sequence essay sample

Understanding the Sequence Essay

In my view, sequence essays are a captivating form of writing. They are more than just a succession of events or steps; they represent a systematic arrangement where each element is methodically connected to the next. This format is not confined to simply enumerating events but emphasizes the development and transition from one stage to another. The allure of a sequence essay lies in its lucid and structured presentation, an aspect I consider essential across various writing styles, especially within the International Baccalaureate framework. Such essays train the mind to organize thoughts coherently and present ideas with clarity, making them invaluable for students who seek to sharpen their analytical and writing abilities. In essence, sequence essays bridge simple narrative and analytical writing, blending the art of storytelling with the precision of structured analysis.

The Purpose of a Sequence Essay

So, why do we engage in writing sequence essays? These essays are an excellent medium for delineating processes or narrating sequential events. In my professional journey, certain topics are exceptionally well-suited to this format. Consider, for instance, ‘The Lifecycle of a Butterfly’ or ‘How a Bill Becomes a Law.’ These subjects naturally lend themselves to a sequential presentation, allowing the writer to break down complex processes into understandable segments. The essence of a sequence essay is to transform complex, multifaceted topics into a series of comprehensible steps, enhancing the reader’s understanding and engagement. This approach is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where clear and systematic presentation aids learning. Sequence essays inform and educate, making them a pivotal tool in students’ academic arsenal.

Structuring Sequence Essay

Every sequence essay should follow a clear structure: an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage, introducing your topic and hinting at the sequence to be unfolded. It’s the part where you grab the reader’s attention and set expectations. The body, where the action unfolds, is the core of your essay. Each paragraph delves into a step or part of the sequence, meticulously detailing every aspect. It’s like painting a picture; each stroke adds to the overall image. The conclusion, wrapping everything up, is not just a summary but a chance to highlight the importance of what has been discussed. It should leave your reader with a final, impactful thought, making the journey through your essay memorable. This structure acts as a guide, leading the reader through your thoughtfully crafted narrative or process.

The Body of the Sequence Essay

The body of your sequence essay is where your storytelling prowess shines. Each paragraph, representing a distinct step or part of the sequence, should flow seamlessly into the next, like chapters in a novel. Use transition words effectively to ensure a smooth journey for your reader. Clarity is indeed key, but so is engagement. Here, you can immerse your reader in the subject, using vivid descriptions, practical examples, and even personal anecdotes where appropriate. This section is not just about presenting facts; it’s about weaving them into a coherent and compelling narrative or explanation. It’s where you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject in depth and your ability to communicate it effectively.

How to Write the Conclusion of a Sequence Essay

Writing a conclusion for your sequence essay is pivotal, and if you are not sure how to make it – sequence essay writing assistance is always at your service. This section is not merely a discussion recap; it synthesizes the key points, drawing meaningful conclusions and insights. It’s your opportunity to underscore the significance of the sequence and its broader implications. You could pose a thought-provoking question or suggest applications of what has been discussed. The conclusion should resonate with the reader, providing a clear understanding of the entire sequence and its relevance. It’s also a place to reflect on the topic’s importance, leaving the reader with a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation of the subject. Remember, a well-concluded essay not only summarizes but also enlightens and inspires.

Common Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them

In sequence essays, common mistakes include losing the logical flow, overwhelming the reader, and failing to connect the dots between steps adequately. A standard error is the underdevelopment of points, where each step in the sequence is not given its due importance. My advice? Emphasize each step’s relevance to the overall sequence. Additionally, avoid overly complex language that might need to be clarified for the reader. Another tip is to use signposting phrases to help the reader anticipate what’s coming next. This makes the essay more reader-friendly and maintains engagement. Always review your essay from the reader’s perspective – does it tell a coherent story, is each step clearly explained, and does it all tie together logically?

Writing a sequence essay offers an excellent opportunity to hone organizational and creative writing skills. Beyond organization and clarity, injecting a bit of creativity makes your essay stand out. Use relevant descriptions where appropriate, and don’t shy away from showing your unique voice. At Writing Metier , we have a team of writers who can help with sequence essays. However, balance creativity with precision – the clarity of your sequence is essential for an essay.

Free topic suggestions

Laura Orta is an avid author on Writing Metier's blog. Before embarking on her writing career, she practiced media law in one of the local media. Aside from writing, she works as a private tutor to help students with their academic needs. Laura and her husband share their home near the ocean in northern Portugal with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

Similar posts

Critical thinking skills for writing critical thinking essay.

Critical thinking is an essential skill when it comes to writing a successful critical thinking essay. It involves analyzing and evaluating complex topics, making connections, and forming well-supported arguments. Developing strong critical thinking skills takes time and practice, but it can be done with the right approach. In this article, we'll explore tips and strategies to help you improve your critical thinking skills and approach your essay with confidence.

Guide to Compare and Contrast Essay Writing

Writing a compare and contrast essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be an enriching and rewarding experience. The key to success lies in a systematic process that helps you organize your thoughts and ideas, and present them in a clear, concise manner. In this guide, we break down the steps involved in writing a compare and contrast essay, from brainstorming and preparation to drafting, revising, and proofreading.

How to Prove You didn't Plagiarize? If you did or if you didn't

it is rare for a student to get accused of plagiarism without evidence. If you have been falsely accused of plagiarism, below are a couple of things you can do to prove you didn't plagiarize:

How to Write My Life Essay? Expert Tips & Tricks

Writing about your life might not be as easy as it may seem. You know, one of those interview moments when you are asked, “So, tell us something about yourself,” and you are left blank. With a ‘my life essay for students’, this might be equally difficult. Some students just find it very difficult to put their life stories on paper. Be it a ‘my life essay’ 1000 words or 150 words, it might be not your cup of tea.

How to write an Essay on Army Values?

Army values, deeply entrenched in military ethos, serve as guiding beacons not just for soldiers but for society at large. These principles of loyalty, respect, and selfless service are more than mere words; they are the very foundation upon which harmonious societies can be built.

We rely on cookies to give you the best experince on our website. By browsing, you agree to it. Read more

• Walden University
• Faculty Portal

Paragraphs: Sequence

Transitions : after, afterward, again, as long as, at length, at that time, at the same time, at this point, at this time, before, before this, beyond, behind, by, besides, concurrently, consequently, earlier, eventually, finally, first (second, third, etc.), following this, formerly, further, furthermore, hence, here, immediately, initially, in addition, in the beginning, in the first place, in the meantime, in the past, in the same instant, in time, last, lastly, later, meanwhile, moreover, near, next, now, opposite, on the opposite side, on the right, on the left, now, presently, previously, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, still, subsequently, then, thereafter, therefore, thus, then, today, to begin, too, until, until now, when

Example : In the early 21st century, housing loans were often given to individuals who did not have the means to pay back these loans. Presently, in the midst of the current housing crisis, these subprime loans are no longer being offered to unqualified candidates.

Explanation : In these sentences, the author is drawing on sequence or time, highlighting what happened both before and after the housing crisis.

Transitions Video Playlist

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

• Academic Paragraphs: Introduction to Paragraphs and the MEAL Plan (video transcript)
• Academic Paragraphs: Types of Transitions Part 1: Transitions Between Paragraphs (video transcript)
• Academic Paragraphs: Types of Transitions Part 2: Transitions Within Paragraphs (video transcript)
• Academic Paragraphs: Appropriate Use of Explicit Transitions (video transcript)
• Engaging Writing: Incorporating Transitions (video transcript)
• Engaging Writing: Examples of Incorporating Transitions (video transcript)
• Previous Page: Example
• Next Page: Summary/Conclusion
• Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments.

• Academic Residencies
• Academic Skills
• Career Planning and Development
• Customer Care Team
• Field Experience
• Military Services
• Student Success Advising
• Writing Skills

Centers and Offices

• Center for Social Change
• Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
• Office of Degree Acceleration
• Office of Research and Doctoral Services
• Office of Student Affairs

Student Resources

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Form & Style Review
• Quick Answers
• ScholarWorks
• SKIL Courses and Workshops
• Walden Bookstore
• Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
• Student Safety/Title IX
• Legal & Consumer Information
• Website Terms and Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility
• Accreditation
• State Authorization
• Net Price Calculator
• Contact Walden

Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.

Chronological Order In Essay Writing

Table of contents

• 1 What Is a Chronological Order Essay
• 2 Chronological Order vs. Sequential Order
• 3 Importance of Correct Historical Occurrences
• 4 How to Write a Chronological Paragraph?
• 5.1 Pick an Idea and Make a Plan
• 5.2 Use a Variety of Sentence Structures to Keep Your Writing Interesting
• 5.3 Provide Sufficient Details
• 5.4 Use Transitional Words and Phrases, Such As “First,” “Next,” and “Then,” to Indicate the Chronological Flow
• 5.5 Use Headings and Subheadings to Organize Your Essay
• 5.6 Use Introductory and Concluding Sentences to Signal the Main Points of Each Paragraph
• 5.7 Use Appropriate Citations and References (Especially for the Historical Essay)
• 5.8 Maintain a Consistent Timeline and Avoid Jumping Back and Forth in Time
• 6 Conclusion

Writing a chronological essay is a pure pleasure. This type of university assignment is clear and structured, so knowing the basic requirements, you can easily cope with the task. Essays in chronological order require their author to have deep knowledge of the chosen subject. Not to stray from the course of the story, you need to be a real expert in this niche.

In this article, you will learn what a chronological-order essay is and how to write it. Also, you will find precious tips on making the writing process quick and enjoyable. So here are the milestones of our chronological essay guide:

• What a chronological order essay is;
• The difference between chronological and sequential order;
• Guidelines for chronological paragraph writing;
• Tips for writing an outstanding chronological essay.

Together we will consider each important point and dispel your doubts about the chronological essays. Without further ado, let’s get it started!

What Is a Chronological Order Essay

A chronological essay is an expository writing that describes historical events or a biography of a specific person. Surprisingly, not only students of the Faculty of History are faced with this type of essay. Whenever you have been given the task of writing about outstanding personalities, talking about your experiences, or presenting a life story or historical event, you will be faced with the need to use chronological order in writing.

This type of narrating writing essay requires you to present information in a logical and structured way. Expository essay writers must state all the events in the order in which they occurred. Moreover, you should dip the reader into the context of the event, explaining to him the background and the outcomes.

Chronological Order vs. Sequential Order

You may think that sequence and chronological order are identical concepts. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who thinks so. These concepts are strongly related but not identical. Sequential order is based on the order of steps performed and how events occur relative to each other. But what is a chronological order of events?

The chronological timeline tells about the sequence of actions in time-space. Sequential order is well suited for writing step-by-step instructions and listing events. At the same time, the chronological order is excellent for narrating historical events and writing biographies.

Importance of Correct Historical Occurrences

Preliminary research is a solid foundation for your chronological essay. Take information only from reliable and trusted sources respected in science. Avoid unverified facts and loud statements. Make an effort to pre-study to avoid building an essay on false grounds. It may seem that a detailed study will take too much time, but on the contrary, it will save you the effort of rewriting the time order essay.

Check several sources for proof of the integrity of the information you found. Whenever you don’t have enough time for research, consider buying an essay rather than copying random facts from the web. After all, no matter how well you present the events in chronological order, if it does not correspond to reality, then your essay will lose all scientific value.

How to Write a Chronological Paragraph?

You can be assigned to write a chronological paragraph in your paper. This is also a type of chronological writing that you should do right if you need to get a good grade for your essay.

This paragraph should describe the sequence of events that occurred to a specific object or person. These events should be sorted chronologically, from the earliest to the latest. You should present the sequence and make logical transitions between events. This will help readers understand the connections between events and the outcomes of specific things.

You can write about anything interesting, there are almost no topics you should avoid in the essay if they meet the requirements. However, it is better when the subject is interesting to you.

When structuring these paragraphs, students not only present the facts but also explain them as causes and effects. If you don’t see connections between things, you should look closer and do more research.

To write a good chronological paragraph, you need to include crucial elements. Thus, it will be easier to structure the course of events. This guide may not only be used for chronological essays, it’s a rather versatile piece of advice on how to compose a personal statement . Among the integral components are:

• Topic sentence
• Important supporting points
• Chronological progression
• Coherence of the narrative
• Summarizing sentence

Topic sentences exist to briefly remind the reader of the main topic of your paper. Give enough detail to put the reader in the context of the chronological sequence essay. Do not jump in time, state all events clearly and unambiguously to maintain logical transitions. End your paragraph by summarizing what has been said so far.

Example of chronological order:

The Second World War was the largest bloody war, in which more than 30 countries participated and left an indelible mark on the history of mankind. (Strong topic sentence.) The prerequisites ( the supporting details ) for this historic event are considered Germany’s course for revenge in the First World War. Events began in September 1939 with the German attack on Poland. ( Chronological progression). The most important event of the Second World War is thought to be the Japanese attack on the United States of America in Pearl Harbor. After six years of fierce fighting, the Nazis were defeated by the Allies, and the war ended with the Japanese surrender on 2nd September 1945. ( Summarizing sentence)

Tips on Writing a Chronological Essay

You start the writing process by choosing a topic for it. Find an interesting topic that meets your assignment’s requirements, or ask your teacher to give you a topic.

If you are stuck with creating this paper, you can use an essay editing service to prepare it. Its writers have experience working on chronological essays, they can help you with narrative and cause-and-effect paper .

Then you should research and find as much information on your topic as possible. Collect this information in a well-organized format so you can reference any of it if needed, and don’t forget to keep the dates of all events.

Pick an Idea and Make a Plan

If you need to create informative essays about a specific historical event, you should start from the beginning of this event or even with earlier events that lead to it. If a particular group organizes an event, tell the motives of this group, how they got to this idea, and how they started working on it. Then write about each step from the beginning to the conclusion of this event and arrange the events in chronological order.

Use a Variety of Sentence Structures to Keep Your Writing Interesting

If you only use simple sentences or start each sentence with the word «then», your writing will be boring to read. PapersOwl specialists advise studying several chronological ordering examples to understand the linking words and the structuring strategy. Use different stylistic devices as well as different types of complex sentences.

Provide Sufficient Details

Provide your reader with the full context of the story in time-order paragraphs. To understand the course of action of the chronological essay, the reader must be aware of the background and cause of historical events. At the same time, try not to overload your compositions with unnecessary details.

Use Transitional Words and Phrases, Such As “First,” “Next,” and “Then,” to Indicate the Chronological Flow

Sequencers help keep the story logical, they’re keywords for chronological order that make the essay flow smoothly. Use transitional words to direct the reader through the flow of your story. Don’t forget to use different expressions to avoid tautology.

Use Headings and Subheadings to Organize Your Essay

Provide clear divisions so that the paper becomes much more readable. Large arrays of text always repel the reader, so use a proper chronological structure. Also, headings and subheadings will help you further structure your essay.

Use Introductory and Concluding Sentences to Signal the Main Points of Each Paragraph

A thesis statement that summarizes the main message of your chronological essays should be restructured and repeated several times during writing. This technique is used by writers to express the main idea of the essay in the introduction and throughout the text. The thesis proposal should be catchy and memorable.

Use Appropriate Citations and References (Especially for the Historical Essay)

There could be many sources of false information on the Internet. Students should check information and put only proven citations into the chronological expositions. We know it could be challenging to deal with citation norms, so we’re always ready to write your paper for you . Be sure to check the accuracy of the quotes and the veracity of the facts you refer to.

Maintain a Consistent Timeline and Avoid Jumping Back and Forth in Time

When you have the list of essential timeline events, you can arrange the events in the order in which they happened. It helps you to use the correct order in an essay from the earliest events in your story to the latest. You can use simple editors or a spreadsheet for sorting lists.

When you write a chronological essay, nothing may cause you problems if you are well-oriented to the chosen subject. You should carefully choose topics for writing, do not forget about the preliminary study, and double-check the sources you use.

After reading our guide in detail, you will undoubtedly be able to write a decent chronological essay. However, even if you find it difficult to find inspiration for writing, this is not a problem either, as you can resort to exposition editing services. Remember that an experienced team of professionals is always ready to help you with heavy research writing essays.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

How to write a process essay

• August 25, 2023

Process essays are one of the most common types of essays . It’s simply explaining a process of how to do something. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a process essay in steps with interactive examples. 

Process essay definition

Let’s take a look at the steps outlined below to write a clear and effective process essay. 

Choose a topic

You should start by choosing a topic that not only interests you but also attracts your target audience. 

Whether it’s brewing the perfect cup of coffee or conquering the art of origami, your topic should be engaging and well-defined.  Let’s have a look at topic examples:

• Crafting Exquisite Miniature Bookbindings
• Building a Sustainable Vertical Garden
• Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

So for this guide, I’ve chosen “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”. Now let’s continue with the next steps.

Create a process essay outline

Now that you’ve your topic at hand, it’s time to create an outline to present the steps chronologically. Outline will also help you organize your thoughts and ideas so you won’t get lost during the writing process.

Let’s examine this step with an example of a process essay explaining “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”.

Process essay outline example

• Thesis statement
• Provide safety precautions if necessary.
• Address to the reader
• Provide any variations or customization options if applicable.
• End with a memorable concluding thought or call to action.

By presenting the steps in chronological order, your readers can follow the process smoothly. 

During this step, just make sure to:

• Expand on each step you outlined earlier.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Make use of bullet points or numbered lists to make the process visually appealing.

After completing the outline, it’s time to write an interesting introduction.

Write an introduction

• Hook the reader's interest with a hook sentence
• Offer a brief overview of the topic and its significance
• Introduce and explain the process with a thesis statement at the end of introduction

Process essay introduction example

Introduction

Now that we have an intro on our hand, you need to tell what materials you need to finish the process.

Write the materials needed for the process

Listing the necessary materials for the process is a best practice for process essays. Typically found just after the introduction, this paragraph is devoted to outlining the necessary materials.

Here, p rioritizing the list is important; the more influential a component is, the higher its position on the list should be.

Example material list for process essay

Body paragraphs

Materials needed

• High-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preference.
• A grinder for optimal flavor extraction.
• Equipment for brewing methods, such as a pour-over apparatus, a drip coffee maker, a French press, or an espresso machine.
• Fresh and clean water for brewing.
• Optional additives like milk, cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or other preferred elements.

Start writing the process

Right after listing the materials needed, it’s time to start writing the process itself.

When describing your process, be careful not to make it too complicated. To keep your readers on track, use transitional words like “after,” “eventually,” “first,” “then,” and others help you maintain an understandable tone.  

Or simply use a 1,2,3, bullet point structure as seen in example below to remind readers of their step during the process.

Body paragraphs - Process writing example

Materials needed ...

• Grind the beans just before brewing for optimal freshness. Use a burr grinder and adjust the coarseness to match your brewing method (coarse for French press, fine for espresso).
• Weigh your coffee grounds using a scale. A standard ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust to your taste.
• Ensure the water is heated to the ideal temperature, typically between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Water that's too hot or too cold can affect the taste.
• Pay attention to the brewing time. Generally, 4-5 minutes is suitable for most methods, but again, adjust based on your preference.
• After finishing, regularly clean your coffee maker or French press to prevent rancid oils and residue from affecting your coffee's taste.

As seen from the example above, using an imperative language structure is generally preferable. It makes total sense as you’re describing a process in steps and usually don’t need a full sentence structure. 

Give tips and supporting details

After explaining the process above, it’s now time to provide tips and supporting details. Here, make use examples, tips, and even warnings if necessary. 

In other words, anticipate the questions your readers might have and address them as you go along. 

Body paragraphs - Supporting details

Supporting details & tips

• Ensure safe handling of hot water and coffee-making equipment.
• Water that's too hot can result in over-extraction, while water that's too cold won't extract enough flavor.

Write a conclusion

At this step, you simply need to write a conclusion paragraph to end your process essay. First summarize the key points, and restate the process in a concise and short sentence. And finally, finish your process essay by a memorable sentence or a call-to-action. 

Process essay conclusion example

Revise and polish your essay.

Now that you’ve written your essay, take a breath, and then come back for some editing. Check for consistency, correct sentence structure, efficient transitions , tense selection , and other linguistic issues that may arise. 

If possible, make use of proofreading tools like QuillBot or Grammarly . 

• Think about potential reader misunderstandings and address them. If needed, explain what should be avoided.
• Offer explanations for steps that might seem unusual or complicated.
• Define any unfamiliar terms or materials that the reader might not understand. This ensures clarity in your essay.

So  you’ve successfully learned how to write a captivating process essay. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

Recently on Tamara Blog

How to write a discussion essay (with steps & examples), writing a great poetry essay (steps & examples), how to write a process essay (steps & examples), writing a common app essay (steps & examples), how to write a synthesis essay (steps & examples), how to write a horror story.

Nicole Bianchi

Writing, Copywriting, & Marketing Strategies

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: How to Write a Powerfully Persuasive Essay, Article, or Speech (Video)

Published June 26, 2022 | Last Updated November 13, 2023 By Nicole Bianchi 3 Comments

I hope all of your writing projects are going well this June. It’s been a few months since I last published a post here, and I’m happy to finally be back.

While I was away, I was making a new video, and I just uploaded it to YouTube:

You can click on the CC button for subtitles. In this video, I look at a persuasive speech outline called the Motivated Sequence created by psychologist Alan H. Monroe.

I first learned this structure when I was competing in a speech and debate league back in high school. It was extremely effective at grabbing the attention of the audience and inspiring them to action. 

Since then, I’ve continued to use it for articles and essays and have taught it to many writing students who were working on persuasive essays and speeches. And I’ve been wanting to share it here on the blog for quite a while! I hope you find it helpful.

If you enjoy  the video , be sure to give it a thumbs up on YouTube and subscribe to the channel. This lets me know that you found the video helpful and also encourages YouTube to share it with more people on the platform. Thank you!

**RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO**:

• 📚 Principles of Speech eBook by Alan H. Monroe: https://archive.org/details/principlesofspeemonr
• 📚 Paperback copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xQEyDL (affiliate link)
• 🎙Full Text of “I Have a Dream”: https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety
• 📝 2015 study on Attention Span: https://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/
• 🎥 My Video about Four Powerful Persuasive Techniques: https://youtu.be/h2Zx6oBolZY
• 📬 My email newsletter, The Inkwell: https://nicolebianchi.com/newsletter/

Here’s a transcript of the video:

Psychologist Alan H. Monroe developed the five-step motivated sequence in the 1930s while he was a speech professor at Purdue University. Monroe designed this structure so that by following each of the steps you develop a solid argument that refutes any objections and also inspires your audience to take action.

Many persuasive pieces just leave the audience hanging and don’t give them a pathway forward to making a positive change in the world. With the motivated sequence, on the other hand, you take your audience on a journey and give them a solution to the problem you’re presenting with actions they can take, no matter how big or small.

Here are the five steps of the motivated sequence:

• Satisfaction
• Visualization

If you think back to middle school and the classic five paragraph essays your teachers would assign, you can imagine each of these steps of the motivated sequence as one of those paragraphs.  For example, the attention step is your introduction, then you have three body paragraphs, and then conclude with the action step.

Most likely, however, you’ll be writing a much longer essay or speech. Each of the steps then might encompass several paragraphs, and you can think of them as sections. Some of them might be longer, others shorter, depending on the topic you’re writing about. For example, your introduction might only be one paragraph or it could be three.

But, essentially, no matter how much time you spend on each step, you want to follow each of them in order so that you lead your audience into a certain frame of mind and persuade them of your position.

Now, the motivated sequence is a fantastic structure for outlining your own persuasive speeches, and it’s also a fantastic structure to use to analyze great speeches in history and literature and see what made them so powerful.

So let’s break down each of these steps, and I’ll show you how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech follows this structure. I’ll be using quotes from Monroe’s book  Principles of Speech  to explain how to use the motivated sequence.

1. The Attention Step

Obviously, this step is all about grabbing your audience’s attention. Do you remember the famous line Mark Antony delivers at the beginning of his speech in the Shakespeare play  Julius Caesar ?

He says, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.”

It’s a fantastic reminder that we need to grab the attention of our audience before we launch into our argument.

In fact,  a 2015 study  found you only have eight seconds to grab a person’s attention before they lose concentration.   Here are several ways you can grab your audience’s attention: a rhetorical question, a startling statement, a humorous anecdote, or a story.

Or you can just dive right in and state the subject or problem if you know your audience already has a vital interest in what you will be talking about.

That’s why when choosing how to open your speech, it’s important to consider your topic and your audience. A joke, for example, might be perfect for a light-hearted topic but not for a more somber one.

Once you’ve presented the topic you’re arguing about, clearly state your position so the audience knows what to expect in the rest of your piece.

For example, let’s say you’re writing an article about how an empty lot in your neighborhood should be turned into a park. Here’s what your attention step might look like. Open with a quote from a news story about the empty lot to grab the audience’s attention. Present your thesis statement that summarizes your argument that it should be turned into a park.

Let’s look at the attention step in the “I Have a Dream Speech.” Here’s the opening line:

“I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.”

That line grabs the attention of the audience, telling them that they are participating in a historic moment.

2. The Need Step

Once you’ve grabbed your audience’s attention and presented the topic you’re going to be arguing about,  it’s time to convince the audience that this is a serious problem that needs to be solved.

In a persuasive piece, there are two different needs you could be arguing for: one, to urge a change to the status quo (point out what’s wrong with the present conditions) or, two, to demand preservation of the status quo (point out the danger of change).

Your speech arguing to turn an empty lot into a park would be an example of urging change to the status quo.

Here are four elements that Monroe says will help you write a powerful need step:

• Statement:  “Point out the importance of the subject and the need to be better informed about it.”
• Illustration:  “Tell of one or more incidents to illustrate the need.”
• Reinforcement:  “Employ as many additional facts, examples, quotations, etc., as are required to make the need more convincing and impressive.”
• Pointing:  “Show the direct relation of the subject to the well-being and success of your audience.”

Here’s a quote from the need step part of the “I Have a Dream” speech.

“We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now…Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.”

That repetition of the word “ now ” is an excellent way to drive home the need step.

3. The Satisfaction Step

Once you’ve convinced your audience there is a problem that needs to be solved, you need to offer them a solution. You’ve pulled back the curtain and shown that there is something wrong in the world. Now we have to work to make the world a better place.

B ut when will we be satisfied that the problem has been solved ? How will we know?

Here’s how Monroe says you can frame your satisfaction step.

• Statement of Solution:  “A brief statement of the attitude, belief, or action you wish the audience to adopt.” For example, let’s turn the empty lot into a park.
• Explanation:  “Make sure that your proposal is understood. Explain it clearly.” For example, describe what the park will look like, how much money it will cost, etc.
• Theoretical Demonstration:  “Show how the solution logically and adequately meets the need pointed out in the need step.” For example, show why the park will benefit the community.
• Practical Experience:  “Actual examples showing where this proposal has worked effectively or the belief been proved correct. Facts, figures, and the testimony of experts to demonstrate this conclusion.” For example, show how parks in other cities have helped to lower crime rates and make the community stronger.
• Meeting Objections:  “Forestall opposition by showing how your proposal overcomes any objections which might be raised.” For example, show why building a park is better than building a strip mall on the empty lot.

Here’s a quote from the “I Have a Dream” speech that emphasizes the satisfaction step:

“There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights when will you be satisfied? … No, no, we are not satisfied and we will not be satisfied until ‘justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.’”

4. The Visualization Step

Monroe noted that the function of this step is to intensify desire.  You envision for your readers what the world will be like if your solution is carried out or what it will be like if it isn’t.

“The visualization step must stand the test of reality. The conditions you describe must be realistic. You must make the audience virtually put themselves in the picture. Use vivid imagery: make the audience see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. The more vividly real you make the projected situation seem, the stronger will be the reaction of the audience.”

Monroe gives three methods for visualizing the future.

• Positive:  Describe the conditions if your solution is actually carried out. “Do not be abstract about this,” he writes. “Picture the listeners in that situation actually enjoying the safety, pleasure, or pride that your proposal will produce.”
• Negative:  Describe conditions if your solution is not carried out. “Picture the audience feeling the bad effects or unpleasantness that the failure to affect your solution will produce. Go back to the need step of your speech and select the most strikingly undesirable things and put these into the picture of future conditions.”
• Contrast:  This is a combination of one and two. “Begin with the negative method, the undesirable situation, and conclude with the positive method, the desirable solution.”

I call this last method the “two worlds” approach. For example,

“Imagine two worlds. In the first world, the empty lot attracts teen gangs and crime. In the second world, we have a beautiful green space where everyone in the community can come together and children can play safely.”

Of course, the most memorable part of the “I Have a Dream” speech is the part where the phrase “I have a dream” is repeated. That’s an example of this visualization step in action.

“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream… I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.’”

5. The Action Step

Monroe writes,

“The function of the action step is to translate the desire created in the visualization step into a definitely fixed attitude or belief or to galvanize into overt action.”

You don’t want your action step to be too long. Sum up your points and conclude quickly.

Here are five different ways Monroe says you can frame your action step. You can combine these together for a powerful conclusion.

• Challenge or appeal:  “A short compelling and emphatic appeal to take a specific course of action or adopt a certain belief.”
• Summary:  “A quick recap of the main points in the need or satisfaction steps or both followed by a challenge or appeal to your audience.”
• Quotation:  “A direct statement made by an authoritative figure about the central idea of your piece which suggests the attitude or action you want the audience to take.” For example, this quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer would be fantastic to conclude a speech depending on your topic:  “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
• Illustration:  “This could be an incident or a story which contains the kernel of the idea or suggests the action you wish the audience to take.” It could be a fictional story like a parable.
• Personal Intention:  “A statement of your own intention to take the course of action recommended.” Monroe points out that one of the most famous examples of this method was used by Patrick Henry when he concluded his speech with the words, “ As for me, give me liberty or give me death.”

Here’s how the “I Have a Dream” speech concludes,

“With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

The Takeaway

That’s it. Now you know how to write a powerful persuasive speech.

Of course, this persuasive speech outline should only be used when you’re attempting to convince someone to do something that is in their own best interest, something that will truly help them and make their life better and the world a better place.

Did you enjoy this post? Get the free eBook!

Join the mailing list, and as a special welcome gift, I'll send you a free copy of my eBook "Famous Writers' Productivity Hacks". You will also get my latest posts about how to hone your craft (+ more writing inspiration not shared on the blog) delivered straight to your inbox.

A confirmation email is on its way!

Your data is collected, used, and protected according to the  Privacy Policy . Unsubscribe at any time.

Keep Reading: Top Posts

Muhammed Rajif says

May 13, 2024 at 1:08 pm

I am a certified Digital Marketing Strategist in Kannur, Kerala providing worldwide services. I am a graduate of Bachelor Of Degree and now functioning as a freelance digital marketing strategist who concentrates on helping business owners to develop their businesses successfully. I can assist you to reach a larger audience with digital marketing services like SEO, SEM, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Google Ads, Social media marketing, and Web designing.

Looking for a Certified Digital Marketing Professional in Kerala anywhere in India & want to grow up your business via digital marketing? If yes, then reach me.

Thabsheer Ali says

July 4, 2022 at 4:03 pm

Thank you! very helpful content

Nicole Bianchi says

July 11, 2022 at 4:47 pm

You’re welcome, Thabsheer! Thank you.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• About me/contact

How to write a persuasive speech

Persuasive speech example.

- Monroe's Motivated Sequence speech example

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 08-05-2022

The persuasive speech example below uses the classic 5 step structural pattern called Monroe's Motivated Sequence * .

I've laid the speech out labeling each step of the sequence from beginning to end so that you might see how, and why it works effectively.

All the spoken text is inside speech marks beginning "One fine Spring day...", after the first  Attention Step heading below.

In addition there's: notes covering the topic, context (audience) and purpose of the speech, a list of references used, a personal explanation as to why I wrote it, and links to more persuasive speech resources. I hope it's useful to you! 

More about Monroe's Motivated Sequence

* If you don't know about  Monroe's Motivated Sequence find out more. See the sequence (with explanations) in use in an example persuasive speech outline . If you decide you'd like to use the pattern for a speech of your own toward the bottom of the page you'll find a free printable outline to use as a guide.

Topic, context, title and purpose of speech

General topic :  - the impact of suicide on those left behind

Audience :   - community cross-section (teachers, social workers, nurses, doctors, leaders) brought together through their desire to support the people they meet through their work more meaningfully.

Title of speech :   "After They're Gone"

Specific purpose :   - to persuade listeners to learn more about the special needs of family members, friends and colleagues in the immediate aftermath of a suicide through the material available on the  After suicide  website which is run by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

Speech introduction

Attention Step: "One fine Spring day I biked home from school and found a policemen guarding our backdoor. Through it came sounds I'll never forget; my quiet Mother screaming.  He said, "You can't go in." 

I kicked him in the shins and did.  It was the 15th of September, three days before my thirteenth birthday and my father was dead.  Killed by his own hand. Suicide."

Reasons for listening:

"What are your chances of being in a similar position to that young policemen clutching his shin?

Fortunately, not that high. In NZ we have approximately 500 suicidal deaths per year. Therefore being kicked because you are the messenger of bad tidings is not that likely. But for those affected, that statistic is cold comfort."

Speaker credibility: "Some of us know its chill intimately.

Death may be part of the normal, natural expected cycle of life but death by any sudden, unexpected, traumatic form, particularly suicide, is not. These deaths bring significant challenges at personal, family and community levels. They cause ripples, like a stone thrown into water, touching us all."

Need step: "What do you say to the woman whose husband went out one morning and never came back? To the mother whose son was found dangling from a tree? How do you talk to the sister, brother, cousin, friend, work mate of somebody who died by suicide? Is what you say to children, teenagers different from that you'd say to an adult?

Talking about it is hard. It's tough, but necessary.

Recovery is shaped by responses: good, bad or indifferent. What we say, what we do, matters. As teachers, parents, friends, neighbors, business partners, employers, medical or social workers, whoever we are in relation to those experiencing the inevitable bewilderment and pain a suicide brings, our actions count.

Research shows us that how we handle the aftermath directly affects what happens next for those left reeling.

The cliché is true. We can be part of the problem or part of the solution."

Speaker credibility (again):

"To be part of the problem - that is to perpetuate the myths and stigma of suicide, all you need to do is: nothing much.

I know this from personal experience. You can avoid those people. Cut them from your life. Reject them as if they're contagious.

Or blame and shame them. It was something they did. The fault lay in them. Or talk about anything else except this event, this person who is gone. Or peddle platitudes: you'll get over it and, time will heal. Or you can credit the event as evidence of that person's tragic but heroic personality. They were too big, too intelligent, creative or sensitive for this life. Suicide was their only option.

All of that and more happened in, and to, my family.

The long-term effects of not being allowed, able or encouraged to express ourselves openly or honestly about our father's abrupt absence haunted all of us in varying forms.

We lugged deep-seated guilt around for years.

We were frightened of change and yet fascinated by danger. And yes, we flirted with death in varying guises. We knew we were flawed, tainted, but didn't know how or what by. Our relationships suffered accordingly. We struggled, each in our own way, to find strength in our abilities and to realize them. In short we behaved much like victims: trapped in a silence compounded and strengthened by time. Life was a battle. The fight was to find balanced reality."

Transition:

"To be part of the solution, which I know you want to be, is to open yourself, to acknowledge your own fear of suicide and to learn how to support either yourself or others who need it."

Speech body

Satisfaction step - explanation, demonstration and supporting material.

"With support we know we can lessen the long term impact of suicide.

We can't take away the initial pain, the horror, the sense of betrayal, shame or anger but we can work towards its resolution equipping people to emerge from the experience strengthened and healthy.

For children and young people that means finding safe support groups and mentors. For teachers, health workers and others who work in a professional capacity with people affected by suicide, it means knowing where to turn for credible, helpful advice.

For families it means knowing where the lifelines are and how, why and when to access them.

For communities it means understanding and respecting cultural difference and working within those frameworks to provide meaningful support.

We are fortunate in New Zealand. Yes, it's one of those bitter ironies; the country whose youth topped the charts for topping themselves in the 1990's, has gone on to develop an extraordinary multifaceted program whose principal aim is suicide prevention. That program saves lives as well as lessening the long term harm frequently visited on the nearest and dearest.

Statistics show suicide has dropped by 20%.

We also know, due to in-depth studies, more about factors leading up suicide and how to recognize them in ourselves and others."

"Out of our collective pain has come a valuable life affirming hub of knowledge."

Counteracting Opposition & Visualization step

"Now there is no need to unwittingly cause more pain through ignorance or the misguided belief that through not talking about it, it will disappear. And for that I am grateful. This wasn't there when my family most needed it but it is there now.

Let's make sure we use it. Let's make sure we find out as much as we can about depression and what to do about it. Let's make sure we know what resources are out there for those groups in our communities already identified through studies as vulnerable.

And lastly let's make sure we support each other whole-heartedly in learning to live openly and fully without judgement and name calling.

There is widespread and understandable concern about publicly discussing suicide. In fact so much so that our media is governed by law. The Coroners Act 2006 makes it illegal to "publish particulars of a death publicly if there is reasonable cause to believe the death was self-inflicted, or, without a coroner’s authority if no inquiry into the death has been completed. The section has further guidelines on what can be reported once a coroner has found a death to be self-inflicted."

We know from research there is a direct correlation between how suicide is reported and subsequent events. Coverage of a high profile celebrity suicide which romanticizes and idealizes the person's action and life spawns copy-catting. As does describing the method chosen or making the event front page news.

What's forgotten in the desire to protect us from our own vulnerabilities is that the ending is the final act in a much longer story.

That story needs telling. It's the one stripping out hysteria, fear and any misplaced glorification and instead focuses on the road leading to the act.

What signs were there along the way? How and why did we miss reading them? What can we learn from that?"

"Knowledge is power. When it is collectively shared, the affect ripples outward embracing more and more and changes occur. Destructive patterns are broken. New pathways are forged and attitudinal shifts are made.

Who ever needs it, where ever they are, it is now true more than ever that they do not need to walk their path alone."

Visualization continued

"The internet, that vast interlinking web, makes it possible to access the information you need almost immediately. You'll find it on the After suicide  website. Once there use the navigation menus to locate what you want.

There's information for Community Organizations, Family and Friends, the Media and Health Practitioners. You'll find links to extensive resources and research, both national and international.

The 'What can I do?' tab addresses personal issues - among others: how to support a suicidal person.

Whatever group you belong to you'll find stories - empowering, enriching and real. Stories from teens, celebrities, sports people, mums, dads, and professionals all of whom have been united in some way by suicide. They've been forced to stop, think, reconsider and reconnect.

What can you do to make a difference? Read, learn, refer, join the discussion at events, donate your time and expertise. It's easy to find a way that is right and appropriate for you."

"We know for every one death by suicide there are at least six people profoundly affected. Those six people interact with at least six others and although the impact on them is diluted it's still there. Those six know six more and so it goes, wider and wider. Just last week there was another of the those heart wrenching headlines. One more overwhelmed young person jumped off a bridge. The public 'whys' and finger pointing at his family and school were quick to follow."

Conclusion - Action step

"We may not be able to reach everybody in time but we can each do what is within our personal power. That is to spread understanding, and compassion; to give practical love and support.

We are all worth it. Do it for those who live as well as for those who have died.

And do it now!

I invite you all to find out more by accepting a flyer outlining the services and help available.

If you need to talk to someone about anything related to what I've said, please either see me afterwards or one of the spokespeople in the audience. You can spot them by their smile and their badges."

References used in this speech

• Suicide Social report 2016
• After suicide  - website offering practical help, guidance and resources  
• Suicide in NZ - Annette Beautrais, The New Zealand Medical Journal -06-June-2003, Vol 116 No 1175
• Talking about suicide - How to discuss suicide safely. Links to a comprehensive media guide and other mental health services. Ministry of Health, New Zealand (Last updated September 2019)
• The Lowdown  - a website to help young Kiwis (New Zealanders) understand and deal with depression

About this persuasive speech example "After They're Gone "

The topic, suicide and its aftermath, is real to me.

My father took his life and at that time, although there were well-meaning friends and family around us, the shame and stigma was enormous.

From then on we were treated differently. No one spoke to us about the whys of his death, let alone the hows. Not even my mother was able to share that information until we were adults many years later. 

We made our own stories up to make sense of it all. The pity was that they were deeply flawed and self-limiting causing more pain and suffering. 

It doesn't have to be like that. Not any more. For that I am profoundly grateful.

If you find the speech has stirred up unresolved issues for you, please seek assistance. You will find equivalent information to that available on After suicide  in your area.

*After I gave this speech at my Toastmasters Club I was approached by a doctor whose specialty is Public Health. She asked for permission to take quotes from it to use in information pamphlets - something I agreed to immediately. 

More persuasive speech resources:

1032 persuasive speech topics☺.

• 50 persuasive speech ideas
• 50 good persuasive speech topics
• 105 fun persuasive speech topics
• 309 easy persuasive speech topics
• 310 persuasive speech topics for college  
• 108 feminist persuasive speech topics
• Writing a persuasive speech - a 7 point action plan  
• A persuasive speech outline example using the 5 step structural pattern: Monroe's Motivated Sequence
• Return to top of persuasive speech example

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Welcome speech
• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

5 Process Essay Examples

A process essay is a type of essay that explains a process in detail. Good process essays don’t just explain the process but provides details about common mistakes to avoid as well as tips and methods to achieve success. Below are some example essays:

Process Essay Examples

#1 how to bake a chocolate cake.

1337 Words | 4 Pages

Thesis Statement: “The purpose of this essay is to guide readers through the enjoyable and straightforward process of baking a chocolate cake, highlighting the essential steps and tips to ensure a delicious and successful outcome.”

#2 How to Write a Resume

Thesis Statement: “This essay aims to provide a comprehensive guide on crafting an effective resume, detailing each step from gathering relevant information to finalizing the document, while offering practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring a polished and professional presentation of one’s career achievements and qualifications.”

#3 How to Train for a Marathon

1508 Words | 5 Pages

Thesis Statement: “This essay provides a comprehensive guide to marathon training, detailing a strategic approach to building endurance, strength, and speed, coupled with essential advice on nutrition, hydration, and mental preparation, to equip runners of all levels with the knowledge and tools necessary for successfully completing a marathon.”

#4 How to Prepare for a Job Interview

1309 Words | 5 Pages

Thesis Statement: “This essay outlines a comprehensive strategy for job interview preparation, encompassing in-depth company research, personalized response formulation, professional presentation, and logistical planning, to equip candidates with the tools necessary for making a compelling and confident impression in their pursuit of career opportunities.”

#5 How to Write an Essay

1473 Words | 5 Pages

Thesis Statement: “This essay outlines a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to essay writing, from understanding the prompt to the final stages of revision and editing, providing essential tips and strategies to enhance writing skills and ensure the creation of a well-structured, persuasive, and effectively communicated piece.”

How to Write a Process Essay

The following template provides an overview of a process essay structure:

Grab this process essay template here.

Instructions: To write a process essay, start by introducing the process and its significance, ensuring the reader understands the purpose and value of the instructions. Next, present the preparation and materials required, before outlining each step of the process in a logical order, offering detailed explanations, tips, and potential pitfalls to avoid, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. Conclude by summarizing the main steps and reinforcing the benefits or results of completing the process, leaving the reader with a clear understanding and the confidence to undertake the task.

How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Process

To write a thesis statement for a process essay, identify the process you’re explaining and clearly state the purpose or goal of the essay. Concisely outline the primary steps or stages involved in the process, ensuring clarity and direction for the reader. The thesis should be informative, indicating what the reader can expect to learn and achieve by following the essay.

💡 AI Prompt For Writing a Process Essay Thesis Statement “Create a thesis statement for a process essay on [TOPIC] that clearly identifies the specific process being explained. The thesis should state the purpose of the essay and briefly outline the main steps or stages involved in the process. Ensure that the statement is concise, informative, and guides the reader on what they will learn and achieve by reading the essay.”

Read Also: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Suggested Process Essay Topics

For Grades 4 to 8:

• How to Organize a School Backpack.
• Steps to Create a Simple Science Fair Project.
• The Process of Planting and Caring for a Vegetable Garden.
• How to Write a Book Report.
• Making a Handcrafted Greeting Card.

For Grades 9 to 12:

• How to Prepare for the SATs.
• Steps for Conducting a Basic Scientific Experiment.
• Crafting an Effective Persuasive Essay.
• Planning and Executing a Community Service Project.
• The Process of Creating a Personal Budget.

For University/College:

• How to Conduct a Literature Review for a Research Paper.
• Writing a Successful College Application Essay.
• The Process of Developing a Mobile App.
• How to Create a Comprehensive Marketing Plan.
• Steps for Conducting a Qualitative Research Study.
• Preparing and Delivering an Effective Oral Presentation.
• The Process of Writing a Business Plan.
• How to Analyze a Case Study in Business School.
• Crafting a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal.
• Developing and Implementing a Personal Fitness Plan.

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your essay now:

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is IQ? (Intelligence Quotient)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

75 Sequence Words: Overview, List & Examples

Get in line and follow the sequence.

Today, we’re unraveling the mystery behind sequence words.

Sequence words are tools in writing that guide the order of events, ideas, or steps, using terms like first, next, then, and finally. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these words, their types, uses, and examples to enhance your writing skills.

Scroll to the end for a free tool you can use to create teaching stories and worksheets with AI.

What Are Sequence Words?

Table of Contents

Ever read a story or an article and found yourself effortlessly moving from one idea to the next, like stepping on stones across a stream?

That smooth transition is often thanks to sequence words.

These words are like signposts on a hiking trail, guiding you along the path of the narrative or argument.

As a writer with years of experience, I’ve come to realize that sequence language is more than just parts of speech. They’re powerful tools that bring order and clarity to my writing.

Think of them as the glue that holds the different parts of your story or argument together.

How Are Sequence Words Used in Writing?

Sequence words are used in various ways:

• To Indicate Order : They help in listing steps or stages in a process. For example, when I write a recipe or explain how to build a birdhouse, sequence words like first, then, next, and finally make the instructions easy to follow.
• To Show Time : These words are great for narrating events. Words like before, after, during, and while help set the timeline, making the narrative more coherent.
• To Highlight Importance : Sometimes, I use sequence words like “most importantly” or “above all” to emphasize the key points of my argument or story.
• To Summarize : At the end of an article or story, words like “in conclusion” or “to sum up” signal that I am summarizing my main points.

10 Common Sequence Words (Use Them Right Away)

Here’s a chart showcasing 10 common sequence words and how they’re typically used in writing:

These kind of words are incredibly helpful in writing.

They create a clear, logical flow that guides readers through the text, making complex ideas or processes much easier to understand.

As someone who’s been weaving words for a while, I can vouch for the difference these little helpers make in crafting a coherent and engaging narrative.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive list of sequence words that I often use to add clarity and flow to my writing.

These words are simple yet impactful, and incorporating them into your writing can make a world of difference in how your readers perceive and understand your content.

Here is a great video about sequencing words:

Beginning Sequence Words

These words are perfect for starting a narrative, an explanation, or a process:

• To start with
• In the beginning
• Opening with
• At the outset
• Originating
• At the start
• To commence
• At the inception
• Before we begin

Middle Sequence Words

These words help in transitioning from one point to another in the middle of your writing:

• Subsequently
• Following this
• Consequently
• Simultaneously
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Correspondingly
• In the meantime
• Concurrently

Ending Sequence Words

Use these words to conclude or sum up your writing:

• In conclusion
• Conclusively
• As a final point
• To conclude
• Wrapping up
• Ending with
• Last of all
• All things considered

Interruption Sequence Words

These words are useful for indicating interruptions or breaks in the flow of thought or action:

• Nonetheless
• Despite this
• On the other hand
• Alternatively
• On the contrary
• Interrupting
• In contrast
• Nevertheless
• Irrespective

Summary Sequence Words

These words are great for summarizing or giving an overview:

• To summarize
• Essentially
• To encapsulate
• Summarizing
• In a nutshell
• Collectively
• Comprehensively

Examples of Sequence Words in Sentences

It’s probably helpful to see some of these words in actual sentences.

Check out these examples below to see how to write, structure, and build sentences with sequence language:

• Firstly , we need to address the budget issue.
• Then , we will move on to the marketing plan.
• Next , consider the environmental impact of the project.
• Afterward , we gathered feedback from the participants.
• Subsequently , the company implemented the changes.
• Meanwhile , the other team started their research.
• Consequently , sales increased by 20%.
• Additionally , we offer free shipping on all orders.
• Moreover , our product is made from recycled materials.
• Furthermore , customer satisfaction has been consistently high.
• In conclusion , the experiment was a resounding success.
• To begin with , let’s review the meeting minutes from last week.
• Before , we had limited resources, but now the situation is different.
• Simultaneously , production and marketing teams should work together.
• Ultimately , our goal is to double our market share.
• Initially , the plan seemed feasible.
• However , we encountered several unexpected challenges.
• On the other hand , there are potential risks involved.
• In contrast , last year’s model had fewer features.
• As a result , we need to rethink our strategy.
• To illustrate , let’s look at a case study from last year.
• For instance , consider a situation where customer demand exceeds supply.
• Such as , products like smartphones and laptops require constant updates.
• Thereafter , the committee will review the submissions.
• Following this , we’ll have a brief Q&A session.
• In addition , we plan to expand into two new markets.
• Notably , this achievement has set a new industry standard.
• Equally important , we must maintain product quality.
• Besides , there are other factors to consider.
• Especially , when it comes to user privacy concerns.
• Lastly , I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.
• At first , the task seemed daunting.
• Finally , after months of hard work, the product was launched.
• During , the seminar, several key points were discussed.
• While , we focus on growth, we cannot neglect sustainability.
• Until , we receive more data, we should not proceed.
• Unless , we get full support, the project might not succeed.
• Even though , challenges were numerous, the team persevered.
• Although , we faced setbacks, our progress was substantial.
• Despite , the tough competition, we managed to secure the deal.
• As soon as , the funds are available, we will begin the expansion.
• Once , the parameters are set, we can start the simulation.
• By the time , the meeting concluded, we had a solid plan.
• Whenever , a new issue arises, the team tackles it efficiently.
• Whereas , previous models were cumbersome, the new design is sleek.
• Since , we’ve switched vendors, our costs have gone down.
• So that , we can meet our targets, overtime will be necessary.
• Provided that , we stick to the budget, we can fund extra research.
• Lest , we forget, customer feedback is crucial to our success.
• Insofar as , the data is accurate, we can predict a positive outcome.

What are Sequence Hint Words? (With Examples)

Sequence hint words, often referred to as transitional or signal words, are vital tools in writing that indicate the order of events, steps, or ideas.

They help guide readers through the text, providing hints about what is coming next.

Or they might suggest how the pieces of information are connected.

You might already notice how closely sequence hint words are to standard sequence language. There is definitely some overlap.

Let’s explore some examples to see how they work in practice.

Examples of Sequence Hint Words

• First : “First, we gathered all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.”
• Next : “Next, we mixed the dry ingredients separately.”
• Then : “Then, we combined them with the wet ingredients.”
• Finally : “Finally, we put the mixture in the oven to bake.”
• Similarly : “Similarly, the second experiment yielded almost identical results.”
• However : “The process was efficient; however, the cost was prohibitive.”
• On the other hand : “On the other hand, the alternative method was more cost-effective.”
• Because : “Because it rained heavily, the event was postponed.”
• Therefore : “The machine malfunctioned, therefore production was halted.”
• As a result : “He studied hard, and as a result, he topped the class.”
• Furthermore : “The plan is practical. Furthermore, it is cost-effective.”
• In addition : “In addition to being talented, she is also very diligent.”
• Moreover : “The study is reliable, and moreover, it has been peer-reviewed.”
• For instance : “Many fruits contain antioxidants; for instance, blueberries are a great source.”
• Such as : “Several countries, such as France and Japan, have a rich culinary heritage.”
• To illustrate : “To illustrate the problem, consider the recent data breach incident.”
• In conclusion : “In conclusion, the findings support the initial hypothesis.”
• To summarize : “To summarize, three primary factors contributed to the outcome.”
• In summary : “In summary, the project was a success thanks to the team’s effort.”

FAQ Section: Sequence Writing

Let’s answer some of the most common questions asked about sequence writing, words, and phrases.

What Is a Sequence Text Pattern?

Sequence text pattern refers to a structural arrangement in writing where events, instructions, or ideas are presented in a logical order, typically chronological.

This pattern is essential in crafting narratives, process explanations, instructional writing, and historical accounts.

The use of sequence text pattern aids in guiding the reader through a series of steps or events, ensuring a clear understanding of the order in which things happen or should be done.

It’s particularly useful in making complex information more digestible.

And ensuring that the reader can follow the progression of thoughts or actions without confusion.

How Do You Know If a Text Is Sequence?

To determine if a text follows a sequence, look for specific indicators such as sequence words or phrases that signal the order of events or steps.

These can include terms like first, next, then, finally, or subsequently.

Sequence in text is also evident in the logical flow of the content, where each paragraph or section builds upon the previous one.

In instructional or process-oriented texts, the sequence is marked by a clear progression of steps or stages. Additionally, in narrative texts, a chronological order of events usually indicates a sequence structure.

What Is a Sequence Word Story?

A sequence word story is a narrative that heavily relies on sequence language to articulate the progression of events.

These stories are typically structured in a way that clearly indicates the order in which things occur, using words like first, afterward, then, and finally.

This type of storytelling is particularly common in children’s literature.

Why? Because the clear progression aids in understanding and retaining information.

It’s also used in adult literature to build suspense or guide the reader through complex scenarios. Sequence language in stories help in creating a coherent and engaging narrative flow.

What Is a Sequence Word Worksheet?

A sequence word worksheet is an educational tool designed to help learners understand and practice the use of sequence language in writing.

These worksheets typically contain exercises that require students to fill in blanks with appropriate sequence words, arrange sentences or paragraphs in logical order, or create their own sentences using sequence words.

They are commonly used in language arts and ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms.

The primary goal of these worksheets is to enhance students’ ability to organize their thoughts and communicate more effectively in both written and verbal forms.

What Are Some Tools to Help Learn Sequence Words?

Here are some tools that I like and that I think will help you:

Final Thoughts

Mastering sequence text, words, and phrases is like finding the secret map to clear and engaging writing.

Discover more writing insights and tips by exploring other articles on our site.

Read This Next:

• 3 Syllable Words (Ultimate List Of 400+ Words)
• 100 Dictation Word Ideas for Students and Kids
• 200 Nature Words To Build Your English Vocabulary
• How To Describe A Classroom In Writing (21 Tips + Examples)
• Is Jo a Scrabble Word? (Official Answer + 100 Alternatives)

Telling Stories: Sequencing for ESL Students

Learn how to organize your phrases with sequence writing exercises

• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Writing Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Business English
• Resources for Teachers

EXAMPLE PASSAGE: A Conference in Chicago

Sequencing steps, events occurring at the same time, test your knowledge.

• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
• M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
• B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music

Telling stories is common in any language . Think of all the situations in which you might tell a story in everyday life:

• Talking about last weekend to a friend.
• Giving details about something that happened during a job interview.
• Relating information about your family to your children.
• Telling colleagues about what happened on a business trip.

In each of these situations—and many others—you provide information about something that happened in the past. To help your audience understand your stories, you need to link this information from the past together. One of the most important ways to link ideas is to sequence them. The passages below are good examples of sequenced ideas. Read the examples and then measure your understanding with a quiz. The answers are at the bottom.

Last week, I visited Chicago to attend a business conference. While I was there , I decided to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. To start off, my flight was delayed. Next, the airline lost my luggage, so I had to wait for two hours at the airport while they tracked it down. Unexpectedly, the luggage had been set aside and forgotten.

As soon as they found my luggage, I found a taxi and rode into town. During the ride into town, the driver told me about his last visit to the Art Institute. After I had arrived safely, everything began to go smoothly. The business conference was very interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the institute. Finally , I caught my flight back to Seattle.

Luckily, everything went smoothly. I arrived home just in time to kiss my daughter goodnight.

Sequencing refers to the order in which events happened. Sequencing is often made easier by the use of transition words. Following are some of the most common words and expressions used to sequence when writing or speaking.

Beginning your story

Create the beginning of your story with these expressions. Use a comma after the introductory phrase.

• First of all,
• To start off with,
• To begin with,

Examples of these beginning phrases in use include:

• To begin with, I began my education in London.
• First of all, I opened the cupboard.
• To start off with, we decided our destination was New York.
• Initially, I thought it was a bad idea.

Continuing the story

You can continue the story with the following expressions, or use a time clause beginning with "as soon as" or "after." When using a time clause, use the  past simple  after the time expression, such as:

• After that,
• As soon as / When + full clause,
• ...but then
• Immediately,

Examples of using these continuing phrases in a story include:

• Then, I started to get worried.
• After that, we knew that there would be no problem!
• Next, we decided on our strategy.
• As soon as we arrived, we unpacked our bags.
• We were sure everything was ready, but then we discovered some unexpected problems.
• Immediately, I telephoned my friend Tom.

Interruptions and Adding New Elements to the Story

You can use the following expressions to add suspense to your story:

• Unexpectedly,

Examples of using these interrupting phrases or turning to a new element include:

• Suddenly, a child burst into the room with a note for Ms. Smith.
• Unexpectedly, the people in the room didn't agree with the mayor.

Ending the Story

Mark the end of your story with these introductory phrases:

• In the end,
• Eventually,

Examples of using these ending words in a story include:

• Finally, I flew to London for my meeting with Jack.
• In the end, he decided to postpone the project.
• Eventually, we became tired and returned home.

When you tell stories, you will also need to give reasons for actions. Review tips on  linking your ideas  and providing reasons for your actions  to help you understand how to do so.

The use of "while" and "as" introduce a  dependent clause  and require an  independent clause  to complete your sentence. "During" is used with a noun, noun phrase, or noun clause and does not require a subject and object. The construction for this kind of sentence is:

• While / As + subject + verb + dependent clause or independent clause + while / as + subject + verb

An example of using "while" in a sentence is:

• While I was giving the presentation, a member of the audience asked an interesting question.
• Jennifer told her story as I prepared dinner.

The construction for using "during" in a sentence is:

• During + noun (noun clause)

Examples of using "during" in a sentence include:

• During the meeting, Jack came over and asked me a few questions.
• We explored a number of approaches during the presentation. 

Provide an appropriate sequencing word to fill in the blanks. The answers follow the quiz.

My friend and I visited Rome last summer. (1) ________, we flew from New York to Rome in first class. It was fantastic! (2) _________ we arrived in Rome, we (3) ______ went to the hotel and took a long nap. (4) ________, we went out to find a great restaurant for dinner. (5) ________, a scooter appeared out of nowhere and almost hit me! The rest of the trip had no surprises. (6) __________, we began to explore Rome. (7) ________ the afternoons, we visited ruins and museums. At night, we hit the clubs and wandered the streets. One night, (8) ________ I was getting some ice cream, I saw an old friend from high school. Imagine that! (9) _________, we caught our flight back to New York. We were happy and ready to begin work again.

Multiple answers are possible for some of the blanks:

• First of all / To start off with / Initially / To begin with
• As soon as / When
• immediately
• Then / After that / Next 
• Suddenly / Unexpectedly 
• While / As 
• Finally / In the end / Eventually
• Text Organization
• Learn to Order Events for Narrative Writing Assignments
• 10 Common Sentence Mistakes in English
• How to Teach Conditionals to ESL Students
• Subordinate Clauses: Concessive, Time, Place and Reason Clauses
• 3 Tips to Improve Writing in English
• Using Adverb Clauses with Time Expressions
• Complex Sentence Worksheet
• Teaching Writing to Beginning ESL Students
• Advanced English Grammar Review Quiz
• Helping Students Write a Creative Story
• Making Complaints in English
• Uses for the Preposition "At"
• Writing Sentences for Beginners
• Common Present Simple Exceptions
• How to Use the Preposition 'To'

SIGN UP - STUDY - SUCCEED

ORDER AND SEQUENCE

A high score for Coherence and Cohesion depends on the ability of test-takers to write an essay in a logical and organised way.

It is important to include language of order and sequence. The table below shows language that can be used to show the beginning, middle and end of a sequence.

*In American English these words are written ‘first, second etc.’

Sequence language can be used on two levels. The inter-paragraph level shows the organisation of the main ideas in the essay. Some writers like to use this language as the first word of the body paragraphs. For example:

This approach is fine, but I find it a little basic. For me, it is better to start paragraphs by addressing the importance of the main idea.

Instead, sequence language works better on the intra-paragraph level , connecting supporting points within a paragraph. In many occasions (especially when dealing with problems, solutions, advantages and disadvantages) two supporting points is appropriate. The paragraph below shows sequence language in this context:

In any case, it is important to show the examiner that you are ordering your ideas carefully. Plan you ideas before you write, and use a variety of techniques to show the examiner how you have chosen to oder your essay.

More lessons

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Our Services
• Free Essays
• Place an order 1 (888) 465-3440 1 (888) 414-0271 Live Chat

How to Write a Sequence Essay

Sequence Essay: What Is It and How to Write It Effectively

Types of sequencing in writing, sequence essay example, we can help with sequence essays.

EssaysLab.com has been operating in the academic writing marketplace for over five years now, and we have met countless students who constantly struggle to improve their written work and get better results. This is not surprising since a lot of students are just not familiar with the different genres of writing and the various formatting styles they are expected to use. Sequence essays are just one of the many types of writing there is. And if you are not familiar with this type of writing and how it should be approached, then you are not very likely to get high grades for your assignment. For this reason, we highly recommend you acquaint yourself with the basic principles of writing a sequence essay and apply your newly-acquired knowledge to creating a great paper.    

You can hardly be blamed for not understanding every type of essay. Every student nowadays is very busy. There is no doubt that various coursework, exams, and other scholarly commitments create a great deal of responsibility and some students just cannot cope with everything. As well as this, many students have to take care of families and/or there are obligations to relatives and friends. Every individual needs a certain amount of support and attention, making it impossible for students to always get the best results in their academic endeavors. With so much going on, an increasing number of students are achieving poor grades. They either miss deadlines or fail to meet the instructions given by their tutors or course supervisors. If you belong to this group of students, you need no longer worry. EssaysLab.com is on hand to help with your writing projects!

A sequence essay is a paper that is logical and comprehensible, and the events in it are usually described chronologically. The purpose of a sequence essay is to describe the events the way they happened and help the readers trace the cause-and-effect relationships between them. If you are not sure how to write a sequence essay for school or simply do not have time for this task, the experts from EssaysLab.com.com are ready to come to your rescue.

Consider the following aspects while working on your sequence essay:

• Know the topic. Before you start writing, check your understanding of the sequence of events. Let us say you want to write about the life of Nina Simone. First of all, do some research into her life, learn about the way she became a singer, make sure you know her albums and the order in which they were released, etc. This will help you establish credibility and convince the readers that you know what you are talking about.
• Prioritize. Once you have completed your research, you have to decide which information will be included into your paper. Naturally, you cannot write about everything you know because your essay will be disorganized and shallow. To avoid this, prioritize.
• Choose the order. Now it is time to choose the order in which the events will be described. This one is easy in sequence essays because they have to describe the events in a chronological order.
• Revise it and then proofread it. After you are done with writing, take a pause and then read the paper aloud. If something does not make sense or sounds wrong, revise it. The information must be clear or the readers will get confused.
• Use the outline. This rule applies to all essay types but reminding you about it will not hurt. A sequence essay must have an introduction, main body, and conclusion. For instance, if you are writing about the Bronte sisters, introduce them in the first paragraph of the essay. Describe their life in the following paragraphs. Tell about their life from their childhood to adulthood and discuss their contributions in sequence.
• Chronological Sequencing

The word chronological takes its origin from the Latin ‘chron’ and ‘logos’, which mean ‘time’ and ‘science’ accordingly. Chronological sequencing is most suitable for historical accounts because history is best described in the form of narrative writing. Similarly, use chronological writing when you are dealing with a directional process analysis or a paper that analyzes cause-and-effect relationships.

Because chronological writing is connected with time, the success of this paper also depends on the writer’s ability to use transitional statements and bridge the ideas. The effective use of chronological transitions makes it easier for the readers to trace the development of the events.

Sometimes writers choose chronological sequencing when it is inappropriate for the topic, thus making a big mistake. An essay should not be arranged chronologically just because you know that an essay is a process that happens over a certain period in time. For example, use the transition ‘Finally’ to announce the last point of the discussion only when it really occurs last in the story. If something is not ‘final’, choose another transition. If the essay describes a collection of events that could be presented in another reorder, then ‘Finally’ means ‘this is the last thing I want to describe in this essay’ rather than ‘This is the result of the process that has been described above’.

• Spatial Sequencing

Latin ‘spatium’ means ‘in space’. Therefore, spatial sequencing means presenting something according to their location. Spatial sequencing might also refer to the description of progressive movement. Some types of directional process analysis and certain kinds of descriptive writing become more effective when the writers arrange them using steps and details. Similar to chronological sequencing, the use of transitional words influences the quality of spatial sequencing. With the help of appropriate spatial transitions, a writer can coordinate locations and directions, put elements in juxtaposition, etc. For this reason, many of the transitional phrases used this way include prepositions.

Since topics that require spatial sequencing are less common than those involving other forms of sequencing, writers rarely face issues linked to special sequencing. At the same time, a ‘guided tour’ discussion is built on the intuitive use of spatial sequencing.

• Emphatic Sequencing

The adjective ‘emphatic’ is a derivative of ‘emphasis’, which originated form a Greek word that means ‘exhibit’. Emphasizing means creating a more powerful impression. Certain stories are simply made for emphatic sequencing and not for other sequence writing types. They include persuasions, cause-and-effect discussions, classifications / divisions, comparison-and-contrast, etc. A sequence essay that uses emphatic sequencing consists of a progressive series of the writer’s impressions about the subject.

Writing a sequence essay can be quite a challenge, and even the most experienced students find this to be the case. Essentially, with this type of assignment, you will need to choose a few objects, events, or concepts and develop these into a certain logical and sensible sequence. If, for instance, you choose pain as your topic, your task will be to develop a logical and rational sequence e.g. what pain means, the different ways patients perceive pain, how culture influences the perception of pain, what methods are most commonly used for managing pain in the nursing sector, and so on. While this is merely a random example, you should be able to clearly see the idea behind a sequence essay.     

The first thing you should do is draft a set of steps – or a sequence – which should be followed in the course of writing your essay. Furthermore, this sequence of steps will influence the research you do. They will enable you to build a complete picture of the topic you are writing about. They will help you see the type of information or data you need to collect to defend your thesis statement and how best to structure your work so that its order is logical. Essentially, your task is to build a legible and logically-written paper. It is possible you will also have to show your suggested sequence is the best one for the chosen topic. If any of this presents you with any difficulty, feel free to contact EssaysLab.com. We offer an excellent writing service and any of our professional writers will be delighted to assist you. Getting help from us is a great deal more reliable and better than, say, depending on free examples you find online since many of these are full of plagiarism.

The Writing Services We Offer

If or when you want a superior-quality writing service to help with a sequence essay, there are several factors to consider. To start with, what topic are you writing about? The second consideration is which elements of the topic you want covered in your essay. Finally, how exactly do you want your essay to look? If you do not know the answers to these questions, our expert writers will assist. Our company only employs the most competent and experienced writers, all of whom know how to write a great sequence essay. We understand what students need!

• We’ll write any essay from scratch according to your instructions
• Prices start from only 11.99 $/page
• Placing an order takes 3 minutes
• All papers are plagiarism free

You May Find These Useful:

Literary Analysis Essay Dialectic Essay Evaluative Essay

Read Reviews

Fantastic effort on my thesis! My tutor is very happy!

You are just the best! I got my essay with plenty of time to review it, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Superior writing in every case.

I needed a presentation fast! My fault – I am a procrastinator. But you guys came through for me, as usual. Thanks for the save!

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Film Writing: Sample Analysis

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Introductory Note

The analysis below discusses the opening moments of the science fiction movie  Ex Machina  in order to make an argument about the film's underlying purpose. The text of the analysis is formatted normally. Editor's commentary, which will occasionally interrupt the piece to discuss the author's rhetorical strategies, is written in brackets in an italic font with a bold "Ed.:" identifier. See the examples below:

The text of the analysis looks like this.

[ Ed.:  The editor's commentary looks like this. ]

Frustrated Communication in Ex Machina ’s Opening Sequence

Alex Garland’s 2015 science fiction film Ex Machina follows a young programmer’s attempts to determine whether or not an android possesses a consciousness complicated enough to pass as human. The film is celebrated for its thought-provoking depiction of the anxiety over whether a nonhuman entity could mimic or exceed human abilities, but analyzing the early sections of the film, before artificial intelligence is even introduced, reveals a compelling examination of humans’ inability to articulate their thoughts and feelings. In its opening sequence, Ex Machina establishes that it’s not only about the difficulty of creating a machine that can effectively talk to humans, but about human beings who struggle to find ways to communicate with each other in an increasingly digital world.

[ Ed.:  The piece's opening introduces the film with a plot summary that doesn't give away too much and a brief summary of the critical conversation that has centered around the film. Then, however, it deviates from this conversation by suggesting that Ex Machina has things to say about humanity before non-human characters even appear. Off to a great start. ]

The film’s first establishing shots set the action in a busy modern office. A woman sits at a computer, absorbed in her screen. The camera looks at her through a glass wall, one of many in the shot. The reflections of passersby reflected in the glass and the workspace’s dim blue light make it difficult to determine how many rooms are depicted. The camera cuts to a few different young men typing on their phones, their bodies partially concealed both by people walking between them and the camera and by the stylized modern furniture that surrounds them. The fourth shot peeks over a computer monitor at a blonde man working with headphones in. A slight zoom toward his face suggests that this is an important character, and the cut to a point-of-view shot looking at his computer screen confirms this. We later learn that this is Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer whose perspective the film follows.

The rest of the sequence cuts between shots from Caleb’s P.O.V. and reaction shots of his face, as he receives and processes the news that he has won first prize in a staff competition. Shocked, Caleb dives for his cellphone and texts several people the news. Several people immediately respond with congratulatory messages, and after a moment the woman from the opening shot runs in to give him a hug. At this point, the other people in the room look up, smile, and start clapping, while Caleb smiles disbelievingly—perhaps even anxiously—and the camera subtly zooms in a bit closer. Throughout the entire sequence, there is no sound other than ambient electronic music that gets slightly louder and more textured as the sequence progresses. A jump cut to an aerial view of a glacial landscape ends the sequence and indicates that Caleb is very quickly transported into a very unfamiliar setting, implying that he will have difficulty adjusting to this sudden change in circumstances.

[ Ed.:  These paragraphs are mostly descriptive. They give readers the information they will need to understand the argument the piece is about to offer. While passages like this can risk becoming boring if they dwell on unimportant details, the author wisely limits herself to two paragraphs and maintains a driving pace through her prose style choices (like an almost exclusive reliance on active verbs). ]

Without any audible dialogue or traditional expository setup of the main characters, this opening sequence sets viewers up to make sense of Ex Machina ’s visual style and its exploration of the ways that technology can both enhance and limit human communication. The choice to make the dialogue inaudible suggests that in-person conversations have no significance. Human-to-human conversations are most productive in this sequence when they are mediated by technology. Caleb’s first response when he hears his good news is to text his friends rather than tell the people sitting around him, and he makes no move to take his headphones out when the in-person celebration finally breaks out. Everyone in the building is on their phones, looking at screens, or has headphones in, and the camera is looking at screens through Caleb’s viewpoint for at least half of the sequence.  

Rather than simply muting the specific conversations that Caleb has with his coworkers, the ambient soundtrack replaces all the noise that a crowded building in the middle of a workday would ordinarily have. This silence sets the uneasy tone that characterizes the rest of the film, which is as much a horror-thriller as a piece of science fiction. Viewers get the sense that all the sounds that humans make as they walk around and talk to each other are being intentionally filtered out by some presence, replaced with a quiet electronic beat that marks the pacing of the sequence, slowly building to a faster tempo. Perhaps the sound of people is irrelevant: only the visual data matters here. Silence is frequently used in the rest of the film as a source of tension, with viewers acutely aware that it could be broken at any moment. Part of the horror of the research bunker, which will soon become the film’s primary setting, is its silence, particularly during sequences of Caleb sneaking into restricted areas and being startled by a sudden noise.

The visual style of this opening sequence reinforces the eeriness of the muted humans and electronic soundtrack. Prominent use of shallow focus to depict a workspace that is constructed out of glass doors and walls makes it difficult to discern how large the space really is. The viewer is thus spatially disoriented in each new setting. This layering of glass and mirrors, doubling some images and obscuring others, is used later in the film when Caleb meets the artificial being Ava (Alicia Vikander), who is not allowed to leave her glass-walled living quarters in the research bunker. The similarity of these spaces visually reinforces the film’s late revelation that Caleb has been manipulated by Nathan Bates (Oscar Isaac), the troubled genius who creates Ava.

[ Ed.:  In these paragraphs, the author cites the information about the scene she's provided to make her argument. Because she's already teased the argument in the introduction and provided an account of her evidence, it doesn't strike us as unreasonable or far-fetched here. Instead, it appears that we've naturally arrived at the same incisive, fascinating points that she has. ]

A few other shots in the opening sequence more explicitly hint that Caleb is already under Nathan’s control before he ever arrives at the bunker. Shortly after the P.O.V shot of Caleb reading the email notification that he won the prize, we cut to a few other P.O.V. shots, this time from the perspective of cameras in Caleb’s phone and desktop computer. These cameras are not just looking at Caleb, but appear to be scanning him, as the screen flashes in different color lenses and small points appear around Caleb’s mouth, eyes, and nostrils, tracking the smallest expressions that cross his face. These small details indicate that Caleb is more a part of this digital space than he realizes, and also foreshadow the later revelation that Nathan is actively using data collected by computers and webcams to manipulate Caleb and others. The shots from the cameras’ perspectives also make use of a subtle fisheye lens, suggesting both the wide scope of Nathan’s surveillance capacities and the slightly distorted worldview that motivates this unethical activity.

[ Ed.: This paragraph uses additional details to reinforce the piece's main argument. While this move may not be as essential as the one in the preceding paragraphs, it does help create the impression that the author is noticing deliberate patterns in the film's cinematography, rather than picking out isolated coincidences to make her points. ]

Taken together, the details of Ex Machina ’s stylized opening sequence lay the groundwork for the film’s long exploration of the relationship between human communication and technology. The sequence, and the film, ultimately suggests that we need to develop and use new technologies thoughtfully, or else the thing that makes us most human—our ability to connect through language—might be destroyed by our innovations. All of the aural and visual cues in the opening sequence establish a world in which humans are utterly reliant on technology and yet totally unaware of the nefarious uses to which a brilliant but unethical person could put it.

Author's Note:  Thanks to my literature students whose in-class contributions sharpened my thinking on this scene .

[ Ed.: The piece concludes by tying the main themes of the opening sequence to those of the entire film. In doing this, the conclusion makes an argument for the essay's own relevance: we need to pay attention to the essay's points so that we can achieve a rich understanding of the movie. The piece's final sentence makes a chilling final impression by alluding to the danger that might loom if we do not understand the movie. This is the only the place in the piece where the author explicitly references how badly we might be hurt by ignorance, and it's all the more powerful for this solitary quality. A pithy, charming note follows, acknowledging that the author's work was informed by others' input (as most good writing is). Beautifully done. ]

Home » Business » Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Explained [with Examples]

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Explained [with Examples]

How do you write speeches that motivate people? One way to achieve this goal is with something called Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. This is essentially a simple formula for writing persuasive speeches.

It was created by American psychologist Alan H. Monroe, who was a lecturer at Purdue University. By studying the psychology of persuasion, Monroe was able to create a simple sequence of steps for generating persuasive communication.

In this article, we’ll briefly go over the basic steps of Monroe’s sequence, as well as provide examples of the sequence outline in action.

The 5 Steps Explained

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence steps consist of the following:

• Satisfaction
• Visualization

#1: Grab the Attention of Your Audience

The first step in this five-step process is grabbing the attention of the audience. This is by far the most important step of Monroe’s sequence. The reason why is simple: the use of attention is critical if you want the audience to listen to what you have to say.

Remember, people have extremely short attention spans. This means you only have seconds to grab their attention. According to Monroe’s sequence, the easiest way to do this is by bringing up a problem the audience has.

The specific parts of the attention step can involve the following. For example, you can start off by telling a dramatic story. This could be your own personal story of how you overcame adversity and went on to success.

You may also want to use a rhetorical question. Just be careful when doing this. Avoid questions that have a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Another method is to mention a shocking statistic or historical fact. Statistics are a good idea because they help to prove you’re an authority on the subject.

Examples: a. Better Sleep Workshop: “According to a 2021 August article in the Harvard Medical Journal, 7 out of 10 people are sleep deprived. These people do not get more than 4-5 hours of rest per night…”  (Follow this sleep example set down through the steps below.)

b. Workplace Safety Seminar: “How many companies ignore workplace safety? It’s a lot more than you think. In fact, according to a recent survey, 4 out of 5 employees routinely ignore practices related to workplace safety. The reason why they do this is that it’s simply easier. Unfortunately, ignoring safety practices often results in injuries or even death…”  (Follow this safety example set down through the steps below.)

c. Random Acts of Kindness: “Did you know that you can literally save someone’s life with random acts of kindness? How many times have you stopped to thank the people in your life? For example, the waiter or waitress who served you, or maybe your electrician or spouse. These random acts of kindness can have a profound effect. They can brighten the person’s day and even change the world…”  (Follow this kindness example set down through the steps below.)

#2:  Highlight the Fact That the Audience Needs This Problem Solved Immediately

Here are the three key parts of how to do this step.

Highlight the Problem The next step in this sequence is highlighting the problem which needs to be solved. In this second step, you want to talk about the potential consequences of ignoring their problem. You address what could happen if the issue is left unsolved.

Provide Specific Evidence on How the Issue Affects Them Directly Try to provide some evidence for this. For example, ignoring a weight problem could lead to diabetes or heart disease. The key here is that your audience must believe that they need to change. That the best place and time to do this is NOW, and that failure to do so will result in serious consequences.

Also, zero in on the fact that this problem affects them directly. Do not talk about vague or unspecific problems that may or may not apply to them specifically. Don’t tell them that plastic pollution affects the environment. Tell them that microparticles end up in the food that THEY eat.

Use Statistics to Instill a Sense of Urgency and Get Them Emotional to Take Action In addition to this, you need to instill them with a sense of urgency. They have to realize that action needs to be taken immediately. Explain what will happen if the problem gets worse. Also mention what will happen if the problem becomes irreversible.

It’s important that you back this up with evidence. Prove to them that what you’re saying is true. The easiest way to do this is once again with statistics. You want to elaborate and expand on the issue. Visual data like graphs and charts is also a useful tool.

The ultimate goal is to agitate the audience and get them into a highly emotional state. You want to make them worried about the problem and even a little bit fearful. The audience needs to be at the point where they need to solve the problem immediately. Just note that you don’t want to go overboard. Using too much fear can make things seem unrealistic and you’ll lose the audience.

Examples: a. Better Sleep Workshop: “What most people don’t know is that sleep deprivation affects every part of your body. Not only that, over time, this problem can lead to chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and also strokes. If this is the first time you’re hearing this, then you may be shocked…”

b. Workplace Safety Seminar: “There are dozens of cases where this happens. For example, oftentimes employees don’t pack away their tools or clean up properly. There are other times when safety equipment is used for everything other than what it’s meant for…”

“But this is why there were more than 173 worked place safety-related deaths last year. And this was in our state alone. When you look at the USA as a whole, this figure measures in the thousands…”

c. Random Acts of Kindness:  “But why do we need to do this? After all, a random act of kindness might sound a bit stupid or even corny to some. The fact is that millions of people are struggling through life. In fact, more than 20 million Americans are now suffering from clinical depression. Not only that, the suicide rate is at an all-time high. This unhappiness leads to greater unhappiness…”

“For example, these unhappy people go home and yell at their families, or indulge in other negative vices such as drugs or alcohol. It’s a vicious cycle which only gets worse with time and leads to even bigger issues. The problem is that most people are so wrapped up in their own lives that they barely take the time to think about other people…”

#3:  Provide a Solution to Their Problem or Way to Satisfy Their Need

The third step of Monroe has five main components:

Provide a Solution to the Problem The third step of Monroe’s sequence is all about providing a solution to their problem (This is also known as the “need” step of Monroe’s sequence). This section usually covers the main part of the presentation.

Explain How This Solution Works to Meet a Specific Goal Another purpose of this satisfaction step is to explain how your solution works. For example, if you’re selling a product then you’ll need to explain the product, step-by-step. How does the solution to the audience’s problem satisfy their desires and fulfill their specific need?

Talk about the specific goals they’d like to achieve. For example, you can break the specific parts of the need down into further elements. How does this problem affect their health, finances, relationships, and so on?

Provide Details, Be Believable & Provide Proof When doing this it’s important that you provide enough details. By the time you’re done with this section, the audience should understand exactly how the solution works.

Make sure the audience believes in your solution. To do this, you need to provide proof of its efficacy, and also prove that you have the best and most effective solution. You can do this by providing statistics, success examples and testimonials. For the testimonials, it helps to talk about the practical experience of people who have used the solution.

In this step, visual aids like charts and graphs will also be helpful. You can provide additional evidence, such as in the form of before and after pictures and case studies.

Anticipate & Overcome Objections Something else you need to think about is meeting objections the audience may have. Think about objections they may raise, how you can defuse these, or even turn them to your advantage. Depending on your format, you may want to involve audience members in your presentation. You can do this by having people ask questions.

Recap Finally, summarize your solution and the information you’ve provided. You can even think of this as your thesis statement (when doing this it helps use visuals accompanied by persuasive bullets).

Examples: a. Better Sleep Workshop: “I’ve spent the last five years researching this issue. During this time I’ve discovered the common reasons why people struggle to get enough sleep. Using these findings I’ve created the Better Sleep Workshop…”

b. Workplace Safety Seminar: “To prevent this, workers need to be instilled with a sense of responsibility. They need to be held accountable for their own safety, and also the safety of fellow co-workers. The way this happens is through the development of habits, and also by holding employees to a higher standard so that your company can build a culture of workplace safety…”

c. Random Acts of Kindness:  “This is why it’s so important that we engage in these random acts of kindness. Doing this will also have an incredible effect on your own life. They cost you nothing and will make you feel on top of the world. Think about you: don’t you feel good after complimenting someone or helping them out?”

“Whether it’s appreciating service workers, friends, or assisting the homeless, random acts of kindness have an immediate effect on your emotional state. Another great benefit is that people will start doing things for you. The key point here is to realize that random acts of kindness can only lead to good things… ”

#4:  Help Them Visualize a Compelling Future

At this point, you should be moving towards the conclusion of your speech. In this visualization step, the speaker shows their audience a future without the problem (You can also think of this as the “projection” step). This is where the power of your persuasion skills really comes into play. You have to paint a vivid picture of how great life will be when their needs are satisfied.

Mention what will happen if they implement your solution. What changes can they expect to see? You can also use the compare and contrast method. For example, what will life be like if they don’t take action? What kind of negative outcomes will they experience? How will these negative outcomes affect their lives?

In this visualization stage, you need to be as realistic as possible. Go into great detail when talking about either a positive or a negative future. The better you can do this, the more effective you’ll be at creating desire. Essentially, your most important goal is to make your audience agree with you. They have to agree that adopting what you’ve proposed is going to lead them to a better future. Here are the five steps to do this:

• Use the positive method of visualization by highlighting the positive outcomes they may experience.
• Use the negative method of visualization by talking about negative emotions and consequences. What are the consequences of not acting today?
• Contrast these futures. Mention that their life can either be like this…or that. Things can either get better or worse and it’s up to them to decide.
• Help them imagine the actual implementation of your solution. Talk about what they’ll have to do and what that will be like.
• Make this future projection realistic. Don’t talk about things that seem impossible or unrealistic. If you do this you may turn them off.

Examples: a. Better Sleep Workshop: “The bottom line is that this problem is more serious than you could ever imagine. Unless you dramatically improve the quality of your sleep, you may end up with one of the chronic conditions previously mentioned. What’s more, you’ll sleepwalk through life and spend your days feeling terrible, living life as a burnt-out zombie with bags under your eyes. There’s a good chance you’ve already experienced this and desperately want to change…”

“On the other hand, if you solve this problem, imagine how much better your life could be. What would it feel like to finally get enough sleep, and wake up every morning feeling as if you’re on top of the world? If you’ve been sleep-deprived for a long time, this probably sounds like a dream. But it’s more than possible…”

b. Workplace Safety Seminar: “What would your company be like if workplace accidents were a thing of the past? If you could go years without an accident? Believe it or not, this is possible, even if it doesn’t seem like it today. The exact opposite is also true. Unless you take care of this problem, accidents are going to continue. You may find yourself attending more funerals than you’d like…”

c. Random Acts of Kindness:  “Can you see yourself becoming this type of person? You probably could if you try hard enough. Imagine yourself becoming the type of person who actually takes the time and effort to deliver heartfelt compliments to those around them. Who genuinely goes out of their way to commit random acts of kindness. How would your life change if you started doing this? Even better, how would the lives of the people around you change? The first thing you’ll notice is that you immediately start to feel happier…”

#5:  Call on the Audience to Take Action

Below are the three main points to accomplish this Step #5.

Give Them a Specific Call to Action The final step in this sequence is asking the audience to take action. In this part of your speech speaker attempts to make the audience commit to the solution. The solution could be buying your product, making changes in their life, or taking some kind of action.

What’s important is that you mention the specific action which must be taken. Do they need to call a number, visit a website, or click on a link? Does the action involve booking an appointment or meeting with a sales representative? Even if the presentation doesn’t involve selling, there are still actions that can be taken. For example, do they need to implement a new habit or start living life in a new way?

Keep It Simple Keep this action as simple as possible. You don’t want to overload the audience or give them too much information. As an alternative to this, you may want to provide the audience with options. For example, you could mention options a, b, c, and so on.

Because they need to think about these options, this helps to get your listeners more involved in the solution. Ultimately, the complexity of this action will depend on the complexity of your solution.

Make It Urgent Something else you should do is leave the audience with a sense of want and urgency. This sense of need should be so great that the audience takes immediate action. When everything is said and done, you’ll want to end your speech. Sum up everything you’ve said in a simple way and provide one final call to action.

Examples: a. Better Sleep Workshop: “The choice is now yours. You can continue with doing what you’ve always done and one day face the consequences. Your next best choice is to sign up for our Better Sleep Workshop. To get started now, simply visit our website at…”

b. Workplace Safety Seminar: “Part of the solution to this is immediately reviewing your safety procedures. Our company can help you with this. We’ll tour your factory and identify areas that need attention. Our team will point out what you’re doing wrong and how you can improve. If you’d like to get started on solving this problem, then call or email us now at the number or email on the screen.”

c. Random Acts of Kindness:  “The problem is that many people have no idea how to get started. This is why we’re going to go over some examples and suggestions for random acts of kindness which you can do today. Try the following methods today and take note of how it makes you feel, and more importantly, how it affects the recipient of your random act of kindness. Who knows, you might just save someone’s life, or even change the world.”

With Monroe’s Motivated Sequence you can quickly create a persuasive argument. This organizational pattern also provides you with the framework needed to persuade people. Another benefit of this method of persuasion is that it’s versatile, and fits almost any situation. While the purpose of Monroe’s motivated speech outline is to motivate people, it can really be used for anything.

This path of persuasion is highly effective. It’s the secret behind the great speeches of people like Martin Luther King, Steve Jobs, and others. The bottom line is that these structural patterns will also work for you, even if you’re not a persuasive speaker or have experience giving public speeches.

Related Posts:

• Force Field Analysis Explained with Examples
• 25 Best Elevator Pitch Examples for Startups and…
• 25 Best Ways to Make a Good First Impression
• 21 Best Active Listening Exercises with Examples

Advancing precision engineering through idea sharing, networking, education, and training.

Home › Forums › Student Teams › Sequence Essay Examples

Tagged:  Assignment writing service

• Author Posts

By studying sequence essay examples , you can learn how to effectively structure your own writing and ensure that your ideas flow smoothly from one point to the next. Additionally, reading examples of this type of essay can help you understand how to use transitional phrases and other tools to signal the reader that you are moving on to a new point.

It’s important to do your own research and writing to produce original work that reflects your understanding and mastery of the subject matter. There are various academic databases available online that provide access to research articles, academic papers, and other relevant resources related to human resources management. I offer you to buy thesis in human resources management if you still can’t cope with it. For sure, it will help you.

Here are some general steps you can follow to revise your thesis:

Review the content: Read through your thesis and identify areas that need improvement. Look for areas where you can clarify your arguments, add more evidence or examples, or improve the flow and organization of your writing. Or, use the thesis revisor

Check for coherence: Make sure that your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next. Check that your arguments are coherent and support your thesis statement.

Proofread for grammar and spelling: Review your thesis for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Use a spellchecker, but also read through your work carefully to catch errors that may not be flagged by the software.

The sequence in an essay is mandatory because in case if we are missing the thesis statement or body of the essay then the essay doesn’t make sense. To write the essay, assignment, and thesis in a sequence you can get expert assignment help for assistance and improving your grades.

• You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

• Free Samples >
• Type of Paper >

Sequence Essays Samples That Help You Write Better, Faster & with Gusto

When you require a minor spank to create an excellent Sequence Essay, nothing does the job better than a great example you can use for inspiration or as a prototype to follow. And hardly can you find a finer website with so many first-class Essay samples than WePapers.com open-access repository of Sequence papers. Each Sequence Essays example you spot here can do one or several of these things for you: give you a hint about a noteworthy topic; motivate you to come up with a creative angle on a well-researched problem; showcase the best writing approaches you can employ; and/or present you with proper structure templates. Apply this valuable knowledge to compose an impressive paper of your own or use our pro authors' assistance to get a custom Sequence Essay sample sent right to your email inbox.

We use cookies to improve your experience with our site. Please accept before continuing or read our cookie policy here .

Wait, have you seen our prices?