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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: Onboarding Process
Ready
0:00 / 0:00
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Speed:

HR Manager: Welcome to the team, Emma. Let me explain our onboarding process.

Emma: Thank you. I'm excited to get started.

HR Manager: Great. First, you'll complete the paperwork with me today. Then, IT will set up your laptop and accounts.

Emma: How long does that usually take?

HR Manager: About an hour. After that, your team lead will give you a tour of the office.

Emma: Perfect.

HR Manager: Next, you'll attend the new employee orientation. It covers company policies and culture.

Emma: Is that this week?

HR Manager: Yes, Wednesday morning. Once the orientation is complete, you'll meet with your mentor.

Emma: I didn't know I'd have a mentor!

HR Manager: Yes, Sarah from the product team. Finally, by the end of week one, you'll have a one-on-one with your manager to set goals.

Emma: That sounds very organised. Thank you!

HR Manager: Before we start the paperwork, do you have any questions?

Question 1: What happens first in the onboarding process?

Question 2: What happens finally by the end of week one?

Question 3: Complete: "_______ the orientation is complete, you'll meet with your mentor."

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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

Module Overview
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