UNDERSTANDING SEQUENCE
Sequence is the order in which events occur. Writers have many different ways of arranging details in a passage. One common way to arrange ideas in a passage is by chronological order, the order of time. In chronological order, writers arrange their details from the beginning of an event or process to the end. Noticing chronological order in a passage helps you understand and remember the steps in a process.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Signal Words
Sometimes writers use signal words and phrases that provide clues to the order of events. Often, the signal words are first in a sentence, but they can be placed anywhere. Here are some of the most common signal words that show chronological order:
after first next soon before in the future now then earlier last second third during later since today finally long ago so when at that moment while yesterday
- Numbers
Writers may also include time, days of the week, months, or years to help readers track the order of events. Writers sometimes number steps to show the sequence of events. This technique is especially common in science books that include experiments and labs, such as Biology: The Web of Life, because it helps readers complete each specific process in the correct order.
- Time Lines
One way to show chronological order is to use a time line. A time line is a line that shows important events in the order in which they took place. To read a time line, you start at the left-hand side. You then across the line, focusing on the events and the dates on which they happened. Earliest events will be on the left. More recent events will be on the right.
TRY IT
Look at Figure 10.4 on page 233. How many theories are recorded between 1750 and 1900? What are they?
Click here to check your answers to TRY IT!
To practice what you've just learned, go to Worksheet 3.2
To learn about another reading strategy, go to Reading Strategy 3.2.
Reading Strategy 3.1 | Worksheet 3.1
Reading Strategy 3.2 | Worksheet 3.2
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