Writing: Narrative & Descriptive
B1 Lesson 5: Sequencing a Story with Connectors
Listen to the examples here.
Before You Start 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
Let's learn these important words for this lesson.
Why Use Sequencing Words?
Sequencing words are like signposts for your reader. They guide them from one idea to the next. Without them, your writing is choppy and confusing. With them, it becomes a smooth, logical story.
BORING & CHOPPY choppy
I woke up. I brushed my teeth. I ate breakfast. I went to school.
GOOD & COHERENT 👍
This morning, I woke up. First, I brushed my teeth. Next, I ate breakfast. After that, I went to school.
Your Sequencing Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)
You can use these words to structure any story or process.
- First, / To begin with, Use for the very first action. (Example: First, I went to the bank.)
- Next, / Then, / Second, Use for the second or third action. (Example: Next, I met my friend.)
- After that, / Later, Use for any action in the middle. (Example: After that, we had lunch.)
- Finally, / In the end, Use for the last action. (Example: Finally, I went home.)
Grammar Rule: Use a Comma!
Punctuation Rule
When a sequencing word (like First, Next, or After that) starts a sentence, you must put a comma ( , ) after it.
✅ Correct: First, I brushed my teeth.
❌ Incorrect: First I brushed my teeth.
Exception: The word Then is flexible. A comma is optional (but good practice!).
✅ Correct: Then, I ate breakfast.
✅ Also Correct: Then I ate breakfast.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Order the Story
The story below is mixed up. Use the dropdowns to put the sentences in the correct logical order (1, 2, 3, or 4). Click "Check Answers" when done.
- (A) ...he drove to work.
- (B) ...he woke up and had coffee.
- (C) ...he had a long meeting with his team.
- (D) ...he felt very tired and went home.
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Sequence
The order that things happen in (1st, 2nd, 3rd...).
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Narrative
A story of connected events.
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Connector / Sequencing Word
A word that joins sentences or ideas (e.g., "First," "Next," "Finally").
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Coherent
Clear, logical, and easy to understand.
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Choppy
Made of short, disconnected pieces; not smooth.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Write Your Story
Think about something you did yesterday or last weekend. Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) to tell the story.
Your paragraph must include:
- At least three sequencing words from the toolkit (e.g.,
First,Next,Finally,). - Correct commas after your sequencing words.
- Your story in the simple past tense.
Example: "Yesterday was a busy day. First, I cleaned my motorbike. After that, I met my friends for coffee. Finally, I went home and watched a movie."