Speaking: Fluency & Coherence A2 - Lesson 3: Using Basic Time Sequencers (first, then, next)

Speaking: Fluency & Coherence A2 - Lesson 3

Using Basic Time Sequencers (first, then, next)

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to tell a simple story or explain a process in a logical order using time sequencer words.

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Telling a Story in Order: My Morning Routine

To make a story clear and easy to understand, we use special words to show the order of events. These are called sequencers¹. Let's look at an example story about a typical morning.

First², I wake up at 6 AM.

Then³, I brush my teeth and wash my face.

Next⁴, I get dressed and have a simple breakfast, like some rice porridge.

After that⁵, I get my moto and drive to school.

Finally⁶, I arrive at my class at about 7:30 AM.

These sequencer words make the story logical and easy to follow.

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Your Fluency Toolkit

1. Sequencer (Noun) | ពាក្យតម្រៀប | A word that shows the order of events in a story. ↩
2. First, (Sequencer) | ដំបូង | Use this for the very first action. ↩
3. Then, (Sequencer) | បន្ទាប់មក | Use this for the second action. ↩
4. Next, (Sequencer) | បន្ទាប់មកទៀត | Use this for the action after 'then'. ↩
5. After that, (Sequencer) | បន្ទាប់ពីនោះ | Another common way to say 'then' or 'next'. ↩
6. Finally, (Sequencer) | ជាចុងក្រោយ | Use this for the very last action. ↩

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record_voice_over Pronunciation Focus: Pausing with Sequencers

To help your listener follow your story, it is very important to pause for a short moment after a sequencer word. Notice that all of these sequencers are followed by a comma (,).

A comma is a signal to pause. This pause separates the sequencer from the main idea of the sentence and makes you sound more organized and fluent.

Listen to the audio guide. You will hear a clear, short pause after each sequencer.

Example: "First, [pause] I wake up." (Correct)

Example: "First I wake up." (Incorrect - sounds rushed and less clear)

lightbulb Structuring a Simple Story

You can use this simple structure to tell any short story or explain any simple process.

• The Beginning: Always start with First,
• The Middle: Use Then, / Next, / After that,. You can use them in any order. You can use "Then," more than once.
• The End: Always use Finally, to signal the last step. This tells your listener the story is finished.

sports_esports Practice Telling a Story

Activity 1: Put the Story in Order

Read the scrambled sentences about making instant noodles. Put them in the correct logical order from 1 to 4.

• ( ) Next, wait for three minutes.
• ( ) Finally, eat the delicious noodles.
• ( ) First, put the noodles and hot water in a bowl.
• ( ) Then, add the soup powder and vegetables.

(Correct order: 3, 4, 1, 2)

Activity 2: Tell a Picture Story

Work with a partner. Look at a simple set of three or four pictures that tell a story. One person tells the story to the other using "First,", "Next,", and "Finally,".

task Your Fluency Mission

This week in Siem Reap, your mission is to tell a short story.

Think about a simple process you do often, like how you get to school, how you make coffee, or what you did after class yesterday. Plan a short story with 3-4 steps. Practice saying it aloud using at least three sequencer words from this lesson.