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Learning Objectives

2 minutes reading
✓
Order steps clearly with first, then, next, finally
✓
Describe processes and procedures professionally
✓
Use after that, once, and before correctly
✓
Give clear process briefings and instructions
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Key for this lesson

First → Then/Next → After that → Finally. Use sequencing words to make processes crystal clear!

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Grammar Explanation

4 minutes reading
Sequence Adverbs

Ordering Steps

First... Then/Next... After that... Finally...

Start: "First, we analysed the data."

Middle: "Then/Next, we created a report."

End: "Finally, we presented the findings."

FirstThenNextAfter thatFinally
Time Connectors

Linking Actions in Time

Before/After/Once + clause, main clause

Before: "Before we start, let's review the agenda."

After: "After we finish, we'll send the report."

Once: "Once the data is ready, we can begin."

Before...After...Once...As soon as...
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Position Matters

Sequence adverbs usually go at the start of the sentence for clarity: "First, we..." not "We first..."

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Context & Professional Usage

5 minutes reading

Process Descriptions

📊Analysis: "First, we gathered the data..."
🏭Production: "Then, we tested the prototype..."
📋Onboarding: "Next, complete the training..."
🚀Launch: "Finally, we released the product."

Instructions

💻Software: "First, log in to the system..."
📝Forms: "After that, submit your request..."
⏰Deadlines: "Once approved, you'll receive..."
✅Completion: "Before leaving, save your work."
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Business English Examples

6 minutes reading
✓

Clear Process Language

✓
"First, we analysed the customer feedback. Then, we created an action plan."

Clear sequence with two steps

✓
"After that, we tested the new features with a pilot group."

Continuing the sequence

✓
"Once the testing is complete, we'll deploy to production."

Time connector with condition

✓
"Finally, we documented the entire process for future reference."

Closing the sequence

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Unclear Sequencing

✗
"We analysed, then tested, then deployed."

Add clear markers: "First, we analysed. Then, we tested..."

✗
"First... First..." (repeated)

Use variety: First → Then → Next → Finally

✗
"After we did it and before we finished it..."

Too confusing. Break into clear steps.

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Professional Listening Exercise

6 minutes

Listen to a process briefing:

🎵Audio: Weekly Update Process
Ready
0:00 / 0:00
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Speed:

Maria (voicemail): "Hi David, it's Maria calling from the project team. I hope you're having a good first week. I'm just calling to walk you through our weekly update process, as I know it can seem a bit complex at first.

So, the whole process starts on Wednesday. First, you'll receive an automated email from our system with a link to the project dashboard. You need to click on that link. Then, you have to update the status of your individual tasks. Make sure you add comments if anything is blocked or delayed. It's really important.

Next, and this is the key part, you need to write a short summary of your week's progress. There's a text box for this on the dashboard. Just a few sentences is fine. After that, you need to select one of our two key performance indicators, or KPIs, that your work contributed to this week. You'll see a dropdown menu with options.

This all needs to be done by 4 PM on Thursday. Meanwhile, I'll be reviewing the updates from the rest of the team. On Friday morning, the system automatically generates a report from everyone's input. Finally, we all meet at 11 AM on Friday to discuss the report and plan the next week's work.

It sounds like a lot, but you'll get used to it. I think you'll find it's an efficient way to keep everyone in the loop. If you have any questions, just give me a call back. My number is in my email signature. Talk soon."

Question 1: What is the very first step in the weekly update process?

💡 Hint: Listen for Maria saying "First, you'll receive..."

Question 2: What does Maria say is the "key part" of the process?

💡 Hint: Listen for Maria saying "Next, and this is the key part..."

Question 3: What happens on Friday morning?

💡 Hint: Listen for Maria saying "On Friday morning, the system automatically..."

Question 4: Fill in the gap: "It sounds like a lot, but you'll get used to it. I think you'll find it's an __________ way to keep everyone in the loop."

💡 Hint: Listen for an adjective meaning "working well without wasting time or energy."
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Quick Comprehension Quiz

4 minutes
1

Starting a sequence:

AFinally, we analysed the data.
BFirst, we analysed the data.
CAfter that, we analysed the data.
2

Correct time connector usage:

AOnce we will finish, we leave.
BOnce we finish, we'll leave.
COnce we finished, we will leave.
3

Ending a process description:

AFirst, we submitted the report.
BThen, we submitted the report.
CFinally, we submitted the report.
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Professional Practice Exercises

7 minutes

Exercise A: Complete with sequence words

1. _______, we gathered all the requirements from the client.

2. _______, we created a project timeline.

3. _______ that, we assigned tasks to team members.

4. _______, we delivered the completed project on time.

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Speaking Preparation

4 minutes
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Preparation for Class

Practice describing a work process step by step.

📋 Task 1: Process Steps (1 min)

Describe your morning routine: "First... Then... After that... Finally..."

🏢 Task 2: Work Process (2 min)

Explain a work process you know well using sequence words.

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Well Done!

Key words: First, Then, Next, After that, Once, Finally
Next: Lesson 6.2 - Relative Clauses

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