🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

📚 Grammar Explanation

We use sequence and time connectors to show the order of events. This helps people understand processes and plans clearly.

1. Sequence Connectors (for a list of actions)

These connectors show the steps in a process, one after the other.

Connector Usage Example
First, To start a sequence First, open the file.
Then, / Next, For the following steps Then, check the data.
After that, For later steps After that, we start development.
Finally, For the last step Finally, save your work.

2. Time Connectors (to connect two actions)

These connectors link two actions together in one sentence.

Connector Usage Example
When Two finished actions, one after the other When the meeting finishes, I will call you.
While Two actions happening at the same time While I prepare the report, can you check emails?
As soon as An action that happens immediately after another I will send the invoice as soon as I get the details.
🔑 Key Learning Tip: Think of it like this: Use First, Then, Next, Finally to make a list, like a recipe. Use When, While, As soon as to connect two parts of one story.

💼 Professional Contexts

🏢 Context Card 1: Connectors in a Professional Context
Project Management: First, we will have a team meeting. Then, we will assign tasks. After that, we start the development phase.
Presentations: First, I will introduce the topic. Next, I will show you the sales data. Finally, I will take your questions.
Giving Instructions: To log in, first enter your username. Then, type your password. Finally, click the 'Enter' button.
Meeting Agendas: First, we will review last month's performance. Next, we will discuss the new marketing plan.
🤝 Context Card 2: Connectors in Daily Business
Emailing: I will reply to your email as soon as I speak with my manager.
Phone Calls: When you call the client, please ask about the delivery date.
Teamwork: While you work on the presentation slides, I will find the images.
Reporting: First, I collected the data. After that, I created the charts for the report.

📝 Examples & Analysis

✅ Correct Usage

First, we need to confirm the budget for the project. (Used to start a sequence of actions)
I checked the numbers. Then, I sent the report to my boss. (Used for the next step in a simple sequence)
While I was talking to the client, my phone battery died. (Connects an ongoing action with a short action)
Please call me when you arrive at the office. (Connects two short, completed actions)
We will start the meeting as soon as everyone is here. (Shows one action happens immediately after another)

❌ Common Mistakes

Mistake: When I was preparing the coffee, I answered the phone.

Correction: While I was preparing the coffee, I answered the phone.

Explanation: Use while for an action that happens during another longer, ongoing action.

Mistake: I will call you I finish the meeting.

Correction: I will call you when I finish the meeting.

Explanation: You need a connector word like when or as soon as to link the two parts of the sentence.

Mistake: First we make a plan. Then we do the work.

Correction: First, we make a plan. Then, we do the work.

Explanation: When First, Then, Next, and Finally start a sentence, we usually put a comma after them.

🎧 Listening Exercise

0:00 / 2:05

Listening Questions

1. What is the first thing the development team needs to do?
2. According to David, when can the marketing team send the press release?
3. Complete the sentence from the audio: "I'll check the system _______ I get back on Friday afternoon."

🧠 Interactive Quiz

Choose the correct connector for each situation.
1. "______ you finish the report, please send it to me immediately." Which connector is best for showing urgency?
2. "First, we discussed the problem. ______, we talked about possible solutions. Finally, we chose the best one." Which connector fits the sequence?
3. "The manager arrived _____ the team was having a discussion."

✅ Exercise A: Choose the Correct Form

Read the sentences and choose the correct connector word.
1. I need to check my calendar (when / while) I am on the phone with you.
2. (As soon as / First), we need to identify the main problem.
3. Please send me the file (as soon as / while) you finish it.
4. She read the report. (Then / When), she emailed her manager with a summary.
5. He lost the internet connection (while / then) he was in the middle of the presentation.

📊 Exercise B: Fill the Table

You are planning a small event. Complete the plan below using the sequence connectors: First, Next, After that, Finally.
Step Plan for a Client Welcome Event
1. we book a good meeting room.
2. we send the invitations to the clients.
3. we order coffee and snacks for the event.
4. on the day of the event, we welcome the guests.

💬 Exercise C: Complete the Dialogue

Complete the dialogue between two colleagues, Anna and Ben, using the connectors from the box. Use each connector once: when, then, while, as soon as.
Available connectors: when, then, while, as soon as
Anna: Hi Ben, what's your plan for this afternoon?
Ben: Hi Anna. Well, I have a lot to do. I need to finish this sales report. I need to prepare for tomorrow's meeting.
Anna: Okay. Can you help me with something you are writing the report? I just need you to check one number for me.
Ben: I can't right now, I need to focus. But I can help I take a coffee break in an hour.
Anna: No problem! Also, can you send me the final report it's ready? I need it for my presentation.
Ben: Of course. I'll send it to you immediately.

🗣️ Speaking Practice - Preparation for Class

⚠️ Preparation for Class Only
These tasks are for practice with your teacher. Prepare this topic for your next class.
Task 1: Describing a Simple Process (Controlled Practice)
1 minute

Instructions: Your teacher will ask you to describe a simple 3-step business task. Use First, Then, and Finally. Prepare to describe how to send a professional email.

Preparation Tips:

  • Step 1: Write a clear subject line.
  • Step 2: Write the email message.
  • Step 3: Add an attachment and click send.

Example Response: "First, I write a clear subject line. Then, I write my message and check it for mistakes. Finally, I attach any necessary files and click send."

📝 Prepare this topic for your next class

Task 2: Coordinating Tasks (Guided Practice)
1 minute

Instructions: Imagine you are working with your teacher on a short project. You need to create a one-page report. Decide who does what. Use while, when, and as soon as.

Preparation Tips:

  • Your tasks: Find the data, create a chart.
  • Teacher's tasks: Write the introduction, check the grammar.
  • Use vocabulary: find data, create chart, write text, check grammar, put it all together.

Example Response: "Okay. While you find the data online, I will write the introduction. When you have the data, please send it to me. I will create the chart as soon as I get it."

📝 Prepare this topic for your next class

Task 3: Planning Your Work Week (Free Practice)
2 minutes

Instructions: Talk to your teacher about your real or an imaginary plan for the next two days at work. Explain the sequence of your most important tasks and how they connect to each other.

Preparation Tips:

  • Think of 3-4 important tasks (e.g., finish a report, call a client, have a team meeting, prepare a presentation).
  • Think about the order. What must you do first?
  • Think about which tasks happen at the same time (while) or immediately after another (as soon as).

Example Response: "First thing tomorrow, I have a team meeting. After that, I need to write a report. It's a long report, so while I am writing it, I will also answer important emails. As soon as I finish the report, I will send it to my manager. Finally, at the end of the day, I will prepare for my client presentation on Wednesday."

📝 Prepare this topic for your next class

👨‍🏫Ready for Class - Teacher Notes

Lesson Summary

This lesson focuses on sequence connectors (First, Then, Finally) for listing steps and time connectors (When, While, As soon as) for linking actions. Students learn to organize information clearly in business contexts, distinguishing between listing processes and connecting related actions in time.

Key Challenges for Students

  • Comma Usage: Forgetting commas after First, Then, Next, Finally when they start sentences
  • When vs. While: Confusing when to use each - when for sequential actions, while for simultaneous actions
  • Missing Connectors: Trying to connect clauses without any connector word
  • Overuse of Then: Using "then" for everything instead of varying connectors appropriately

Speaking Practice Guidance

Task 1: Focus on mechanical use of sequence connectors. Listen for comma pauses after First, Then, Finally. Correct gently if students skip commas or mix up the order.

Task 2: Encourage natural use of time connectors. Model the activity first if needed. Help students think about what happens simultaneously vs. sequentially.

Task 3: Let students speak freely but take notes on connector usage. Provide feedback on variety and accuracy. Encourage them to self-correct if they notice mistakes.

Common Student Errors to Watch For

  • "First we do this then we do that" (missing commas)
  • "When I was writing the report I answered the phone" (should be "while")
  • "I finish the work I will call you" (missing connector)
  • Using only "then" instead of varying with "next," "after that," etc.

Additional Teaching Tips

  • Use visual timelines on the board to show sequence vs. simultaneous actions
  • Practice with real workplace processes from students' jobs
  • Emphasize the professional benefit: clear organization helps colleagues understand plans and instructions
  • Connect to project management and presentation skills in business contexts