choose which events to include, and how to order them. In a standard murder mystery, the main events might unfold like this:

• Something happens to give the murderer a motive
• Murderer makes a plan and obtains a weapon
• Murderer kills the victim
• Someone discovers the body
• The detective arrives on the scene and starts gathering clues
• The detective interprets clues and expands his investigation
• The detective solves the crime

Writers can present events in that order, but it’s often more interesting to mix them up. Choosing to reveal the origin of the motive toward the end of the story will build suspense and keep the reader guessing about the “why” of the crime.

It’s intriguing how past events have devastating, far-reaching effects, and the anticipation of discovering that precipitating event grips readers.

Two Exercises to Study Sequence of Events in a Story

Let's look at two exercises that will help you understand more about how to order events in a story to achieve the effect you want.

One of the exercises—the study of chronology versus presentation—examines the overall big picture.

The other exercise—dealing with the flow of details —focuses on the micro view .

1. Chronology Columns Exercise

One way to determine the roots of a crime and study how events are ordered to create suspense and maximum dramatic effect, is to use a Chronology Columns exercise. This will help you understand how authors presented events to their readers in the stories you admire.

• Start by creating a worksheet with two columns. This will serve as a kind of graphic organizer.
• Enter events into the left-hand column as the author presented them in the story. In the right-hand column, order events as they really happened.
• Last, study the interplay between the two columns.

As an example, let’s do a basic Chronology Column exercise for the movie Flight Plan.

I chose Flight Plan because the events in the story appear so unconnected and perplexing, yet when you understand the impetus behind them, the inexplicable makes sense. It's interesting to see how that is accomplished.

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!

Flight Plan  Case Study Exercise One: Chronology Columns

Here is a graphic that shows the sequence of events in the story  Flight Plan— the order in which they were presented to the viewer, versus the order in which they actually happened.

The death of Kyle's husband made no sense to her. She hadn't seen signs that indicated he might take his own life. While in that bereaved and baffled state, her daughter is taken from her as well, further battering her, emotionally.

Viewers, along with Kyle, try to figure out what's really going on, based upon the information that comes to light. That delivery of clues leads us down a path to thinking Kyle must be delusional. But when she breathes on the window and sees her daughter's heart, we know we must search for answers in a new direction.

The big reveal comes when Carson rips out the lining of the coffin, exposing the bombs. That starts a rapid piecing together of events that takes us on a breathtaking ride to the finish line.

Do you see how the writers arranged events to capitalize on suspense? They used all three modalities—surprise when Julia disappears, curiosity when we wonder what happened to her, and suspense as the layers unfold and the outcome is delayed.

Do you see how you might order the events in your story to achieve a similar effect? Take some time to study stories you found captivating, retell them, analyze them with this exercise, to see how the author presented events versus their chronological order.

2. Micro View of Details Exercise

We’ve examined the big picture of how events were laid out in the movie Flight Plan. But there’s more to effective information flow than the order of operations. Within each event, each scene, you need to be constantly shepherding the story elements, delivering relevant information and raising new questions to give readers what they need to actively participate in the story.

As an exercise, try watching the opening of a movie and detailing the sequence of events to see what you learn from it. I’ve done this with Die Hard, Back to The Future, The Sixth Sense, Raiders of The Lost Ark, The Terminator, and Flight Plan. ​​​​

To show what I mean, let’s walk through the opening scenes of Flight Plan to see how it gives viewers what they need in order to predict and anticipate outcomes.

Flight Plan  Case Study Exercise Two: Micro View of Details

The movie opens with Kyle Pratt sitting alone on a Berlin metro platform. Her frozen stance and the look on her face tell us she’s terrified, wrestling with some great trauma. Curiosity grabs us as we begin to wonder what it is.

Her husband arrives, and she takes his hand, but the distant point of view and camera angles make it feel weird. We suspect all is not as it seems and wonder what’s going on.

She arrives, alone again, at the morgue. The director escorts her to an open coffin, and we see her husband’s body laid out. We understand he was killed in a fall when the director apologizes, explaining there had been some damage to his head. He instructs Kyle to enter an electronic code, sealing the casket for transport, and we know she'll be accompanying his body back home.

As Kyle leaves the morgue, she is again joined by her husband, and we understand that he appears only in her imagination, helping her to cope with losing him and being alone in a foreign country during this time of distress. We wonder about the circumstances of his death and what will happen next.

They walk home together, and she asks him if they can sit in the courtyard. As she clears snow from the bench, blackbirds fly and she looks up to the roof. We imagine that’s where he fell to his death.

In the apartment, she lies in bed with her young daughter, soothing and reassuring her, closing the drapes against strangers who might intrude. We feel her maternal instinct to love and protect.

The apartment is bare, everything packed into boxes. There is a bleak, bereft feeling. Kyle takes some pills. We understand they’re some kind of prescription to help her through. We get a glimpse of her employee badge and know she works for Elgin Aircraft.

As the scenes unfold, little things reveal important bits of information and raise questions so we’ll continue watching to find more bits of information. Delivering those bits on the right timeline and in the right order is what keeps us absorbed in the story.

You can do the same thing with your story, using these two exercises—the Chronology Columns and the Micro View of Details—to help you study and structure events to create the effect you want. Or troubleshoot a scene that isn’t working. Or simply learn from the masters.

More Ways Than One

Suspense works best when you set up multiple possibilities for your character. The reader needs to be able to identify more than one potential outcome, ideally at least one positive and one negative. Worry increases when the negative outcome seems the more likely, especially as you raise the stakes, increasing the odds against your hero.

Readers are hardwired to predict what’s going to happen in a story, and they revise their theories as the story progresses. As writers, we have the power to disclose information in a way that will guide their predictions in a particular direction.

We can make it look like the undesired outcome is more liable to happen. At the same time, we make it difficult to imagine how the desired outcome could ever be achieved. We do this by the way we deliver information, using foreshadowing and well-planted setups so that the eventual outcome feels natural and logical.

In future articles, we’ll take a closer look at how to use foreshadowing, clues, red herrings, and other devices to enhance story sequence and direct the reader’s attention where we want it.

Suspense, the Renewable Resource

There is an emotional factor in anticipating an outcome—either dread or excitement. That’s what makes it possible for us to read, watch, or listen to the retelling of a story more than once and again enjoy it. The elements of suspense are still at work, sparking the emotions of anticipation, because the reader is an active participant.

Whether you're working on a short story, a novel, or anything in between, when you build your writer’s toolbox by studying and practicing the common core of skills you’ve learned from this series of articles, you become empowered to create great stories packed with suspense. Something that will thrill readers and keep them coming back for more.

I encourage you to try the two exercises I outlined in this article: Chronology Columns and Micro View of Details .

Not only will you learn a lot, but you’ll be training your writer’s brain to deliver information to your reader in effective ways, honing your sequencing skills.

Be sure to bookmark this page and stay tuned! The next article is all about cliffhangers—you don’t want to miss it!

Do you use the sequence of events in a story to engage a specific emotion in the reader? How do you do this?  Let us know in the comments .

Let’s focus on the sequencing activities in your opening. Using the story idea and character you’ve developed for the book you’re writing in conjunction with this series, think about the micro flow of details you’re supplying readers from the beginning.

Are you anticipating your reader’s needs? What details must they have at this point in the story to keep them turning pages? What should you tell them to raise questions now and promise answers down the road?

Read aloud. It helps you come at your own work from a reader's perspective.

Spend fifteen minutes writing this opening.

When you're done, examine the opening and revise as necessary to provide a clear and compelling flow of information. When you are finished, if you want to, you may post your work in the Pro Practice Workshop .

Don’t forget to give your fellow writers some feedback and encouragement!

Joslyn Chase

Any day where she can send readers to the edge of their seats, prickling with suspense and chewing their fingernails to the nub, is a good day for Joslyn. Pick up her latest thriller, Steadman's Blind , an explosive read that will keep you turning pages to the end. No Rest: 14 Tales of Chilling Suspense , Joslyn's latest collection of short suspense, is available for free at joslynchase.com .

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Lit & More

June 20, 2021 ·

AP Lit Skill Spotlight: Sequence of Events

AP Lit Skill Spotlights · Prose Analysis Lessons & Resources

AP ® Lit Skill STR 3.B asks students to explain the function of a particular sequence of events in a plot. This is settled between 3.A (how plot orders events in a narrative) and 3.C (function of structure in a text) and there’s clearly some overlap. In thinking about this skill and what it wants students to know, it mostly boils down to an awareness and analysis of plot, specifically exposition.

* AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this website .

Examining Plot Sequence With Expositions

To introduce this skill, I recommend redirecting students to some of the “classic” short stories that they read in 9th and 10th grade. I’ve made a list of what these classics are for my students, but supplement or change based on your own students’ experiences.

Common 9th and 10th grade short stories:

• “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
• “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
• “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
• “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty
• “The Tell-Tale Heart” or “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
• “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
• “The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
• “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs

Ask students to select a short story they vaguely remember and enjoyed. Individually or in small groups, ask them to read their story once again. After reading, students should create a classic plot chart or plot diagram for the text (most students do this in grades 7-10).

When everyone is done, present them with these questions from the AP ® Lit CED:

• How does a particular sequence of events affect the presentation and/or development of characters and conflict?
• How does a particular sequence of events and the manner in which a text presents those events to a reader affect a reader’s experience with the text? 
• What is the relationship between a particular sequence of events and a text’s structure as a whole?

To help them tackle these rather vague questions, direct students to the story’s exposition in particular. For example, here is the first paragraph from “The Scarlet Ibis.”

Summer was dead, but autumn had not yet been born when the ibis came to the bleeding tree. It’s strange that all this is so clear to me, now that time has had its way. But sometimes (like right now) I sit in the cool green parlor, and I remember Doodle.

These sentences introduce the beautiful setting of the story, but also introduces the central conflict and symbol in the text as well. Knowing how the story ends , what else can we glean by going back and re-reading the exposition? Ask students to share their answers, then use these strategies to analyze future texts as well.

Focus Text: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker

I’ve been trying to use “Everyday Use” for a Skill Spotlight lesson for several months now, but I never could pinpoint the right opportunity. I just took a moment to reread it and realized I never paid much attention the exposition of the story. However, once I took the time to really analyze it, I was able to analyze much more about the story’s central conflict, the protagonist, and the impactful setting. It’s perfect for this skill (although fits it works with almost any skill-based analysis, really!)

With your students or for homework, read “Everyday Use.” Last time I checked, it was available online through Harper’s Magazine here . When finished, offer these questions to your students.

• How would you characterize or describe the plot layout of this story? Is it difficult or straightforward? Is it linear? Does it shift in and out of a linear plot?
• How does the plot layout and order or events affect your reading of the story? Consider the effect on its readability or complexity as well as your enjoyment of the story.
• What is the climax of the story? How do you know?
• Go back and re-read the first portion of “Everyday Use.” How does the exposition connect with the climax?
• What is the relationship between a particular sequence of events, such as the exposition or the climax, and the story’s structure as a whole?

Teacher’s Guide

• The plot layout is fairly simplistic and linear overall. However, the exposition jumps and and out of Mama’s memories and musings that interrupt the actual plot of the story (e.g. Dee’s visit).
• This rather straightforward layout makes the story easier in terms of readability. It seems straightforward at first with complexity building upon a second read or analysis. Some students may find the exposition off-topic or boring, preferring the dramatic depiction of Dee or Wangero’s visit from later in the story.
• The climax occurs when Mama finally realizes that she will never be able to please Dee and that Maggie ultimately deserves her favor. This is the climax because it turns the plot from rising action (wondering what will the protagonist do about her two daughters and their conflicting desires) to resolution.
• Upon examining the exposition, students may notice that the focus is not on Dee or even on Maggie, but mostly on the feelings of the narrator. Since Dee is such a dramatic presence in this book she seems to dominate the storyline at first. However, this exposition reminds us that the story is really about Dee’s mother. We learn that even before Dee (now Wangero) arrives, the narrator is already preparing for how she will disappoint her daughter. She knows her failings, and Maggie’s too. And yet she still stands in expectation in her perfectly cleaned yard. She still makes an effort. Some may see this as evidence that she still hopes that Dee will return home for good. It may also signify how the narrator has taken Maggie for granted. This adds suspense to the story and makes the climax, Mama’s decision to honor Maggie’s wishes over Wangero’s, more powerful.
• The exposition and the conflict return the story to the main character: Mama, not Dee. The imagined interview on Johnny Carson from the exposition reminds us that Mama will never be enough for Dee, despite how many quilts she gives her. She doesn’t transform, but rather has an epiphany that Maggie is her best daughter. In fact the moment is visceral, described as something that literally hit her over the head. She hugs Maggie and flatly refuses Wangero, basically showing her the door. It ends in a feeling of acceptance of what both Mama and Maggie truly are, rather than the hope for acceptance that drove the exposition.

Suggested Texts for Studying Sequence of Events

Here is a list of suggested short stories or novels to excerpt for studying sequence of events.

• “In the Penal Colony” by Franz Kafka
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin
• “A Haunted House” by Virginia Woolf
• “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner
• “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut
• “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl
• “The Veldt” or “The Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury
• “White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett
• “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov
• “The Lottery”by Shirley Jackson
• Paradise by Toni Morrison
• “Incantations of Burned Children” by David Foster Wallace
• Basically anything by Sandra Cisneros
• “Lather and Nothing Else” by Hernando Tellez

Reader Interactions

[…] “Everyday Use” is available on the website for Harper’s Magazine and is approximately a 17 minute read. I suggest using it to teach characterization, narration, or plot sequencing, but it can also be a good fit for setting or conflict. It also pairs well with Beloved or other texts with mother-daughter conflicts. For a free lesson using “Everyday Use, check out this Skill Spotlight on plot sequencing. […]

[…] “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker […]

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Understanding the Sequence Essay

In my view, sequence essays are a captivating form of writing. They are more than just a succession of events or steps; they represent a systematic arrangement where each element is methodically connected to the next. This format is not confined to simply enumerating events but emphasizes the development and transition from one stage to another.

The allure of a sequence essay lies in its lucid and structured presentation, an aspect I consider essential across various writing styles, especially within the International Baccalaureate framework. Such essays train the mind to organize thoughts coherently and present ideas with clarity, making them invaluable for students who seek to sharpen their analytical and writing abilities.

In essence, sequence essays bridge simple narrative and analytical writing, blending the art of storytelling with the precision of structured analysis.

The Purpose of a Sequence Essay

So, why do we engage in writing sequence essays? These essays are an excellent medium for delineating processes or narrating sequential events. In my professional journey, certain topics are exceptionally well-suited to this format. Consider, for instance, ‘The Lifecycle of a Butterfly’ or ‘How a Bill Becomes a Law.’ These subjects naturally lend themselves to a sequential presentation, allowing the writer to break down complex processes into understandable segments.

The essence of a sequence essay is to transform complex, multifaceted topics into a series of comprehensible steps, enhancing the reader’s understanding and engagement. This approach is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where clear and systematic presentation aids learning. Sequence essays inform and educate, making them a pivotal tool in students’ academic arsenal.

Structuring Sequence Essay

Every sequence essay should follow a clear structure: an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage, introducing your topic and hinting at the sequence to be unfolded. It’s the part where you grab the reader’s attention and set expectations. The body, where the action unfolds, is the core of your essay.

Each paragraph delves into a step or part of the sequence, meticulously detailing every aspect. It’s like painting a picture; each stroke adds to the overall image.

The conclusion, wrapping everything up, is not just a summary but a chance to highlight the importance of what has been discussed. It should leave your reader with a final, impactful thought, making the journey through your essay memorable.

This structure acts as a guide, leading the reader through your thoughtfully crafted narrative or process.

The Body of the Sequence Essay

The body of your sequence essay is where your storytelling prowess shines. Each paragraph, representing a distinct step or part of the sequence, should flow seamlessly into the next, like chapters in a novel. Use transition words effectively to ensure a smooth journey for your reader.

Clarity is indeed key, but so is engagement. Here, you can immerse your reader in the subject, using vivid descriptions, practical examples, and even personal anecdotes where appropriate.

This section is not just about presenting facts; it’s about weaving them into a coherent and compelling narrative or explanation. It’s where you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject in depth and your ability to communicate it effectively.

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How to Write the Conclusion of a Sequence Essay

Writing a conclusion for your sequence essay is pivotal, and if you are not sure how to make it – sequence essay writing assistance is always at your service. This section is not merely a discussion recap; it synthesizes the key points, drawing meaningful conclusions and insights. It’s your opportunity to underscore the significance of the sequence and its broader implications. You could pose a thought-provoking question or suggest applications of what has been discussed.

The conclusion should resonate with the reader, providing a clear understanding of the entire sequence and its relevance. It’s also a place to reflect on the topic’s importance, leaving the reader with a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation of the subject. Remember, a well-concluded essay not only summarizes but also enlightens and inspires.

Common Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them

In sequence essays, common mistakes include losing the logical flow, overwhelming the reader, and failing to connect the dots between steps adequately. A standard error is the underdevelopment of points, where each step in the sequence is not given its due importance. My advice? Emphasize each step’s relevance to the overall sequence. Additionally, avoid overly complex language that might need to be clarified for the reader.

Another tip is to use signposting phrases to help the reader anticipate what’s coming next. This makes the essay more reader-friendly and maintains engagement. Always review your essay from the reader’s perspective – does it tell a coherent story, is each step clearly explained, and does it all tie together logically?

Writing a sequence essay offers an excellent opportunity to hone organizational and creative writing skills. Beyond organization and clarity, injecting a bit of creativity makes your essay stand out.

Use relevant descriptions where appropriate, and don’t shy away from showing your unique voice. At Writing Metier , we have a team of writers who can help with sequence essays.

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However, balance creativity with precision – the clarity of your sequence is essential for an essay.

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Laura Orta is an avid author on Writing Metier's blog. Before embarking on her writing career, she practiced media law in one of the local media. Aside from writing, she works as a private tutor to help students with their academic needs. Laura and her husband share their home near the ocean in northern Portugal with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

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Writing about your life might not be as easy as it may seem. You know, one of those interview moments when you are asked, “So, tell us something about yourself,” and you are left blank. With a ‘my life essay for students’, this might be equally difficult. Some students just find it very difficult to put their life stories on paper. Be it a ‘my life essay’ 1000 words or 150 words, it might be not your cup of tea.

How to write an Essay on Army Values?

Army values, deeply entrenched in military ethos, serve as guiding beacons not just for soldiers but for society at large. These principles of loyalty, respect, and selfless service are more than mere words; they are the very foundation upon which harmonious societies can be built.

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Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

10.1 Narration

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of narrative writing.
• Understand how to write a narrative essay.

Rhetorical modes simply mean the ways in which we can effectively communicate through language. This chapter covers nine common rhetorical modes. As you read about these nine modes, keep in mind that the rhetorical mode a writer chooses depends on his or her purpose for writing. Sometimes writers incorporate a variety of modes in any one essay. In covering the nine modes, this chapter also emphasizes the rhetorical modes as a set of tools that will allow you greater flexibility and effectiveness in communicating with your audience and expressing your ideas.

The Purpose of Narrative Writing

Narration means the art of storytelling, and the purpose of narrative writing is to tell stories. Any time you tell a story to a friend or family member about an event or incident in your day, you engage in a form of narration. In addition, a narrative can be factual or fictional. A factual story is one that is based on, and tries to be faithful to, actual events as they unfolded in real life. A fictional story is a made-up, or imagined, story; the writer of a fictional story can create characters and events as he or she sees fit.

The big distinction between factual and fictional narratives is based on a writer’s purpose. The writers of factual stories try to recount events as they actually happened, but writers of fictional stories can depart from real people and events because the writers’ intents are not to retell a real-life event. Biographies and memoirs are examples of factual stories, whereas novels and short stories are examples of fictional stories.

Because the line between fact and fiction can often blur, it is helpful to understand what your purpose is from the beginning. Is it important that you recount history, either your own or someone else’s? Or does your interest lie in reshaping the world in your own image—either how you would like to see it or how you imagine it could be? Your answers will go a long way in shaping the stories you tell.

Ultimately, whether the story is fact or fiction, narrative writing tries to relay a series of events in an emotionally engaging way. You want your audience to be moved by your story, which could mean through laughter, sympathy, fear, anger, and so on. The more clearly you tell your story, the more emotionally engaged your audience is likely to be.

On a separate sheet of paper, start brainstorming ideas for a narrative. First, decide whether you want to write a factual or fictional story. Then, freewrite for five minutes. Be sure to use all five minutes, and keep writing the entire time. Do not stop and think about what to write.

The following are some topics to consider as you get going:

The Structure of a Narrative Essay

Major narrative events are most often conveyed in chronological order , the order in which events unfold from first to last. Stories typically have a beginning, a middle, and an end, and these events are typically organized by time. Certain transitional words and phrases aid in keeping the reader oriented in the sequencing of a story. Some of these phrases are listed in Table 10.1 “Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time” . For more information about chronological order, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” and Chapter 9 “Writing Essays: From Start to Finish” .

Table 10.1 Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time

The following are the other basic components of a narrative:

• Plot . The events as they unfold in sequence.
• Characters . The people who inhabit the story and move it forward. Typically, there are minor characters and main characters. The minor characters generally play supporting roles to the main character, or the protagonist .
• Conflict . The primary problem or obstacle that unfolds in the plot that the protagonist must solve or overcome by the end of the narrative. The way in which the protagonist resolves the conflict of the plot results in the theme of the narrative.
• Theme . The ultimate message the narrative is trying to express; it can be either explicit or implicit.

Writing at Work

When interviewing candidates for jobs, employers often ask about conflicts or problems a potential employee has had to overcome. They are asking for a compelling personal narrative. To prepare for this question in a job interview, write out a scenario using the narrative mode structure. This will allow you to troubleshoot rough spots, as well as better understand your own personal history. Both processes will make your story better and your self-presentation better, too.

Take your freewriting exercise from the last section and start crafting it chronologically into a rough plot summary. To read more about a summary, see Chapter 6 “Writing Paragraphs: Separating Ideas and Shaping Content” . Be sure to use the time transition words and phrases listed in Table 10.1 “Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time” to sequence the events.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your rough plot summary.

Writing a Narrative Essay

When writing a narrative essay, start by asking yourself if you want to write a factual or fictional story. Then freewrite about topics that are of general interest to you. For more information about freewriting, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .

Once you have a general idea of what you will be writing about, you should sketch out the major events of the story that will compose your plot. Typically, these events will be revealed chronologically and climax at a central conflict that must be resolved by the end of the story. The use of strong details is crucial as you describe the events and characters in your narrative. You want the reader to emotionally engage with the world that you create in writing.

To create strong details, keep the human senses in mind. You want your reader to be immersed in the world that you create, so focus on details related to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch as you describe people, places, and events in your narrative.

As always, it is important to start with a strong introduction to hook your reader into wanting to read more. Try opening the essay with an event that is interesting to introduce the story and get it going. Finally, your conclusion should help resolve the central conflict of the story and impress upon your reader the ultimate theme of the piece. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample narrative essay.

On a separate sheet of paper, add two or three paragraphs to the plot summary you started in the last section. Describe in detail the main character and the setting of the first scene. Try to use all five senses in your descriptions.

Key Takeaways

• Narration is the art of storytelling.
• Narratives can be either factual or fictional. In either case, narratives should emotionally engage the reader.
• Most narratives are composed of major events sequenced in chronological order.
• Time transition words and phrases are used to orient the reader in the sequence of a narrative.
• The four basic components to all narratives are plot, character, conflict, and theme.
• The use of sensory details is crucial to emotionally engaging the reader.
• A strong introduction is important to hook the reader. A strong conclusion should add resolution to the conflict and evoke the narrative’s theme.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Use Chronology

I. What is Chronology?

Chronology is the arrangement of events by time. In literature, most authors write their story as a sequence of events—when you use this method, arranging events in the order in which they occurred in time, it’s called putting them in “chronological order.” Sticking with a chronological timeline is the easiest way for audiences to follow what happens and is generally the best way to show cause and effect. But, some authors may be more risky with a story’s chronology, sharing events out of order—for example, they may start the story at the end and work backwards, jump back and forth in time, and so on!

Specifically, chronology is the science of ordering of events by time, is closely related to timekeeping itself, and is important across almost every discipline of study. In literature and writing, a chronology means a timeline of events or a history; for example, A Chronology of  Candle-making would give a timeline of candle-making’s history from its first appearance up until today. You can find chronologies of just about everything! Its study dates back to ancient times and is obviously still incredibly important today!

II. Example of Chronology

The clearest and simplest way to show chronology is with a timeline. For instance, a chronology of your day would start when you wake up, and end when you go to bed. Here is an example:

• 8:30am: Woke up
• 8:45am: Showered, brushed teeth
• 9:15am: Ate breakfast
• 9:30am: Drove to work
• 11:00am: Meeting with boss
• 1:00pm: Had lunch at the deli
• 3:00pm: Grabbed a coffee with a colleague
• 6:00pm: Left work, drove to supermarket
• 6:20pm: Bought groceries for dinner
• 7:00pm: Cooked dinner
• 8:00pm: Finished dinner, washed the dishes
• 8:30pm: Had dessert on the couch while watching TV
• 11:00pm: Brushed teeth, got in bed to read
• 12:00pm: Asleep in bed!

As you can see, this timeline shares the events of the day in chronological order. It is easy to follow since it relays things exactly in the order that they happened.

III. Types of Chronology

Chronology is pretty straightforward because it relies completely on time. So, there aren’t any real “types” of chronology, but it can be shared in different ways and narrative styles .

a. Linear Narrative (Normal Chronology)

The linear (i.e. in a line) telling of a story as a sequence of events as they happened in time.

b. Reverse Chronology

The telling of a story from the end to the beginning, sharing events in the reverse order from which they occurred in time.

c. Nonlinear Narrative

The nonlinear (i.e. not in line) telling of a story as a series of separate events told out of chronological order

IV. Importance of Chronology

The importance of chronology across all aspects of life is immeasurable, and literature is no different! How else would we readers ever know how and when things happened, and how could we understand a story’s chain of cause and effect? When events are shared out of order and without a context for time, it is very difficult to see their significance, or to even understand what happened.

For instance, imagine you are telling a story about a nerdy, not very athletic boy who becomes the star player on his school’s baseball team. If you started your story showing him as a kid being bad at baseball, but then suddenly he is on a team hitting home runs, the audience wouldn’t understand how it happened. Instead, you should show the transition he makes over time, perhaps with a montage like this:

• First, he might start practicing by playing fetch with his dog in his backyard and by bouncing the ball off his bedroom wall.
• Then you could show him secretly spending his allowance to go to the batting cages.
• You could show the seasons changing as he gets better and better, missing parties and hanging out with friends to practice baseball.
• Then one day, as Spring approaches and tryouts arrives, he finally decides to go out for the team, and makes it.

By exhibiting how he improves and changes over time, you can show the audience just how the young player became so great. By portraying the player’s path from start to finish, you show cause and effect—in this case, you’d be supporting the idea of “practice makes perfect.” So, as you can see, without chronology, telling this story would be quite difficult!

I would love to see an example of this, or a little more elaboration on how difficult it is to understand an effect when you don’t know the cause. Perhaps cause and effect can be broken down a little further (in regards to storylines) – for example chronology shows us the reasons behind character motives, circumstances, or helps us understand a setting (historical, present, or futuristic) and the actions or events that are relevant. Also, perhaps we can see an example where the story line is out of order and therefore confusing (until the chronology is revealed that is)? It may have to be a 2-part example to show the confusing part and then the actual explanation.

V. Examples of Chronology in Popular Culture

In the family film UP, chronology helps us learn a lot about the protagonist Carl. The movie opens with a montage of his life with his true love Ellie. It begins when they are young and first get married, showing all of the trials and tribulations that keep them from going on the adventure they always dreamed of:

At the end of the montage, we are sad to learn that Ellie died before they ever got to go on their great adventure together. We now know that losing Ellie was the cause of his loneliness, and his grumpy demeanor is the effect. This chronological story of their time paints a beautiful picture for us, and really helps us understand who Carl is. If we didn’t get this timeline, it would be hard to see why Carl is the way he is, or to know why he wants to head to Paradise Falls with his house full of memories.

The film Memento is well known for its unique, complicated way of sharing the chronology of the main character Lenny’s life. Rather than start from the beginning, as most stories do, Memento “begins” at the end and works its way backwards through the events that led to his situation. But, Lenny suffers from short term memory loss, and his memory resets every few minutes. Here is the opening scene:

The film begins with the moments that follow a murder, shown in reverse, and will work backwards from here. Memento’s use of reverse chronology leaves the audience in a constant state of confusion, like Lenny himself. Even when we think we know what is going on in one scene, the scene that follows often tells us otherwise as it works backwards in time.

VI. Examples of Chronology in Literature

In the fiction series Diary of a Wimpy Kid , everything the audience knows is from what they read in the diary of middle schooler Greg. The diary starts at the beginning of the school year, and Greg makes an entry every day. Here are a few lines from a couple of different diary entries:

Monday I guess Mom was pretty proud of herself for making me write in that journal last year, because now she went out and bought me another one. But remember how I said if some jerk caught me carrying a book with “diary” on the cover they were gonna get the wrong idea? Well, that’s exactly what happened today. Tuesday When I got to school today, everybody was acting all strange around me, and at first I didn’t know WHAT was up. Then I remembered: I still had the Cheese Touch from last year.

Greg’s diary is a chronology of his life. It is a timeline of everything that happens to him day by day, and he tells us about past events, too. With each new book in the series you get to witness the details of his life as they happen, in chronological order, and learn more about his past through the memories he records.

Sometimes authors write things out in an actual timeline, similar to a diary. In author Mary Ruefle’s short piece of creative nonfiction called “My Search Amongst the Birds,” she records her thoughts over several months, creating a chronology of her experience feeding the birds at her home. Here’s a selection of the work:

• Aug 19 It took the little birds—are they wrens?—about a week to find the seeds.
• Aug 23 One day a pigeon joined them, he was larger and seemed “superior,” the wrens seemed “respectful,” as if they were deferring to him.

(later) I saw a bird in the bushes near Dairy Queen. It looked thin to me.

• Aug 26 They come for breakfast and they come for dinner. WHERE DO THEY GO FOR LUNCH?
• Aug 28 Bought a pair of opera glasses to facilitate my search among the birds.
• Aug 29 I replace the little golden seeds, for I have run out of them, with black oiled sunflower seeds, which everyone knows are superior and preferred by all birds. I do this in the middle of the night so as to “surprise” the birds in the morning. But in the morning they don’t act “surprised” at all, they act as if nothing’s changed. But then again, they may be “acting.”

(later) They ARE acting—the wrens don’t like the new seed, they are ignoring it! Do they KNOW how much work it took to lug that bag up the stairs?

VII. Related terms

A flashback is when a story temporarily jumps backward to a previous moment in the past. It’s used to give the audience insight about characters or other relevant details in a story without having to disrupt the normal flow of events in chronological order.

• Flash-forward

A flash-forward is just like a flashback, but going forward—the story temporarily jumps to a specific moment in the future. Like a flashback, it doesn’t disrupt the way the story is being told, but still lets writers give a peak at what will happen later.

VIII. Conclusion

It’s easy to see why chronology is such a major part of literature—just about everything we understand relies on time, and that includes storytelling and writing across all genres . In writing, establishing a chronology for your topic or story is a great starting point, and a crucial part of the big picture!

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

Sequence of Events in a Story

Sequence in Storytelling

When we read, it is important to keep track of the order of events happening in the story. This may seem obvious, but it is all too easy to reach the end of a story and not remember exactly what happened or in what order events took place. Maybe you were reading too quickly, or you kept getting distracted by something else. When things like this happen, it can lead us to wrong conclusions about the story, especially when it comes to using context to figure out what may have happened in a story that wasn’t stated outright. In this video, we will look at the importance of the sequence or order of events in a story and the ways we can use context clues to come to conclusions about events in a story that are not directly stated.

Let’s start off with sequence. All stories are made up of a sequence of events: A happens, which then leads to B, which then leads to C, and so on. For example:

A) The man drove 20 miles over the speed limit. B) The man was pulled over by the police. C) The man was given a speeding ticket. D) The man drove the speed limit the rest of the way home.

This is a simple little story and not all that exciting. But keeping the sequence of events in line is important. If we jumbled up the order, the meaning of the story would become completely different. Imagine, for example, that this story began with the man driving the speed limit, and then he was given a speeding ticket, which led to him driving over the speed limit the rest of the way home. It would be a completely different story.

Contextual Sequencing

Now, earlier I mentioned using context when events aren’t stated outright in the text. We use context clues on a daily basis to make feasible inferences about different events. An inference is a conclusion we come to by using evidence and reasoning.

Here’s a simple example. If you hear somebody in another room yell “Ouch!”, you infer that the person has hurt themselves in some way. You come to this conclusion without really thinking about it because you know that “Ouch!” is what somebody exclaims when they are hurt. However, you don’t know for sure if the person is actually hurt—maybe the person just likes to say “Ouch!”—but it is reasonable to infer that the person is hurt. Evidence from past experiences has resulted in somebody being hurt after yelling “Ouch!”

Here’s another example. Your cat runs into the living room, and you hear a crash. You then enter the living room to see that a vase is broken. I’m sure you can put together, using context clues, what happened—at least what is most likely to have happened.

So how does this relate to a sequence of events? Pretend you’re reading a story and the following events happen:

1) Tim goes to the candy store. 2) Tim buys $10 worth of candy. 3) The next day, Tim stays home from school, and his friends overhear that he is at home due to illness.

Seems simple enough. But here’s the catch. The final event, Tim staying home from school, happens 5 pages after he buys the candy. In those 5 pages, several other events happen in the story. This is important, because remembering that Tim bought candy the previous day provides context for his absence from school due to illness. Sometimes there can be a long span of time between one event in a story and the results of that event. You can safely infer, of course, that the candy caused the illness in this case.

Remember that stories are written by authors, and authors give details for a reason. Why, for instance, would an author include the detail of Tim going to the candy store and buying a huge amount of candy for no reason? It is possible that the author is trying to trick you into believing that the candy caused the illness; this is something that authors often do in mystery stories. Assuming this isn’t a mystery story, then 99.9% of the time it is safe to assume that Tim ate too much candy which caused him to become ill.

Finally, let’s go back to the speeding man from earlier. Let’s rearrange it: B) The man was pulled over by the police. C) The man was given a speeding ticket. A) The man drove 20 miles over the speed limit.

How might we use context to make inferences about this sequence of events?

The story begins with the man being pulled over before being given a ticket. Using reasoning and evidence, we can infer contextually that the man was speeding before the beginning of the story.

The ending, however, is much more difficult to figure out! Like many other stories, this one does not have an obvious answer. It is up to us to infer, to make educated guesses. So, what are some possible reasons for the man to speed after just receiving a ticket? I can think of a few:

The man is a rebel; he doesn’t care about authority. The author might be trying to show that the man hasn’t learned his lesson.

In the end, this is often how stories work. We don’t know the answer for sure. Maybe the man is in a rush for some other reason. All we can do is make educated inferences with the information we’re given; reading on while remembering the sequence of events will likely make things clear in the end.

As you can see, the sequence of events in a story has a very important role in how the story unfolds. Remembering the sequence and using context to fill in missing events can help the reader fully comprehend the story in full detail.

I hope this review was helpful! Thanks for watching, and happy studying!

Return to Reading Comprehension Videos

by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: August 30, 2024

Telling Stories: Sequencing for ESL Students

Learn how to organize your phrases with sequence writing exercises

• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Writing Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Business English
• Resources for Teachers

EXAMPLE PASSAGE: A Conference in Chicago

Sequencing steps, events occurring at the same time, test your knowledge.

• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
• M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
• B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music

Telling stories is common in any language . Think of all the situations in which you might tell a story in everyday life:

• Talking about last weekend to a friend.
• Giving details about something that happened during a job interview.
• Relating information about your family to your children.
• Telling colleagues about what happened on a business trip.

In each of these situations—and many others—you provide information about something that happened in the past. To help your audience understand your stories, you need to link this information from the past together. One of the most important ways to link ideas is to sequence them. The passages below are good examples of sequenced ideas. Read the examples and then measure your understanding with a quiz. The answers are at the bottom.

Last week, I visited Chicago to attend a business conference. While I was there , I decided to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. To start off, my flight was delayed. Next, the airline lost my luggage, so I had to wait for two hours at the airport while they tracked it down. Unexpectedly, the luggage had been set aside and forgotten.

As soon as they found my luggage, I found a taxi and rode into town. During the ride into town, the driver told me about his last visit to the Art Institute. After I had arrived safely, everything began to go smoothly. The business conference was very interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the institute. Finally , I caught my flight back to Seattle.

Luckily, everything went smoothly. I arrived home just in time to kiss my daughter goodnight.

Sequencing refers to the order in which events happened. Sequencing is often made easier by the use of transition words. Following are some of the most common words and expressions used to sequence when writing or speaking.

Beginning your story

Create the beginning of your story with these expressions. Use a comma after the introductory phrase.

• First of all,
• To start off with,
• To begin with,

Examples of these beginning phrases in use include:

• To begin with, I began my education in London.
• First of all, I opened the cupboard.
• To start off with, we decided our destination was New York.
• Initially, I thought it was a bad idea.

Continuing the story

You can continue the story with the following expressions, or use a time clause beginning with "as soon as" or "after." When using a time clause, use the  past simple  after the time expression, such as:

• After that,
• As soon as / When + full clause,
• ...but then
• Immediately,

Examples of using these continuing phrases in a story include:

• Then, I started to get worried.
• After that, we knew that there would be no problem!
• Next, we decided on our strategy.
• As soon as we arrived, we unpacked our bags.
• We were sure everything was ready, but then we discovered some unexpected problems.
• Immediately, I telephoned my friend Tom.

Interruptions and Adding New Elements to the Story

You can use the following expressions to add suspense to your story:

• Unexpectedly,

Examples of using these interrupting phrases or turning to a new element include:

• Suddenly, a child burst into the room with a note for Ms. Smith.
• Unexpectedly, the people in the room didn't agree with the mayor.

Ending the Story

Mark the end of your story with these introductory phrases:

• In the end,
• Eventually,

Examples of using these ending words in a story include:

• Finally, I flew to London for my meeting with Jack.
• In the end, he decided to postpone the project.
• Eventually, we became tired and returned home.

When you tell stories, you will also need to give reasons for actions. Review tips on  linking your ideas  and providing reasons for your actions  to help you understand how to do so.

The use of "while" and "as" introduce a  dependent clause  and require an  independent clause  to complete your sentence. "During" is used with a noun, noun phrase, or noun clause and does not require a subject and object. The construction for this kind of sentence is:

• While / As + subject + verb + dependent clause or independent clause + while / as + subject + verb

An example of using "while" in a sentence is:

• While I was giving the presentation, a member of the audience asked an interesting question.
• Jennifer told her story as I prepared dinner.

The construction for using "during" in a sentence is:

• During + noun (noun clause)

Examples of using "during" in a sentence include:

• During the meeting, Jack came over and asked me a few questions.
• We explored a number of approaches during the presentation. 

Provide an appropriate sequencing word to fill in the blanks. The answers follow the quiz.

My friend and I visited Rome last summer. (1) ________, we flew from New York to Rome in first class. It was fantastic! (2) _________ we arrived in Rome, we (3) ______ went to the hotel and took a long nap. (4) ________, we went out to find a great restaurant for dinner. (5) ________, a scooter appeared out of nowhere and almost hit me! The rest of the trip had no surprises. (6) __________, we began to explore Rome. (7) ________ the afternoons, we visited ruins and museums. At night, we hit the clubs and wandered the streets. One night, (8) ________ I was getting some ice cream, I saw an old friend from high school. Imagine that! (9) _________, we caught our flight back to New York. We were happy and ready to begin work again.

Multiple answers are possible for some of the blanks:

• First of all / To start off with / Initially / To begin with
• As soon as / When
• immediately
• Then / After that / Next 
• Suddenly / Unexpectedly 
• While / As 
• Finally / In the end / Eventually
• Practice Restaurant Dialogue for Ordering Food
• Making Complaints in English
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• Confusing Preposition Pairs in English
• The Difference Between 'Of' and 'From'
• Future Tenses Review Quiz for ESL
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• Guide to Expressions of Quantity
• Example Sentences of the Verb Begin
• Comparative and Superlatives for Beginners
• Contrasting Ideas
• What Are Reduced Adverb Clauses and How Do They Work?
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• Top English Grammar Workbooks for ESL/EFL Learners
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Time transition words to give sequential information in time order

When describing a sequence of events, time transition words will help you order things chronologically. Without these time order words it can be difficult for your reader or listener to logically follow what you’re saying. They also help make your English more interesting!

Transition words , also known as discourse markers, are expressions we use in everyday speech and writing, as well as in more formal contexts like essays, articles, papers and presentations.

Whatever the situation, these sequencing transition words are essential for talking about the order in which things happened (or will happen).

Time transition words for order and sequence

We’re going to cover more than 100 time order transition words here! They are grouped logically according to which part of a sequence or what point in time they describe. We have included example sentences to show how they can be used, too.

Once you have found what you need here, you might enjoy some idioms about time as well.

Transition words to begin a sequence

It makes sense to begin with some transition words for the first event in a sequence. Some of these can also be used to commence an argument, discussion, or story.

• To begin with
• First of all
• In the beginning
• Let’s begin with

“ First of all , I’d like to address the matter of the parking permits.” “ Let’s begin with a look at our quarterly sales report.” “ Initially they wanted to buy a brand new car, but then they decided to purchase second-hand.” “ Once there was a princess who lived in a castle.”

Another time transition word which sounds like it should belong in this list is ‘in the first place’. This phrase actually means ‘before’, and is generally used to talk about something that should have happened earlier, but didn’t.

“We should have listened to her in the first place !” “Why didn’t you tell me this in the first place ?”

Continuing a sequence of events

After you have introduced the first point in a sequence or argument, you can continue chronologically with one of these transition words:

• After (this/that)
• Subsequently
• Following (this/that)
• Second, third, fourth, etc.
• Secondly, thirdly, fourthly, etc.

“They were happy playing in the garden until it began raining.” “ After this meeting, let’s continue the discussion over lunch.” “I need to pop to the shops this morning. Afterwards , I’ll tidy the house.”

A note on numerical transition words

Although numerical transition words (first, second, third, fourth, etc.) can, in theory, be continued indefinitely, in reality we rarely go beyond ‘third’ when speaking or writing.

If you list more than three points out loud when speaking, it might make it hard for your listener to follow along. And in writing, it would be more common to use a numbered bullet list for 4+ items, rather than writing a sequence of events or points using ordinal numbers.

The question often arises as to whether you should use ‘first, second, third’ or ‘firstly, secondly, thirdly’. Some style guides recommend using ‘first’ to begin a list, regardless of how you continue. If you are writing in a formal context then you should check whether there is a particular rule for you to follow.

In general, however, either format is acceptable as long as you are consistent. For example, you shouldn’t combine ‘first, secondly, third’.

Time order words to end a sequence

When you reach the last point on a list, the last event in a sequence, or the end of a presentation, you can use one of these to show you are concluding:

• Last of all
• In conclusion

These should only be used to end a list or sequence containing more than two points. It’s not strictly necessary to end with one of these transition words; you could end with ‘then’ or ‘after’, for example. However, these ending words will help make it clear that you have reached your final point.

“ In the end , we decided to go on vacation to Costa Rica.” “ Last of all , I’d like to toast the happy couple.” “ To wrap up , let’s break out into small groups and share what we’ve learned today.”

Check out some more transition words for concluding here.

Examples of sequential transition words

Here are some examples of these start, middle and end transition words for chronological order, in situations where you may often need them.

To outline a presentation, speech or report

“ Firstly , we’ll look at the results of the research conducted,  then  we’ll examine the impact this is likely to have on the community.  Finally , I will present a list of suggested actions.  At the end  there will be a chance for you to ask questions.”

To go through a list of numbered points

“ First , we’re going to visit the castle.  Second , we’ll stop at a monastery.  Third , we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, and  last of all  we’ll spend a couple of hours at the beach.”

To give an account of something that’s happened

“I arrived in the office as usual, and  first of all  I switched on my computer.  After that , I went to the kitchen to make myself a coffee.  Next  I checked the mail, and when I returned to my office I saw that the safe was open and all the money was gone.”

Do you think that’s all there is to know about time transition words? We’re only just getting started! Next, let’s look at some sequencing transition words to talk about different points in time.

Time order words: past, present, future

In the past (ending before now).

The following time transition words can be used to talk about something that began in the past and finished before the current time, or which ended/will end before the next thing in the series.

• In the past

“ In the past he was living homeless, but now he has made a good life for himself.” “ Before rolling out the dough, be sure to dust the worktop with flour.” “ Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked in a bank.”

You may also want to use some idioms to talk about the past .

What about something that began in the past but is still applicable at the present time, or as the next thing in the series begins? Try one of these:

• Until now (past: until then)
• Up to this point (past: up to that point)
• Up to the present time

“ So far I’m enjoying my job, but I have only been here for 2 weeks.” “At age 36 he decided to travel the world. Until then , he had been working in a factory.”

Present time

You might want to emphasize that you are referring to the current moment in time using one of these time words:

• At the moment
• At this time
• At this point
• At this point in time
• At the present time

“ At this point in time I’ve decided to focus on my family rather than looking for work.” “She said she isn’t hungry at the moment .”

Using any of these suggests that the situation may change soon and the current state is only temporary.

See some idioms about the present time , or learn some phrases to describe change .

In the future

Here are some phrases you can use to talk about something starting at the current time and extending into the future:

• From now on (past: from then on)
• From this point forward (past: from that point forward)
• From today (past: from that day)
• Going forward

“I had a bit of a health scare last month. From now on I’m going to exercise every day.” “ From that day forward , he decided to dedicate his life to helping others.” “ In future , we should be more careful about the clients we take on.”

And yes, there are idioms about the future too!

Concurrent events

What if you need to talk about two things happening at the same time? The following time order transition words show that one thing takes place at the same time as another:

• Concurrently
• At the same time
• In the meantime

“He fell asleep during the movie.” “Please could you investigate the drop in traffic to our website? In the meantime , I’ll speak to our Sales team.” “I don’t know how you can work while you’re listening to that music!”

How soon will it happen?

Next, we have some transition words and phrases, most of which are adverbial, to add a sense of timing to an action. Will it happen very soon or not for a while?

These are listed more or less in order from the soonest to the furthest away. However, many of them have a similar meaning so there is not a strict distinction between every one.

• Straightaway
• Immediately
• This instant (past: that instant)
• Without delay
• Shortly (a confusing adverb that doesn’t relate to distance)
• After a while
• By the time
• In due time
• In due course
• Sooner or later
• At long last

“I’ll take care of that without delay .” “They took a stroll through the woods and after a while came across a mysterious shack.” “ At long last we found the campsite, but it was already dark.”

See also: Confusing adverbs and A while vs awhile

Showing surprise at the timing of an occurrence

• All of a sudden
• All at once
• Out of the blue
• No sooner … than …

“ No sooner had he passed his driving test than he wrecked his car.” “I had a phone call from an old school friend out of the blue .”

Time transition words to describe frequency

Finally, you might want to say how often something occurs. Again, these are listed roughly in order from most to least frequent.

• All the time
• Occasionally
• Now and again
• Now and then
• From time to time
• Once in a while
• Hardly ever
• Not anymore

“I like to get my hair cut regularly .” “I often eat out but I hardly ever cook a meal from scratch.” “She visits her grandparents from time to time .” “I don’t go out after 10pm anymore .”

You can learn about the difference between sometimes and sometime here, if you’re unsure. We also have an article about the difference between anymore and any more .

Note that ‘all the time’ is usually not taken literally to mean ‘constantly’. Instead, it means ‘very often’.

“I go past that shop all the time but I have never been inside.” “My mum phones me all the time , it’s so annoying!”

And that’s all we have to say about time transition words! If you’d like to discover some more transition words to use in written or spoken English, check out these other articles:

Transition words for addition Transition words for cause and effect Transition words to compare and contrast Transition words for similarities Transition words for giving examples

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Jerz's Literacy Weblog (est. 1999)

Process description: how to write about a sequence of events.

Jerz > Writing > Technical >

This document describes how to write a process description  (or process analysis), a variation of the short report  designed to help a reader understand how a change takes place over time, through a series of stages.

You might use a process description to examine the photosynthesis of plants, the migration of animals, or the impeachment of presidents.

By contrast, the mechanism description focuses on an object in space (e.g. the physiology of a plant), and   instructions focus on actions the reader takes to make the process happen (e.g. how to care for a plant).

Parts of a Process Description

What follows is a general structure, which you should adapt to fit the specific needs of your writing task.

• Introduction
• Description
• Step-by-Step Description

1. Abstract

While the reader sees the abstract first, the author should expect to write it last.

We live in a tl;dr world. Summarize any professional document more than a few paragraphs long, for the benefit of a busy reader who may be reading hundreds of similar documents each day.

An abstract is a compressed summary that boils down the most important contents into a few sentences. (See “ Short Reports: Begin with the Conclusion .”)

An abstract is not a list of promises. Don’t think of it like a “stay tuned, we’ll tell you who won the big game and we’ll show you the best plays after these messages from our sponsor” teaser. Instead, an abstract actually gives the final scores, names the most valuable player, and breaks down the game-winning play.

In general, break the whole process up into smaller stages, and describe each stage in order. If the process is part of a continuing cycle (such as the evaporation and condensation of water), say so.

Caution : Students who are unfamiliar with the “process description” genre sometimes confuse it with  “helpful hints,” by which I mean a collection of many details that do not need to take place in any particular order.

2. Introduction

A good introduction is a concise paragraph that will accomplish two things:

• define the overall process in a single sentence.
• describe the document (you are describing the scope and purpose of the document you are writing; this is not the place to demonstrate your ability to introduce the field of knowledge you are about to draw on in order to help your reader understand the process)

Process Definition

Your introduction should be a concise paragraph that supplies a good sentence definition of the process.

Purpose and Scope of the Document

Like any technical document, it should also  state the scope and purpose of the paper.

3. Brief Description

As part of a brief paragraph (or, for a shorter document, possibly the same paragraph as the introduction), answer the question, “ How does it happen? ”

Provide any necessary context, such as

• Who or what performs the action each step?
• What local conditions or circumstances might affect each stage?
• How is each stage of the process significant to the overall process?

Give a concise overview of the process. This brief description should stand alone — that is, it should not refer to details, facts, or terms that aren’t explained within the summary.

You will probably have an easier time writing this section if you save it until you have written out the complete description. Conclude this section by breaking the process up into stages : “The principle stages of writing process are planning, drafting, revising, and proofreading.”

Your next section will work through each stage in turn.

4. Step-by-step Description

For each step in your description, write a miniature process description:

• define the step
• state its purpose (or function within the process)
• providing the necessary context , and
• include brief mechanism descriptions for any components that may be involved

This would probably be the longest section of your document.

Depending on the complexity of your process, you might divide up your process into sections, and treat each one as a separate subsection, concluding each subsection with a description of how this process fits in with the other subsections.

If you do break your process down into substages, before you launch into the details of any subsection, begin with a general introduction that orients your reader to all the major stages your document is going to cover.

A local table of contents can help readers skip to just the section they’re interested in.

A sentence definition is technical writing that specifies a thing by stating its category + what makes it unique in that category, with no extraneous details.

Name the parts and systems involved in those major processes, giving short sentence definitions of each major part, before you launch into the details. 

Because a process takes place over time, you should probably organize each subsection chronologically; however, if various components of a process happen at the same time, you might instead organize this section in some other way (such as starting at the top and moving down, or starting with what is most important and moving on to what is less important, or starting with what non-experts perceive with their senses and moving on to what experts can perceive with specialized equipment).

Work carefully from known information to unknown information.

Begin each section with a summary that identifies the topics to be covered in this section, and make sure you cover how those main topics relate to each other before you launch into the complex details about each section.

For instance, if you are writing about human anatomy, you should first establish the big-picture basics , such as the fact that the heart and lungs work together to circulate oxygen through the blood stream, before you go into specific details (such as what exactly happens on the cellular and molecular level in the alevoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide pass in opposite directions).

5. Conclusion

Without being excessively redundant, review the major steps in the process. Walk the reader through one complete cycle , emphasizing how the completion of each stage contributes to the final overall effect .

You might provide multiple different contrasting examples, or notable exceptions that don’t perfectly fit the process you just described.

—–

1997 — Handout created by Dennis G. Jerz, for the University of Toronto’s Engineering Writing 2003 — Updated version posted on jerz.setonhill.edu; modest tweaks over the years 03 Feb 2022 — After I noticed a spike in visits to this page, I freshened up the content, beefed up section 4, and added more cross-referencing links.

31 thoughts on “ Process Description: How to Write about a Sequence of Events ”

Hi Dr.Jerz. Didn’t see an email address on your about page so I’m just writing here to say “thank you” for your work thus far! I’m a university student in Jamaica currently trying to improve my academic writing for my final year (and beyond). Stumbled across your youtube playlist on critical thinking and then followed the link to your website. It’s been a great experience thus far and has totally changed how I viewed research.

Initially, I often had ideas and hypotheses around social and philosophical issues of my generation that I believed could go on to make me a great thought leader in the academic field, however, the requirements of evidence and contradictory views which research requires scared me; I developed a fear of losing ‘credit’ for my genius idea as I may: (1) fail to find support for such a Jamaica-focused idea; (2) encounter the same idea and lose the possibility (and joy) of being a creator, a ‘genius’ after investing so much time to read several papers. My ego desired to have the public speaking authority which I saw my professors exercise without any understanding of how they have developed and eared that level of credibility.

Your explanations have truly shown me that these research requirements exists to assist me in pursuing truth (rather than fame haha). I’ve come to accept that there were people here before me that have invested years into the topics that I am only recently discovering, and through their help I could : (i) strengthen my hypotheses; (ii) save time by not recreating the wheel; (iii) or identify areas (or gaps) that require further research.

The battle with the ego isn’t finished but has definitely improved. This has been enlightening so far and I will definitely be reviewing your notes regularly. The videos may be old but the knowledge is definitely timeless. Keep up the great work Dr. Jerz :)

Thank you very much for your kind words. I tell my students that their goal should be to demonstrate their ability to make original connections between published experts who disagree with each other. If they develop that skill early in their undergraduate career, then they’ll be prepared to do original work after they’ve gained the foundational knowledge and skills their professors in their major courses want them to learn. You are right that credibility and genuine authority come only with experience, and that they are not the same thing as fame and power. It sounds like you are well on your way to success, Chris!

Actually I’m trying to find an example to under stand the question

Describe a situation in which part of a process description might not be organized chronologically.

That sounds like a homework assignment. If you had made some effort, and asked what I think about your attempt, I might have given you an opinion. If you make no effort at all, and expect me to do all the work for you, I will probably go watch cat videos.

I appreciate to have your opinion

I didn’t create the assignment and I won’t be marking it for you, so I really don’t know what your instructor would consider to be a good example. But if you give me an example, I’m willing to offer my opinion about whether it meets the criteria you describe.

From ISO 9001 Quality Management System point of view, can you give examples or outline of this subject please?

That is a very specific question, that would require me to do some time-consuming work in order to offer a professional answer.

Whether Process description should be written in paragraphwise or in pointwise ?

There is no one correct answer. Can you ask an expert to recommend a particularly well-written process description to use as a model? Does that model use paragraphs or bullets? My students have generally been trained to write in paragraphs, because they are used to writing for teachers who want to teach them how to write paragraphs. I often encourage them to try out bullet points, but that doesn’t mean paragraphs are wrong.

when series of processes are numbered ,it is right to consider it as a process description?

Maybe. I could number a list of “10 ways to make a baby happy,” but that wouldn’t make each item on the list part of a single process.

introduction about acid rain . is that an a sequence of events ?

Yes, it is possible to write a process description about how acid rain is formed and how it impacts the environment. If you focus instead on the chemical composition of acid rain, or you present a debate about what the government and corporations should do about acid rain, or you write a poem about how mad you are about companies that contribute to acid rain, then no.

tnx man . your’e nice

how can you handle the problem of the use of illustration in the description process?

Clifford, if this is a job assignment or homework assignment, whoever assigned the task is your best resource. There is nothing special about the use of an illustration in a description process that does not also apply for using an illustration in any technical document. The general subject of using illustrations is not something I tried to tackle on this short page.

GREAT INFORMATION……AT LAST I HAVE A REPORT…

GREAT INFORMATION….AT LAST, I HAVE A REPORT FOR TECHNICAL WRITTING….

i want to know about the difference between process description, functional description and instruction.. anyone help me?

I could help more if I knew the context for the question, but instructions are a special kind of process description that emphasize what the reader needs to do to make the process happen. You could describe the process of how the body digests an apple, or how a NASA probe tests for life on Mars, or how tectonic plates form mountains and volcanoes, but those would be very different as instructions.

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/technical-writing/instructions-how-to-write-for-busy-grouchy-people/

A functional description describes how the parts of an object work together to do something useful. This handout on the mechanism description may help.

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/technical-writing/mechanism-description/

My handouts are just suggestions. If you have been asked to write a document for your workplace, ask someone to show you models of good documents to emulate. If this is for a class, then your instructor or the course textbook are your best resources.

Merhaba. ben türkiyeden bu siteye bakıyorum. fakat bir türlü bulamıyorum. benim paragraflarım var onlari ingilizceye çevirmem gerek ama çeviremiyorum. İngilizceyi daha yeni öğrenmeye başladım. Lütfen cevap verin. Please

Wonderful explaination， thanks！

yah your right!!!

can you give me an example paragraph of a mechanism description and process description?please… thank you so much!

This page does contain a brief example of a process description, as well as a link to a similar page on writing a mechanism description. Any technical writing textbook should contain more detail. Good luck!

mechanism operation and conceptual process are both process descriptions. how are they different? what is the outline that can be used as a guide? kindly answer.. thanks

What is the context for this question? If this is part of a classroom assignment, your instructor and your textbook would be the sources most likely to help your grade. If you are trying to solve.a problem for a client, the subject matter experts and other technical writers who have worked on this problem before will be a better resource.

what is the difference between operation description and mechanism description?

Those terms may have specialized meanings in some fields. In general, I would say a mechanism description describes a thing with many parts, and typically focuses on the relationship of those parts in space. An operation description would focus on time — what conditions are necessary before you start step one, how you know when you are ready to go onto step two, that sort of thing. Beyond that, the answer would depend on the context.

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75 Sequence Words: Overview, List & Examples

Get in line and follow the sequence.

Today, we’re unraveling the mystery behind sequence words.

Sequence words are tools in writing that guide the order of events, ideas, or steps, using terms like first, next, then, and finally. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these words, their types, uses, and examples to enhance your writing skills.

Scroll to the end for a free tool you can use to create teaching stories and worksheets with AI.

What Are Sequence Words?

Table of Contents

Ever read a story or an article and found yourself effortlessly moving from one idea to the next, like stepping on stones across a stream?

That smooth transition is often thanks to sequence words.

These words are like signposts on a hiking trail, guiding you along the path of the narrative or argument.

As a writer with years of experience, I’ve come to realize that sequence language is more than just parts of speech. They’re powerful tools that bring order and clarity to my writing.

Think of them as the glue that holds the different parts of your story or argument together.

How Are Sequence Words Used in Writing?

Sequence words are used in various ways:

• To Indicate Order : They help in listing steps or stages in a process. For example, when I write a recipe or explain how to build a birdhouse, sequence words like first, then, next, and finally make the instructions easy to follow.
• To Show Time : These words are great for narrating events. Words like before, after, during, and while help set the timeline, making the narrative more coherent.
• To Highlight Importance : Sometimes, I use sequence words like “most importantly” or “above all” to emphasize the key points of my argument or story.
• To Summarize : At the end of an article or story, words like “in conclusion” or “to sum up” signal that I am summarizing my main points.

10 Common Sequence Words (Use Them Right Away)

Here’s a chart showcasing 10 common sequence words and how they’re typically used in writing:

These kind of words are incredibly helpful in writing.

They create a clear, logical flow that guides readers through the text, making complex ideas or processes much easier to understand.

As someone who’s been weaving words for a while, I can vouch for the difference these little helpers make in crafting a coherent and engaging narrative.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive list of sequence words that I often use to add clarity and flow to my writing.

These words are simple yet impactful, and incorporating them into your writing can make a world of difference in how your readers perceive and understand your content.

Here is a great video about sequencing words:

Beginning Sequence Words

These words are perfect for starting a narrative, an explanation, or a process:

• To start with
• In the beginning
• Opening with
• At the outset
• Originating
• At the start
• To commence
• At the inception
• Before we begin

Middle Sequence Words

These words help in transitioning from one point to another in the middle of your writing:

• Subsequently
• Following this
• Consequently
• Simultaneously
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Correspondingly
• In the meantime
• Concurrently

Ending Sequence Words

Use these words to conclude or sum up your writing:

• In conclusion
• Conclusively
• As a final point
• To conclude
• Wrapping up
• Ending with
• Last of all
• All things considered

Interruption Sequence Words

These words are useful for indicating interruptions or breaks in the flow of thought or action:

• Nonetheless
• Despite this
• On the other hand
• Alternatively
• On the contrary
• Interrupting
• In contrast
• Nevertheless
• Irrespective

Summary Sequence Words

These words are great for summarizing or giving an overview:

• To summarize
• Essentially
• To encapsulate
• Summarizing
• In a nutshell
• Collectively
• Comprehensively

Examples of Sequence Words in Sentences

It’s probably helpful to see some of these words in actual sentences.

Check out these examples below to see how to write, structure, and build sentences with sequence language:

• Firstly , we need to address the budget issue.
• Then , we will move on to the marketing plan.
• Next , consider the environmental impact of the project.
• Afterward , we gathered feedback from the participants.
• Subsequently , the company implemented the changes.
• Meanwhile , the other team started their research.
• Consequently , sales increased by 20%.
• Additionally , we offer free shipping on all orders.
• Moreover , our product is made from recycled materials.
• Furthermore , customer satisfaction has been consistently high.
• In conclusion , the experiment was a resounding success.
• To begin with , let’s review the meeting minutes from last week.
• Before , we had limited resources, but now the situation is different.
• Simultaneously , production and marketing teams should work together.
• Ultimately , our goal is to double our market share.
• Initially , the plan seemed feasible.
• However , we encountered several unexpected challenges.
• On the other hand , there are potential risks involved.
• In contrast , last year’s model had fewer features.
• As a result , we need to rethink our strategy.
• To illustrate , let’s look at a case study from last year.
• For instance , consider a situation where customer demand exceeds supply.
• Such as , products like smartphones and laptops require constant updates.
• Thereafter , the committee will review the submissions.
• Following this , we’ll have a brief Q&A session.
• In addition , we plan to expand into two new markets.
• Notably , this achievement has set a new industry standard.
• Equally important , we must maintain product quality.
• Besides , there are other factors to consider.
• Especially , when it comes to user privacy concerns.
• Lastly , I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.
• At first , the task seemed daunting.
• Finally , after months of hard work, the product was launched.
• During , the seminar, several key points were discussed.
• While , we focus on growth, we cannot neglect sustainability.
• Until , we receive more data, we should not proceed.
• Unless , we get full support, the project might not succeed.
• Even though , challenges were numerous, the team persevered.
• Although , we faced setbacks, our progress was substantial.
• Despite , the tough competition, we managed to secure the deal.
• As soon as , the funds are available, we will begin the expansion.
• Once , the parameters are set, we can start the simulation.
• By the time , the meeting concluded, we had a solid plan.
• Whenever , a new issue arises, the team tackles it efficiently.
• Whereas , previous models were cumbersome, the new design is sleek.
• Since , we’ve switched vendors, our costs have gone down.
• So that , we can meet our targets, overtime will be necessary.
• Provided that , we stick to the budget, we can fund extra research.
• Lest , we forget, customer feedback is crucial to our success.
• Insofar as , the data is accurate, we can predict a positive outcome.

What are Sequence Hint Words? (With Examples)

Sequence hint words, often referred to as transitional or signal words, are vital tools in writing that indicate the order of events, steps, or ideas.

They help guide readers through the text, providing hints about what is coming next.

Or they might suggest how the pieces of information are connected.

You might already notice how closely sequence hint words are to standard sequence language. There is definitely some overlap.

Let’s explore some examples to see how they work in practice.

Examples of Sequence Hint Words

• First : “First, we gathered all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.”
• Next : “Next, we mixed the dry ingredients separately.”
• Then : “Then, we combined them with the wet ingredients.”
• Finally : “Finally, we put the mixture in the oven to bake.”
• Similarly : “Similarly, the second experiment yielded almost identical results.”
• However : “The process was efficient; however, the cost was prohibitive.”
• On the other hand : “On the other hand, the alternative method was more cost-effective.”
• Because : “Because it rained heavily, the event was postponed.”
• Therefore : “The machine malfunctioned, therefore production was halted.”
• As a result : “He studied hard, and as a result, he topped the class.”
• Furthermore : “The plan is practical. Furthermore, it is cost-effective.”
• In addition : “In addition to being talented, she is also very diligent.”
• Moreover : “The study is reliable, and moreover, it has been peer-reviewed.”
• For instance : “Many fruits contain antioxidants; for instance, blueberries are a great source.”
• Such as : “Several countries, such as France and Japan, have a rich culinary heritage.”
• To illustrate : “To illustrate the problem, consider the recent data breach incident.”
• In conclusion : “In conclusion, the findings support the initial hypothesis.”
• To summarize : “To summarize, three primary factors contributed to the outcome.”
• In summary : “In summary, the project was a success thanks to the team’s effort.”

FAQ Section: Sequence Writing

Let’s answer some of the most common questions asked about sequence writing, words, and phrases.

What Is a Sequence Text Pattern?

Sequence text pattern refers to a structural arrangement in writing where events, instructions, or ideas are presented in a logical order, typically chronological.

This pattern is essential in crafting narratives, process explanations, instructional writing, and historical accounts.

The use of sequence text pattern aids in guiding the reader through a series of steps or events, ensuring a clear understanding of the order in which things happen or should be done.

It’s particularly useful in making complex information more digestible.

And ensuring that the reader can follow the progression of thoughts or actions without confusion.

How Do You Know If a Text Is Sequence?

To determine if a text follows a sequence, look for specific indicators such as sequence words or phrases that signal the order of events or steps.

These can include terms like first, next, then, finally, or subsequently.

Sequence in text is also evident in the logical flow of the content, where each paragraph or section builds upon the previous one.

In instructional or process-oriented texts, the sequence is marked by a clear progression of steps or stages. Additionally, in narrative texts, a chronological order of events usually indicates a sequence structure.

What Is a Sequence Word Story?

A sequence word story is a narrative that heavily relies on sequence language to articulate the progression of events.

These stories are typically structured in a way that clearly indicates the order in which things occur, using words like first, afterward, then, and finally.

This type of storytelling is particularly common in children’s literature.

Why? Because the clear progression aids in understanding and retaining information.

It’s also used in adult literature to build suspense or guide the reader through complex scenarios. Sequence language in stories help in creating a coherent and engaging narrative flow.

What Is a Sequence Word Worksheet?

A sequence word worksheet is an educational tool designed to help learners understand and practice the use of sequence language in writing.

These worksheets typically contain exercises that require students to fill in blanks with appropriate sequence words, arrange sentences or paragraphs in logical order, or create their own sentences using sequence words.

They are commonly used in language arts and ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms.

The primary goal of these worksheets is to enhance students’ ability to organize their thoughts and communicate more effectively in both written and verbal forms.

What Are Some Tools to Help Learn Sequence Words?

Here are some tools that I like and that I think will help you:

Final Thoughts

Mastering sequence text, words, and phrases is like finding the secret map to clear and engaging writing.

Discover more writing insights and tips by exploring other articles on our site.

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• 3 Syllable Words (Ultimate List Of 400+ Words)
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How to Write a Sequence Essay

Sequence Essay: What Is It and How to Write It Effectively

Types of sequencing in writing, sequence essay example, we can help with sequence essays.

EssaysLab.com has been operating in the academic writing marketplace for over five years now, and we have met countless students who constantly struggle to improve their written work and get better results. This is not surprising since a lot of students are just not familiar with the different genres of writing and the various formatting styles they are expected to use. Sequence essays are just one of the many types of writing there is. And if you are not familiar with this type of writing and how it should be approached, then you are not very likely to get high grades for your assignment. For this reason, we highly recommend you acquaint yourself with the basic principles of writing a sequence essay and apply your newly-acquired knowledge to creating a great paper.    

You can hardly be blamed for not understanding every type of essay. Every student nowadays is very busy. There is no doubt that various coursework, exams, and other scholarly commitments create a great deal of responsibility and some students just cannot cope with everything. As well as this, many students have to take care of families and/or there are obligations to relatives and friends. Every individual needs a certain amount of support and attention, making it impossible for students to always get the best results in their academic endeavors. With so much going on, an increasing number of students are achieving poor grades. They either miss deadlines or fail to meet the instructions given by their tutors or course supervisors. If you belong to this group of students, you need no longer worry. EssaysLab.com is on hand to help with your writing projects!

A sequence essay is a paper that is logical and comprehensible, and the events in it are usually described chronologically. The purpose of a sequence essay is to describe the events the way they happened and help the readers trace the cause-and-effect relationships between them. If you are not sure how to write a sequence essay for school or simply do not have time for this task, the experts from EssaysLab.com.com are ready to come to your rescue.

Consider the following aspects while working on your sequence essay:

• Know the topic. Before you start writing, check your understanding of the sequence of events. Let us say you want to write about the life of Nina Simone. First of all, do some research into her life, learn about the way she became a singer, make sure you know her albums and the order in which they were released, etc. This will help you establish credibility and convince the readers that you know what you are talking about.
• Prioritize. Once you have completed your research, you have to decide which information will be included into your paper. Naturally, you cannot write about everything you know because your essay will be disorganized and shallow. To avoid this, prioritize.
• Choose the order. Now it is time to choose the order in which the events will be described. This one is easy in sequence essays because they have to describe the events in a chronological order.
• Revise it and then proofread it. After you are done with writing, take a pause and then read the paper aloud. If something does not make sense or sounds wrong, revise it. The information must be clear or the readers will get confused.
• Use the outline. This rule applies to all essay types but reminding you about it will not hurt. A sequence essay must have an introduction, main body, and conclusion. For instance, if you are writing about the Bronte sisters, introduce them in the first paragraph of the essay. Describe their life in the following paragraphs. Tell about their life from their childhood to adulthood and discuss their contributions in sequence.
• Chronological Sequencing

The word chronological takes its origin from the Latin ‘chron’ and ‘logos’, which mean ‘time’ and ‘science’ accordingly. Chronological sequencing is most suitable for historical accounts because history is best described in the form of narrative writing. Similarly, use chronological writing when you are dealing with a directional process analysis or a paper that analyzes cause-and-effect relationships.

Because chronological writing is connected with time, the success of this paper also depends on the writer’s ability to use transitional statements and bridge the ideas. The effective use of chronological transitions makes it easier for the readers to trace the development of the events.

Sometimes writers choose chronological sequencing when it is inappropriate for the topic, thus making a big mistake. An essay should not be arranged chronologically just because you know that an essay is a process that happens over a certain period in time. For example, use the transition ‘Finally’ to announce the last point of the discussion only when it really occurs last in the story. If something is not ‘final’, choose another transition. If the essay describes a collection of events that could be presented in another reorder, then ‘Finally’ means ‘this is the last thing I want to describe in this essay’ rather than ‘This is the result of the process that has been described above’.

• Spatial Sequencing

Latin ‘spatium’ means ‘in space’. Therefore, spatial sequencing means presenting something according to their location. Spatial sequencing might also refer to the description of progressive movement. Some types of directional process analysis and certain kinds of descriptive writing become more effective when the writers arrange them using steps and details. Similar to chronological sequencing, the use of transitional words influences the quality of spatial sequencing. With the help of appropriate spatial transitions, a writer can coordinate locations and directions, put elements in juxtaposition, etc. For this reason, many of the transitional phrases used this way include prepositions.

Since topics that require spatial sequencing are less common than those involving other forms of sequencing, writers rarely face issues linked to special sequencing. At the same time, a ‘guided tour’ discussion is built on the intuitive use of spatial sequencing.

• Emphatic Sequencing

The adjective ‘emphatic’ is a derivative of ‘emphasis’, which originated form a Greek word that means ‘exhibit’. Emphasizing means creating a more powerful impression. Certain stories are simply made for emphatic sequencing and not for other sequence writing types. They include persuasions, cause-and-effect discussions, classifications / divisions, comparison-and-contrast, etc. A sequence essay that uses emphatic sequencing consists of a progressive series of the writer’s impressions about the subject.

Writing a sequence essay can be quite a challenge, and even the most experienced students find this to be the case. Essentially, with this type of assignment, you will need to choose a few objects, events, or concepts and develop these into a certain logical and sensible sequence. If, for instance, you choose pain as your topic, your task will be to develop a logical and rational sequence e.g. what pain means, the different ways patients perceive pain, how culture influences the perception of pain, what methods are most commonly used for managing pain in the nursing sector, and so on. While this is merely a random example, you should be able to clearly see the idea behind a sequence essay.     

The first thing you should do is draft a set of steps – or a sequence – which should be followed in the course of writing your essay. Furthermore, this sequence of steps will influence the research you do. They will enable you to build a complete picture of the topic you are writing about. They will help you see the type of information or data you need to collect to defend your thesis statement and how best to structure your work so that its order is logical. Essentially, your task is to build a legible and logically-written paper. It is possible you will also have to show your suggested sequence is the best one for the chosen topic. If any of this presents you with any difficulty, feel free to contact EssaysLab.com. We offer an excellent writing service and any of our professional writers will be delighted to assist you. Getting help from us is a great deal more reliable and better than, say, depending on free examples you find online since many of these are full of plagiarism.

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Sequencing the Events: Teaching Strategies (Grades 1-5)

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In this article, we explore the critical reading skill of sequencing the events in a text. This fundamental aspect of reading comprehension is a necessary skill for elementary school students to help them better understand what they read.

We’ll cover what a sequence of events is, its importance in understanding and recalling stories, and various strategies to teach and reinforce this skill among young students.

What is Sequencing?

Sequencing is one of many skills that contribute to a student’s ability to comprehend what they read.

Sequencing refers to the identification of the components of a story, such as the beginning, middle, and end, and also to the ability to retell the events within a given text in the order in which they occurred.

Sequencing the events in a story is a key comprehension strategy, especially for narrative texts. Finding meaning in a text depends on the ability to understand and place the details, the sequence of events, within some larger context—the start, middle, and end of a story.

The ordering of events in a story, along with connecting words such as  once upon a time, then, later, afterwards,  and  in the end , are good examples of textual features, an understanding of which gives the reader a way of integrating the story's individual parts into its larger framework—and thereby understanding the author's purpose.

Why is Sequencing the Events of a Story Important?

It helps story recall.

Students are best served if they can understand the information in a text as it is presented and then recall it at a later point.

Beginner readers and those who have not had the opportunity to work on their sequencing skills will tend to retell a story starting with the end, as it is the part of the book they’ve read or heard most recently. More intermediate readers may re-tell a story by focusing primarily on the sections most appealing to them, rather than by giving a complete sequence of the events that occurred(Fox and Allen, 1983).

Practicing sequencing the events helps remedy both of these common issues. If students are encouraged to identify the parts of a story, for instance, they will better be able to retell it to somebody else. It will be more manageable for students to think of a story in pieces— the beginning, middle, and end— rather than try to recall it as one long book.

It Strengthens Writing Skills

Sequencing activities also provide an opportunity for students to examine text and story structure, which, in turn, strengthens their writing skills.

How Can You Teach Sequencing?

When selecting a text for a sequencing activity, start with a short piece that contains distinct events; has a clear beginning, middle, and end; and that lends itself to being retold. A familiar example of such stories would be a book of fairy tales and fables.

A variety of ways exist to help students hone their sequencing skills. Below are some ideas for practicing sequencing in the context of read-aloud stories or during independent reading.

Prior to  reading a story aloud , remind students that they will be working on their sequencing skills.

Depending on your lesson, you might say, "As we read, let's think about what happens during the beginning, middle, and end of the story," or "After we finish reading, we're going to try to retell the story."

As you read, pause frequently to ask students to identify the events in the story and to help encourage them to think about when the beginning gives way to the middle, which in turn transitions to the end.

Once you have finished the story, make lists of the events that occurred, trying to arrange them in order. Sentence strips work well for this type of activity since events can be written on individual strips and then rearranged as necessary to put the events in the correct order. Let students use these lists or strips as reminders as they retell the story by acting it out with puppets, for instance.

Independent Reading

Once again, begin by reminding readers that they will be working on their sequencing skills.

One strategy that may be helpful is to give students pieces of paper and pencils to use as they read. Students can write page numbers and a few words to help remind them of important events in the story.

For instance, a student who is reading  Goldilocks and the Three Bears  in order to retell it may create the following sequence:

Goldilocks comes in She eats the porridge She breaks the chair She falls asleep The bears come home

This sequence doesn't tell the whole story, but it does provide the key elements, in order, and would serve as a good outline for someone wanting to retell it themselves.

If this is the first time students are using this procedure, model it before asking them to do it on their own, using a read-aloud story and recording your own ideas in a  think-aloud  style to show students how to practice this on their own.

Once students have completed reading, give them opportunities to write about their stories' sequences in a  reading journal , d iscuss their stories with partners, or retell them to family members for homework.

Sequencing Extension Activities

Students benefit from a variety of experiences with sequencing the events of a text. Practice sequencing in different ways and with a variety of texts.

Mix and Match

Make games of sequencing practice by photocopying a short story, mixing the pages up, and asking students to reassemble them in the correct order (be sure to take the page numbers off the pages for this activity!).

This type of activity can also be done with pictures by giving students a set of illustrations that tell a short story or show a common step-by-step procedure, such as making a sandwich or getting dressed. Students then assemble the pictures so that the steps are in a logical order.

Voice Recordings

Older students who are being asked to retell a story can participate in self-evaluation by recording themselves as they do so.

This technique allows students not only to practice retelling, but also to listen to themselves and evaluate their performances.

Questions students can think about during this self-assessment include: Did I include the important aspects of the story? Are there any elements I should have included? Will my retelling make sense to someone who isn't familiar with the story?

Re-Writing Stories

Students can also expand on their retelling skills by rewriting plays they have read or heard and then performing those plays for their classmates or another class. This provides students with opportunities to study sequencing in the roles of both readers and writers.

Using Sequencing Across the Curriculum

Sequencing the events is a skill most often associated with teaching early readers. However, this skill can be incorporated into any education subject area.

Students can practice their sequencing skills as they read independently, participate in small group reading activities, or listen to you read a story. Before reading a longer story with students, make  charts  labeled, "beginning," "middle," and "end." Pause after each section of the story to discuss the sequence of events and to record key words and information on your charts.

Sequencing is an important skill in writing. One way for students to plan their writing is by creating an outline or using worksheets such as a  graphic organizer  before beginning a piece. This provides opportunities for students to think about the sequence of events in a short story or the most logical sequence in which to provide information in a story.

Math  provides great opportunities to help students to think about ideas for solving a given type of problem. This process can be thought of as a sequence of steps. Students can create a list of the steps of a process, such as finding a common denominator for a pair of  fractions , and work with partners to follow those steps while solving applicable problems.

Social Studies

As students study  history , they are often asked to keep track of series of events. Sequencing is a critical skill for this type of information. Students can practice this skill by creating timelines showing the order of events. Students who are not yet involved in the study of historical events can still practice their sequencing skills by creating personal timelines, illustrating the course of their own lives.

Science  experiments provide a great opportunity for honing sequencing skills. Not only can students practice following a sequence of steps to investigate a particular concept but many science experiments provide a dramatic way for students to take a set of mixed-up instructions and put them in a logical sequence.

Students may find that some science experiments can only be done in a specific order while others can be done in a variety of sequences. For instance, one common experiment to investigate the chemical reaction between acids and bases involves pouring a small amount of baking soda into a balloon. Following this, vinegar is added to the balloon. The gas produced by the reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar inflates the balloon. Students might extend this science experiment by altering the sequence of the steps. For example, ask them if the results are the same if they put the vinegar in the balloon first next time.

Sequencing Lesson Plans

Sequencing the Events:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This comprehension lesson is designed to introduce sequencing to primary students. In this lesson, students discuss events at the beginning, middle, and end of the story, and then sequence those events. This lesson is the first of a set of sequencing lessons designed for primary grades.

Sequencing the Events:  Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

This comprehension lesson is designed to establish the skill of sequencing for primary students. In this lesson, students study the order of events in the story using a graphic organizer. This lesson is the second of a set of sequencing lessons designed for primary grades.

Sequencing the Events:  The Hare and the Tortoise

This comprehension lesson is designed to practice the skill of sequencing for primary students. In this lesson, students discuss the sequence of events in the story and retell the story with partners. This is the final lesson of a set of sequencing lessons designed for teaching primary grades.

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Sequencing events in reading and writing

WHAT IS SEQUENCING? A DEFINITION.

Sequencing is an essential reading skill that students must develop if they are to fully understand all reading material. Luckily, sequencing comes naturally to most children as the concept of chronological order is reinforced from very early on through the practice of the routines of daily life.

From the very first days of kindergarten, children are taught the importance of doing things in order. Each daily task contains its own inherent sequence. From tying their shoelaces to getting ready for school, children understand the importance of performing tasks step-by-step.

The importance of a defined beginning, middle, and end is further emphasized from the first fairy tales students encounter through to the later classics of English literature. While it is clear our students have a sense of what sequence is right from the start, understanding how a sequence comes together, and developing the necessary skills to identify its component parts, is another matter, and it is this that will serve as the focus of this article.

WHY TEACH SEQUENCING?

Given its importance in our daily lives, it is no surprise that there are a myriad of reasons to teach sequencing skills to our students. Strong sequencing skills help students:

●     With their reading comprehension of a text, primarily narrative texts.

●     Understand the structure of a text and how it is put together.

●     Understand how texts are kept cohesive through the use of linking devices such as connectives and transitions.

●     Organize information and ideas in their own writing.

●     Develop problem-solving skills that are important in other curriculum areas too.

For our students, being able to identify the sequence of events in a piece of writing is essential for them to gain a clear understanding of what they are reading. A critical reading comprehension strategy, sequencing allows students to make sense of how events unfold in their reading. In turn, these reading skills will help students in their own writing. It will help them to construct a cohesive and logical flow to their writing that readers can follow easily.

There are many applications for good sequencing skills outside of the English classroom too. They are needed to effectively perform the steps of a science experiment in the correct order, for writing a set of instructions, to make sense of a historical series of events, and they are an essential aspect of problem-solving in mathematical computation.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY SEQUENCE WHEN READING OR VIEWING A TEXT.

• In its simplest terms, identifying a sequence in a text involves identifying the beginning, the middle, and the end.
• One of the easiest ways to recognize the order of events is to look out for the sequencing words or transitions that are used to connect the various parts of the text.
• Some of these words and phrases also act as signals to provide an indication of whether the event will be located in the beginning, in the middle, or toward the end of the text’s chronology.
• There are a wide variety of ‘signal words’ and the following represent just a few of the most common, as well as where they are most likely to occur.

SEQUENCING SIGNAL WORDS

●     Once upon a time / Once there was

●     In the beginning

●     First of all

●     Meanwhile

●     After that

●     Suddenly

●     In the end

●     Finally

●     After all

For more complex narratives and technical nonfiction genres that comprise more moving parts, other techniques need to be employed.

Use graphic organizers for sequencing

Graphic organizers are a great way to help students arrange their thoughts more efficiently in a range of areas – and sequencing is no exception. There are a number of different graphic organizers that lend themselves well to displaying sequences of events. Let’s take a look at two of the most suitable:

i. Timelines

The timeline is the most commonly used form of graphic organizer used for displaying events in chronological order. They can come in various forms, including vertical, horizontal, and illustrated. Students can get creative with timelines in a number of ways. For example, they can create parallel timelines whereby the main character’s timeline runs alongside a timeline depicting concurrent historical events. Or, they could create a map timeline that places the timeline onto a map depicting distance, place, and dates of events. Timelines are great for sequencing events in fiction and nonfiction genres alike.

ii. The Story Sequence Chart

This graphic organizer visually represents a set of stair steps. Students should write the story’s events on each step of the stairs in the order they occur, starting with the first event on the first step and with each event that follows written on the next step above. This is also a useful way for students to represent nonlinear narratives , such as in medias res. This organizer is a helpful means to unravel more complex chronologies. The finished chart helps the student to see each of the events in the story in the order that they occurred.

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SEQUENCING GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS.

There are a range of ways to encourage student awareness of the importance of sequencing for the comprehensive understanding of a text. Using the graphic organisers mentioned above is one such way of helping students to identify the main events of a text.

Here are a few more activities to help students get to grips with a sequence in their reading.

Order Out of Chaos

In this activity, divide the class up into smaller groups of three or four. Give each a copy of a short story (for differentiation purposes, you could assign groups based on ability here and give each a story according to their level). The short stories should be cut up into paragraphs (or individual sentences). In their groups, students reassemble the story according to how they think the chronology should be. If all groups use the same story, the class can then compare their choices at the end. If each group has a different story, they can read their story to the other groups at the end and explain the reasons for their decisions.

Telling It Like It Was

The preparation for this activity works well as a homework as it gives students time to rehearse. However, it also works well after any reading activity to assess a student’s understanding of the sequence of events and their overall comprehension of what they have read.

Have students retell the events of the story, article, poem etc in their own words. If the text was nonlinear in its chronological structure, have them relay what they read, but this time in a linear form. Obviously, you may need to allow them some preparation time in such instances. I find telling students they will have to retell a story before they read it is a powerful tool to get them focused on that reading – fear is a peerless motivator!

You can also further expand on this activity by having students rewrite what they have been reading. This will challenge them to consider the importance of sequencing, both from a reader’s point of view and from that of a writer.

Spot the Sequence

Sometimes it can be difficult to extract a coherent chronology of events or steps from a convoluted text. It may be, for example, that in a fictional work the narrative perspective shifts between different characters and time periods. A good solution to this is to utilize the timeline as described above. Here, students can often match events to dates or times and then reassemble them in chronological order on a timeline.

But, what about nonfiction then? Or when there are no dates available? For example, when a process is described rather than an event?

In such instances, it is good practice for students to use the following prompts to help identify the underlying sequence.

Encourage your students to ask themselves:

●     What happened first, second, third etc?

●     What happened before or after a specific event or step?

●     What happened in the end?

Encourage students to look for context clues to help them extract the sequence from the text if it seems somewhat vague initially. A good understanding of story structure will help them to identify the exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution and understand how these relate to the sequence. It will further help signpost the chronology, even when the story is told in a nonlinear way.

For nonfiction, in particular, the transition words/sequencing words outlined earlier in this article will often help immensely too.

SEQUENCING RECAP

The concepts that underlie sequence are normally not that difficult for students to grasp, as they experience an order to events constantly in their everyday life. In the context of reading comprehension skills, they will usually be specifically concerned with the time order of events, or the steps that are taken in a text. For our students to become strong, active readers they must clearly identify the order that things happen or are done in their reading. For full comprehension of the most complex reading material, lots of practice will be required.

To that end, support your students to ensure they are familiar with as many variations of the sequencing / transitioning words as possible. Encourage higher-level students to familiarise themselves with more sophisticated expressions of common phrases such as In the beginning like Initially or Primarily . The more context clues they can recognize too, the more efficiently they will perform this task.

There is no shortcut to the development of any of the key reading comprehension skills – and sequencing is no exception. First, students must understand what sequencing is. Then, they must understand how to identify it in a variety of text genres. After that, they must gain lots of experience through practice activities such as those outlined above. Finally, they will become confident, active readers capable of getting the most out of everything they read.

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in Listening · Reading · Speaking · Writing

Sequence Words List: More than 50 Examples in English

Sequence words or linking words help us understand what’s happening in a story of a piece of text. They tell us what’s happening in the beginning, middle, or end of the story . They can also tell us that something is interrupting something else. They are also known as transition or chronological words.

Keep on reading to see more than 50 sequence words, along with example sentences.

Sequence examples English

What is a sequence word?

What are sequence words? Find out right here!

A sequence word is one that helps us understand the order of events in a story. They can tell us what happened first, next, and in the end.  They are also known as linking words or connectors and are used in both speaking and writing and you see and hear them frequently when listening or reading . They are also known as transition, sequencing, or chronological words.

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Sequence Words List: More than 50 with Examples

Check out these words that are used to signal the beginning, middle, and end of something.

Beginning Sequence Words

Here are some of the words which you might use to begin something.

• in the beginning
• to begin with
• first of all
• once upon a time
• to start with

Examples of sentences for beginning words: 

• To begin the class, introduce ourselves.
• First of all , I didn’t actually say that.
• To begin with , I’d like you to close your eyes.
• Once upon a time,  there was a queen who . . .
• One day , I was riding my bike to school when . . .
• To start, you’ll have to solve the code.

Sequence with list with examples

Middle Sequence Words

• after a while
• furthermore
• in addition
• in addition to
• subsequently
• later that day
• the next day
• the following day

Examples of sentences with middle words: 

• Moreover, you’ll need to also clean your room before going out tonight.
• Also, I’d like to order a cake for this weekend.
• Secondly, he’s willing to work for a lower salary than that other guy.
• Meanwhile, Abby had run away.
• Another idea I have is . . .
• In addition to being handsome, he’s smart as well!

Sequencing words list in English

Ending Sequence Words

• in conclusion
• to summarize
• by this point
• after all of that
• to finish off
• to conclude

Examples of sentences with ending words:

• In conclusion, I’d like to open the floor to any questions you might have.
• By this point in time, I was already exhausted.
• Finally, I finished up and was able to go home.
• After all of that, I didn’t end up getting the job.
• To summarize, I’d like you all to submit your timesheets by Friday at 5 pm!
• Eventually, I’ll have to move to a place without so many stairs.
• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 325 Pages - 03/28/2022 (Publication Date)

Sequence Words for Interrupting

• unexpectedly
• all of  a sudden

Examples of sentences with interrupting words:

• Suddenly, the rain started.
• All of a sudden, the wind started to blow.
• But then, my mom changed her mind and said that I couldn’t go.

What are Some Ways that I Can Use Sequence Words?

Sequencing words, also known as transition words or signal words, are used to indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas in a sentence or paragraph. They help to create coherence and guide the reader through a logical progression. Here are some ways you can use them effectively:

• First, we need to gather the materials.
• Next, we will mix the ingredients together.
• After that, we’ll bake the cake in the oven.
• Finally, we can enjoy the delicious dessert.
• Due to the heavy rain, the streets were flooded.
• As a result, many people were unable to go to work.
• Consequently, the public transportation system was severely affected.
• One problem facing our community is the lack of recycling facilities.
• To address this issue, we could set up recycling centers in key locations.
• By implementing these solutions, we can reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability.
• On one hand, some people prefer living in the city for its convenience.
• On the other hand, others enjoy the tranquility and space of rural areas.
• Similarly, both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
• To prepare a sandwich, start by toasting the bread.
• Then, spread mayonnaise on one side and mustard on the other.
• Next, layer the lettuce, tomato, and your choice of meat and cheese.
• Finally, put the two slices of bread together and cut the sandwich in half.

How Can I Practice Using Sequence Words?

Practicing the use of sequence words is essential for English learners to develop their skills in organizing ideas and conveying the chronological order of events. Here are some effective ways for English learners to practice using sequence words:

Storytelling

Encourage students to tell stories or narrate personal experiences using sequence words. Provide them with prompts or specific events to ensure the use of appropriate chronological markers such as “first,” “next,” “then,” “after,” “finally,” etc.

Picture Sequencing

Provide students with a series of pictures depicting a story or process. Ask them to arrange the pictures in the correct order and describe what is happening in each image using appropriate sequence words. This activity helps reinforce the connection between visual cues and sequential language.

Guided Writing Exercises

Assign writing tasks that require students to describe a process or explain a series of events. Provide a list of sequence words as a reference and encourage their usage throughout the writing. Review and provide feedback on their use of appropriate sequencing.

Collaborative Story Building

Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific topic or story idea. Each student takes turns adding a sentence or paragraph to the story, making sure to use sequencing words to connect their contributions. This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and the application of sequence words in context.

Timelines and Flowcharts

Have students create timelines or flowcharts to visually represent a sequence of events. This can be done individually or in groups. They should label each step or event using sequence words to demonstrate the order of occurrence.

Guided Reading

Provide texts or passages that contain sequence words, such as procedural texts, historical accounts, or narratives. Have students read the text and identify the sequence words used to describe the order of events. Discuss how the sequencing words contribute to the overall understanding of the text.

Listening and Comprehension Exercises

Use audio or video clips that involve a series of events or steps. Students listen or watch carefully and write down the sequencing words they hear or observe. This activity enhances listening skills while reinforcing the use of appropriate sequencing vocabulary.

Role-Play Scenarios

Assign students different roles in a role-play scenario and provide them with a sequence of events to act out. They must use sequence words to guide the flow of the role-play and ensure that the events occur in the correct order.

Sentence Scrambles

Create sentence scrambles where students rearrange words or phrases to form coherent sentences using sequence words. This activity helps students practice identifying and using appropriate sequencing vocabulary.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to use sequence words in their daily life conversations and interactions. For example, they can describe the steps of a recipe, recount their weekend activities, or explain a process they followed.

More Ideas for Learning English

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FAQs about Sequence Words

There are some common questions that people have about using these kinds of words. Here are the answers to the most common ones:

What are sequence words?

Sequence words, also known as transitional words or signal words, are words or phrases that indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas in a text.

What is the purpose of using sequencing words?

Sequencing words help readers or listeners understand the chronological or logical order of information being presented. They provide coherence and structure to the text, making it easier to follow and comprehend.

What are some examples of sequence words?

Examples of sequence words include “first,” “next,” “then,” “afterward,” “finally,” “previously,” “meanwhile,” “simultaneously,” “in conclusion,” and “subsequently,” among others.

How do sequence words enhance writing?

Sequence words improve the flow and organization of writing by linking ideas and events in a clear and logical manner. They help create smooth transitions between paragraphs, sentences, or clauses.

Are sequencing words only used in written language?

No, sequencing words are used in both written and spoken language. They are commonly employed in narratives, essays, speeches, instructions, and any form of communication that involves presenting information in sequential order.

Sequence Words List: Join the Conversation

Which sequence, transition, or chronological words do you most often use? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

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A better sentence for a sequence of events [closed]

This is an extract from my personal 300 word writeup about a video . Can anyone suggest a smoother way to write my final paragraph? The first paragraph is just to add in more context but feel free to comment about it if you wish.

The video is believed to be targeted towards the conservative populace, which consists of mostly the older generation. This is evident in how the video connects them emotionally by revolving the plot around an old woman, a figure of authority. The use of a song that re-iterates “laughs” and “joy” in its lyrics and has a light-hearted tune, creates a long-awaited setting, for a marriage between a male and his significant other.

However, the mood took a 180 degree turn the moment the significant other was revealed to be a male, which followed after a tune of disappointment and shocked facial expressions of the supporting characters.

• sentence-structure

• 1 I edited the intro only, not the text of the "extract." I also added the [essay] tag, which is the closest appropriate tag I could find. Despite editing, I will say that I also voted to close the question as being off-topic. You're asking people to critique your work, which we don't allow here. It's okay to give examples but that's not what's happening here. –  Cyn Commented Feb 1, 2019 at 15:11

I think the main problem (for me) with the second paragraph is the abrupt change in tense. We were in the present:

The use of a song that re-iterates “laughs” and “joy” in its lyrics and has a light-hearted tune, creates a long-awaited setting, for a marriage between a male and his significant other.

but now we're into the past:

However, the mood took a 180 degree turn the moment the significant other was revealed to be a male, which followed after a tune of disappointment and shocked facial expressions of the supporting characters

Other than the tense issue, I don't think the second paragraph is all that bad. I don't much like "a tune of disappointment," but it's hard to come up with a better alternative (and one that doesn't imply that the music itself is of poor quality). I didn't personally detect much change in the music, but I'm not familiar with the conventions of Indian music. My solution was to replace "180 degree turn" with an expression that is itself musical:

However, there's a dramatic change in tone at the moment when, to the evident shock of the supporting characters, the significant other is revealed to be a male!

The reveal of the same sex partner is a surprise in the film, so I emphasise that by using an exclamation mark.

Other comments? I find your opening sentence rather cumbersome:

The video is believed to be targeted towards the conservative populace, which consists of mostly the older generation.

Believed by whom? Could you maybe just say this:

I believe the video is targeted at the conservative older generation.

Or just lose the "I believe" altogether.

Also, at the end of the first paragraph:

Is it really the setting that's long-awaited? I'd have thought it's the marriage:

The use of a song that re-iterates “laughs” and “joy” in its lyrics and has a light-hearted tune, creates the setting for a long-awaited marriage between a male and his significant other.

• Hi, thanks for the feedback on some of the sentences structure and tenses. I'm not a very good writer, and haven't been writing in a long time either, and moreover, the writeup was actually an assignment on a random video, and the full writeup is supposed to answer some self generated questions on Barrett's Taxonomy(if you're familiar with that framework). I'm not sure if I should post the full essay because one of the people here told me that "proofreading" is not supported here. If you are willing to go the extra mile, I would gladly post it here for a full review. –  Prashin Jeevaganth Commented Feb 1, 2019 at 11:35

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged essay sentence-structure or ask your own question .

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