Reading: Reading for Detail
A2 Lesson 2: Following a Short Sequence of Instructions or Events
What Happens First?
In Lesson 1, we found specific details in a paragraph. Today, we will learn to understand the sequence1, or the correct order, of events and instructions.
To do this, we look for special Sequence Words2 that give us clues about what happens first, next, and last.
Part 1: Common Sequence Words
When you see these words, you know you are reading steps in order. They are important clues!
Practice with a Sequence of Instructions
Let's read a simple recipe. Read the questions first, then read the text to find the answers.
How to Make a Cup of Tea
First, boil some water in a kettle. Second, put a tea bag in your cup. Next, pour the hot water into the cup. Then, wait for one or two minutes. Finally, you can add sugar or lemon if you like.
- Question 1: What is the very first step?
Answer: Boil some water. - Question 2: What should you do *after* you pour the hot water?
Answer: You should wait for one or two minutes. - Question 3: What is the final step?
Answer: Add sugar or lemon.
Practice with a Sequence of Events
Now let's read about someone's day. Find the details in the correct order.
Sokha's Saturday
On Saturday morning, Sokha helped his father clean their house. After that, he went to the market in Kampot to buy some vegetables for dinner. Later in the afternoon, he met his friends to play football. It was a good day.
- Question 1: What did Sokha do in the morning?
Answer: He helped his father clean their house. - Question 2: Did he play football before or after going to the market?
Answer: He played football after going to the market.
Your Turn to Follow the Sequence!
Practice Quiz
Read the short text and answer the question below.
"To get to the library from school, follow these steps. First, walk out of the school gate and turn right. Next, walk straight for two minutes until you see the big mango tree. Then, turn left. The library is the second building on your right."
Question: What is the first thing you must do after you leave the school gate?
- A. Turn left.
- B. Turn right.
- C. Find the library.
Answer: B. Turn right. The text says, "First, walk out of the school gate and turn right."
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Sequence (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: លំដាប់
The correct order in which things happen or are arranged. ↩ back to text -
Sequence Words (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ពាក្យប្រាប់លំដាប់
Words like 'First', 'Next', 'Then', and 'Finally' that give clues about the order of events. ↩ back to text -
Instruction (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការណែនាំ
A set of steps that tells you how to do something. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Describe Your Morning!
Think about what you do every morning to get ready for school. Write 3 or 4 sentences in the correct order.
Use the sequence words First, Next, and Then to help you.
Example:
First, I wake up at 6:00 AM. Next, I wash my face and brush my teeth. Then, I eat breakfast with my family.
Write your sequence in your notebook.