First, Then, After That, Finally: Tell a Short Story

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First, Then, After That, Finally: Tell a Short Story

By the end: I can put a short account in a clear order.

Created by , British English teacher.

I’m studying:

Try the activities, then check your answers.

Choose a short recording.

Start the account

First introduces the first step you choose to describe. Use a complete sentence for the action.

First, I checked the address.

First, we bought our tickets.

Lesson scene for First, I checked the address. People and essential props on white.
First, I checked the address.First introduces the first action in this account.

Move to the next action

Then and after that move the account forward. Keep the order consistent with what happened.

Then we walked to the station.

After that, we found our seats.

An order word does not give a duration

Order is statedThen we walked to the station.

The walk comes after the previous action in the account.

Time is still unstatedHow long did the walk take?

Then alone does not tell us the number of minutes.

Use first, then, after that and finally to organise events. Add separate time information when the listener needs a duration.

Finish the account

Finally introduces the last step of this account. Keep the past forms consistent when telling a past story.

Finally, we arrived at the beach.

Finally, I called my friend.

Guided practice

Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.

1. Put these actions in a sensible order: eat the sandwich; make the sandwich.

Compare a model and explanation

First, I made the sandwich. Then I ate it.

Preparation comes before eating here.

2. Complete the next step: First, I opened the email. ___ I read it.

Compare a model and explanation

Then

Then marks the next action.

3. Use after that: We bought tickets. We entered the museum.

Compare a model and explanation

We bought tickets. After that, we entered the museum.

Keep the event order.

4. Correct the past account: First, I got up. Then I have breakfast.

Compare a model and explanation

First, I got up. Then I had breakfast.

Use past had.

5. End a story with call home.

Compare a model and explanation

Finally, I called home.

Finally marks the account’s final step.

6. Does then tell us exactly how many minutes passed?

Compare a model and explanation

No. It gives sequence, not an exact duration.

A separate time expression supplies duration.

7. Join three actions: arrive, order tea, sit down.

Compare a model and explanation

First, I arrived. Then I ordered tea. Finally, I sat down.

Other connectors work if the given order remains.

8. Rewrite clearly: I left. Before that I paid. Before that I ordered.

Compare a model and explanation

First, I ordered. Then I paid. Finally, I left.

Restore the chronological order.

A short conversation

Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.

Open the conversation transcript

A: How was your Saturday?

B: First, I went to the market. Then I met Lina for lunch.

A: What did you do after that?

B: We walked in the park. Finally, I went home and rested.

Listening checks

Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.

1. What happened second?
Read the listening transcript

First, I checked the map. Then I called Tom. Finally, I left the house.

2. What happened before cooking?
Read the listening transcript

We bought food. After that, we cooked dinner.

3. What is the last step mentioned?
Read the listening transcript

First, we took the train. Then we walked to the hotel. Finally, we checked in.

Lesson scene for Finally, we arrived at the beach. People and essential props on white.
Finally, we arrived at the beach.Finally introduces the last action described in this account.

Mastery quiz

Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.

1. Which connector naturally opens the first step?
2. Complete: First, I got up. Then I ___ breakfast. Use have in the past.
3. Which sequence matches buy food, cook, eat?
4. What does after that normally indicate?
5. Choose the final step in a finished account.
6. Correct the past form: Then she go to work.
7. Does finally mean no event can ever happen later?
8. Which sentence clearly follows We finished lunch with a later action?

Use it in your own words

Speaking 1

Describe your morning in three steps.

Reveal a possible response

First, I got up. Then I had breakfast. Finally, I left home.

Success check: Use consistent past forms.

Speaking 2

Tell a partner how a short trip happened.

Reveal a possible response

First, we bought tickets. Then we took the bus. After that, we walked to the hotel.

Success check: Keep the order clear.

Put it all together

Tell a four-step account of an ordinary problem and its ending.

Reveal a possible response

First, I lost my key. Then I checked my bag. After that, I called my sister. Finally, she brought a spare key.

Success check: Use all four sequence markers naturally.

Take it with you

I can put a short account in a clear order.

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