Year 3 English: Use Time-Order Words

What are Time-Order Words?

Hello, everyone! Today, we are going to learn about time-order words. These special words help us show the order of events in our writing. When we tell a story or explain something, we want our readers to know what happened first, next, and last.

Why are Time-Order Words Important?

Using time-order words in your writing makes it easier for others to understand. It helps to make your story clear and organised.

Common Time-Order Words

Here are some common time-order words you can use:

1. First
2. Next
3. Then
4. After that
5. Finally
6. Before
7. Last
8. Meanwhile

Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to use these words in sentences:

• First, I woke up early in the morning.
• Next, I had breakfast.
• Then, I brushed my teeth.
• After that, I got dressed for school.
• Finally, I went to school.

Key Rules for Using Time-Order Words

1. Start with a time-order word: Begin your sentences with a time-order word to show when something happened.
2. Be clear and simple: Use simple sentences to make it easy for your readers to follow along.
3. Keep the order: Make sure the time-order words match the order of events in your story.

Tips and Tricks

• Practice with a story: Take a short story you know and try to list the events using time-order words.
• Draw it out: You can draw a timeline to help you see the order of events before you write.
• Read aloud: When you read your writing, listen to the flow of the events. It will help you see if the order makes sense.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

1. What does a time-order word do?
2. Name one time-order word.
3. What word can you use to start a story?
4. What comes after “first” in a sequence?
5. Which word means the last event?
6. Where can you use time-order words?
7. What can help you remember the order of events?
8. Write a sentence using “next.”
9. What is a synonym for “finally”?
10. Which time-order word can mean “at the same time”?
11. Write a sentence using “first.”
12. What does “after that” mean?
13. Can you name two time-order words?
14. Why are time-order words helpful?
15. What is the opposite of “before”?
16. What might you say after “then”?
17. How do time-order words make writing better?
18. Write a sentence using “meanwhile.”
19. What comes before “last”?
20. What is a good time-order word to start a story?

Medium Level Questions

1. Write a short story using at least three time-order words.
2. How would you use “after that” in a sentence about your morning routine?
3. What is the difference between “then” and “next”?
4. Can you list five time-order words?
5. What time-order word would you use to show something that happened before another event?
6. Write a sentence using “meanwhile” in a story context.
7. What could be another way to say “finally”?
8. How do time-order words help in understanding a sequence?
9. Can you write a sequence of events using all time-order words?
10. Why is it important to follow the order of events?
11. Write a sentence that uses “first” and “last.”
12. Create a timeline of your day using time-order words.
13. What time-order word would you use for something that happened in the middle?
14. Write a short paragraph about your weekend using time-order words.
15. How does using time-order words change the way we tell stories?
16. What happens if we don’t use time-order words?
17. Write a sentence with “before” and “after.”
18. Explain why “finally” is important in a story.
19. How can drawing help you understand time-order words?
20. What do you think is the best time-order word to use?

Hard Level Questions

1. Write a paragraph about a holiday using at least five time-order words.
2. How can time-order words affect the mood of a story?
3. Compare the effectiveness of two different sequences of events with and without time-order words.
4. Create a story using time-order words that includes a problem and a solution.
5. What are some creative ways to introduce time-order words in your writing?
6. How do time-order words guide the reader’s understanding of time?
7. Write a dialogue between two characters that includes time-order words.
8. How can you use time-order words to show cause and effect?
9. Rewrite a confusing sequence of events using time-order words.
10. Discuss the role of time-order words in non-fiction writing.
11. How can time-order words change the perspective of a story?
12. Write a letter to a friend using at least three time-order words.
13. What is the impact of using time-order words in persuasive writing?
14. How do you feel when you read a story that uses time-order words well?
15. Choose a fairy tale and rewrite it using time-order words to clarify the plot.
16. Write a poem that includes time-order words.
17. How would you teach a younger student about time-order words?
18. What challenges might you face when using time-order words in complex stories?
19. How can you identify time-order words in a passage of text?
20. Discuss how time-order words enhance storytelling in films and plays.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. Shows the order of events.
2. First.
3. First.
4. Next.
5. Last.
6. In stories and explanations.
7. A timeline.
8. Next, I played outside.
9. Finally = at last.
10. Meanwhile = at the same time.
11. First, I had breakfast.
12. After something happened.
13. Yes, for example, first and next.
14. They make writing clearer.
15. After.
16. Then, I did my homework.
17. They help others understand.
18. Meanwhile, I was reading.
19. Before first.
20. A good word is “first.”

Medium Level Answers

1. Answers will vary.
2. I had my breakfast, and after that, I went to school.
3. “Then” is often used for immediate following events, while “next” can indicate a step later in the sequence.
4. Answers may vary, but should include first, next, then, after that, last, finally.
5. Before.
6. Answers will vary.
7. At last.
8. They help readers follow the story.
9. Answers will vary.
10. It helps make things clear.
11. Answers will vary.
12. Answers will vary.
13. Answers will vary.
14. It makes it easier to follow.
15. Answers will vary.
16. Drawing helps visualise the order.
17. Answers will vary.
18. Answers will vary.
19. Answers will vary.
20. Answers will vary.

Hard Level Answers

1. Answers will vary.
2. They can create tension or excitement.
3. Answers will vary.
4. Answers will vary.
5. Creative introductions will vary.
6. Helps place events in context.
7. Answers will vary.
8. Answers will vary.
9. Answers will vary.
10. Answers will vary.
11. They can change how readers feel about the events.
12. Answers will vary.
13. They clarify arguments and claims.
14. Answers will vary.
15. Answers will vary.
16. Answers will vary.
17. Answers will vary.
18. The complexity of events can confuse readers.
19. Look for words like first, next, then, etc.
20. They make the story flow better.

I hope this helps you understand how to use time-order words in your writing! Happy writing!