Sequencing

English Language Arts, Grade 8

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The sequence is the order in which events occur. Directions/Instructions When you are writing directions, it is essential that you put the steps in the right order so that your reader can do them in the correct sequence. Transition words (bolded in the essay below) help you to progress from one step to the next when writing about a process. Notice how these words guide you through this process essay: Fiction Transitions When you write the events in a story, it is important that your reader know the order in which they occur. The transition words used in fiction differ from those in a process essay. The most common form of fiction sequencing is a transition word or phrase that indicates the amount of time that has passed, such as: A month later, Janet waved goodbye to her family as she entered the airport. Here are a few transition words or phrases often used in fiction: suddenly after when meanwhile prior then now still afterwards in the meantime later soon eventually as soon as the next time How to Plan a Party The first step is to decide on a budget. The amount of funds you have will affect all your other decisions. The second step is making a guest list. You need a rough idea of how many people to plan for. The third step is to pick a theme. If you are honoring someone, what would the person enjoy as a theme? Purchase decorations that match the theme. Next, choose a location. If there will be too many guests to hold it in your home, consider a park, fire hall, or church. These places usually have large rooms for their own events and may rent them for little or no cost. Once you know the location, select invitations to match the theme. Send out the invitations at least four weeks in advance to give people time to make plans and to RSVP. After that, decide on the food, seating, and tableware. You can make the food yourself or buy it at your local grocery store or restaurant. These places may provide sub trays or pizzas, which are both good ideas for party food. Last, consider some entertainment. Games will help make your party fun, or you can hire a disc jockey, magician, or clown. Finally, enjoy the party! Sequencing Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4063
Read this passage from Edith Nesbit’s book, The Railway Children . Find and circle the sequence and transition words and phrases. Although only 15 minutes had passed, it seemed to Bobbi that they had been standing there for hours and hours, holding those silly little red flannel flags that no one would ever notice. The train wouldn't care; it would go rushing by them and tear round the corner and go crashing into that landslide across the tracks and derail and kill everyone. Her hands grew cold and trembled. Just then came the distant rumble and hum of the metal rails, and, far away, a puff of white steam showed. "Stand firm," said Peter , "and wave like mad! When the train gets to that big furze bush, step back, but keep waving! Don't stand ON the tracks, Bobbi!" Now the train came rattling along very, very fast. "They don't see us! They won't see us! It's all no use!" screamed Bobbi. The two little flags they had placed on either side of the tracks swayed as the rushing train shook and loosened the loose stones that held them up. One of them slowly leaned over and fell on the track. Bobbi jumped forward, caught it up, and waved it. "Stay off the rails!" said Peter fiercely . It seemed that the train came on as fast as ever; it was very near now. "It's no good," Bobbi cried again. "Stand back!" cried Peter, and suddenly he dragged Phyllis back by the arm. But Bobbi cried, "Not yet, not yet!" and waved her two flags right over the tracks. The front of the engine looked black and enormous, its voice loud and harsh. "Oh, stop, stop, stop!" cried Bobbi. The oncoming rush of the train covered her voice with a mountain of sound. But afterwards she used to wonder whether the engine itself had not heard her. It seemed almost as though it had—for it slackened swiftly and stopped, not twenty yards from the place where Bobbi had waved the two flags over the tracks. Although she saw the great black engine stop, somehow Bobbi could not stop waving the flags. Even when the engineer and the fireman had stepped off the engine and Peter and Phyllis had poured out their excited tale of the awful obstruction just around the corner, Bobbi still waved her flags. Sequencing Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4063