Grammar and Language Workbook

Unit 14, Composition 323

Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Composition

Lesson 110

Building Paragraphs I

You can arrange the supporting details in a paragraph in several ways. One way

is based on time. Chronological order places events in the order in which they

happened. An easy way to order chronologically the events you are writing about

is first to make a timeline of them. Make use of words that signal chronological

order. These include the following: first, while, then, after, when, immediately,

suddenly, finally,and last. Notice some of these words in the following paragraph:

I took my usual walk in the park today with Fifi. First we strolled through the

rose garden. Then we stopped at the green bench for a brief rest. After resting a

while, we walked all the way around the pond and back down Plum Street.

Eventually we became hungry, so we stopped for a lunch break under a big elm

tree. Feeling full and content, I lay down for a nap in the grass. When Fifi’s barking

woke me suddenly, I sat up, rubbed the sleep from my eyes, and looked around.

The sun was setting, signaling that it was time to go home. Once again, Fifi and I

took off walking. This time, however, we headed straight for the park entrance.

Walking quickly down the sidewalk, we finally arrived at our apartment.

Exercise 1 Write the words that signaled chronological order in the paragraph above.

First, Then, After, Eventually, When, Once again, finally

Exercise 2 Write the following list of events in paragraph form. Be sure the

chronological order makes sense.

The water felt cold.

Then we took off our shoes and shorts.

First we put on our bathing suits under our shorts.

Once we got used to the water, we played in it for about an hour.

Then we walked to the beach.

Finally, it was time to go home.

While walking barefoot on the beach, we noticed seashells.

When we arrived, we spread out our towels.

On our walk home, we talked about the wonderful day.

After collecting shells, we waded into the water.