SEQUENCING

SEQUENCING

Whenever we draft a message/content we have to write many lines. All these lines cannot be written altogether. We have to put them one after another according to the need of document. We need to give them a sequence. Hence, sequencing refers to the placing of a number of lines one after another in a single chain form. It is helpful to understand the content completely.

 

Sequencing is defined as the efficient ordering of the content in order to improve the learners' understanding and help them achieve their objectives (Morrison, Ross & Kemp, 2007). 

SEQUENCERS

Proper sequencing needs certain words and phrases that indicate the beginning or middle or ending of the content. Such words and phrases are called sequencers. These sequencers can be classified in four different types on the basis of their usage:

a) Sequencers used in the beginning

b) Sequencers used in the middle

c) Sequencers used for the interruptions

d) Sequencers used in the end.

e) Sequencers used in Procedures or Steps

f) Sequencers used in Chronology

g) Sequencers used in Flashbacks or Retrospection

h) Sequencers used in interruption

 Sequencers Indicating Beginning

• First, let’s gather all the ingredients.
• First of all, I would like to thank everyone for being here.
• To start with, we need to prepare the dough.
• In the first place, we must ensure our safety.
• Initially, I was hesitant to try rock climbing.
• To begin with, we must define the problem.

  Sequencers Indicating Middle

• · Secondly, let’s discuss the budget for this project.
• · Next, chop the vegetables.
• · Then, we’ll add the chopped vegetables to the pan.
• · After that, we will let the mixture cook for a while.
• · Following that, the quarterly sales figures improved.
• · Subsequently, she went on to win the award.
• · Meanwhile, I’ll prepare the dessert.
• · Simultaneously, we will launch the two marketing campaigns.

  Sequencers Indicating End

• · Finally, we have completed the project.
• · Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their support.
• · In the end, it’s the effort that counts.
• · To conclude, I will restate my main argument.
• · Ultimately, our goal is customer satisfaction.

 Sequencers for Describing Procedures or Steps

• · The first step is to preheat the oven.
• · The second step involves mixing the ingredients.
• · The next step is to pour the mixture into the pan.
• · The last step is to let it bake for 30 minutes.
• · The following step includes decorating the cake.
• · The preceding step was to whip the cream.

  Sequencers Indicating Chronology

• · Before we proceed, let’s review our guidelines.
• · After the event, we will gather for a debriefing.
• · Later, we’ll catch up for a coffee.
• · Soon, the sun will set.
• · Then, I realized I had forgotten my wallet.
• · While I was cooking, the phone rang.
• · As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out.
• · By the time we got there, the show had started.

 Sequencers Indicating Flashbacks or Retrospection

• · Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown.
• · In retrospect, I would have done things differently.
• · Years ago, we used to vacation here every summer.
• · At that time, I was not aware of the consequences.

Sequencers used for interruption

• · Suddenly, I remember my college days.
• · All of a sudden, a loud noise dragged me back to the present.
• · But then, we could not manage to escape.

 Importance of sequencers

 a)     Clarity and Coherence

Sequencers help to arrange thoughts, actions, or events in a logical order.

b)     Narration and Explanation

Sequencers are used to indicate the order of events and make a story (narration) or instructions easier to understand.

c)     Effective Communication

Sequencers facilitate smooth transitions between ideas and improves communication.

d)     Academic and Professional Writing

In academic or professional writing,  Sequencers helps to organize ideas and arguments logically.  They make writings effective.

e)     Reading Comprehension

For language learners, understanding  Sequencers can improve reading comprehension.

f)      Language Proficiency

Finally, the correct use of  Sequencers helps to draft more complex sentence structures and develop the ability to express thoughts in a clear and organized manner.

TYPES OF SEQUENCES

There are several simple sequences available -

1. Chronological sequence

2. Step-by-step sequence

3. Spatial sequence

4. Paired sequence

5. Topical sequence

6. Perspective-based sequence

7. Sort-by-property sequence

Each of these simple sequences is discussed below.

1.      Chronological Sequence

In a chronological sequence, items are ordered according to the date or time when they occurred. We use chronological sequence in making reports, experiments report, data analysis, etc.

Advantages:

a) A chronological sequence is easy to apply.

b) It is useful when time is more important in a document.

c) It helps to develop a series according to time.

Disadvantages:

The chronological sequence has “and-then” syndrome. It means whenever we connect one sentence to another we generally use ‘and ‘then. It is a tiring sequence.

2.      Step-by-step Sequence

In a step-by-step sequence, items are organized according to their order within a process. We can use step-by-step sequences when we write any process like How to upgrade financial management software, how to change a flat tire, how to make tea, etc.

 Advantages:

a) The sequence is easy to apply, and easy to follow.

b) It helps to write any process.

c) It is easy to understand step wise instructions.

Disadvantages: 

a) Not ideal for many content preparation.

b) Only ‘how to…’ can be written in this sequence.

3.      Spatial Sequence

The spatial sequence means use of geographic dimension to describe a structure or place, etc. Direction, sides (left, right, above, below, etc.) are used to visualize how items are placed together. For example- Description of roadside attraction in Delhi Hatt, the human nervous system, design of an engine, etc.

Advantages: 

a) It emphasizes the spatial relationships between items.

b) This can lead to a stronger understanding of the whole.

c) Audiences can easily visualize how items are placed together.

Disadvantages: 

a) The unnecessary use of spatial dimension may make the description lengthier.

4.      Paired Sequences

Paired sequences are used to compare and contrast and mostly two items at a time are taken for such comparison. This sequence is used to write about Advantages vs. Disadvantages, Cause vs. Effect, etc.

Advantages

a) Natural pairings are easy to understand.

b) Using a paired sequence helps to disclose the suspense.

c) It is a very simple sequence.

Disadvantages

a) It is not flexible to handle real life situations.

5.      Topical Sequences

The sequence that follows the simple pattern of writing sentences according to topic is called topical sequence. When other sequences cannot work then you can use topical sequence. Examples- Presentation on ‘greenhouse effect’ (topics-introduction, reason, effects, advantages, disadvantages, etc.)

Advantages

  a)     It can be applied in almost every presentation.

  b)     It is easier to write any topic in this sequence.

Disadvantages

  a)     Being simplest, it is weaker than any other sequence.

  b)     By their nature, topical sequences are more abstract. The audience can easily get lost.

c)     Presenter may ‘miss’ an important topic.

6.      Perspective-based Sequences

A perspective-based sequence involves investigating some entity through a series of different lenses. For example, to consider a proposal for a loan to start a new business, several perspectives are checked:

a) From the perspective of telecommuting employees

b) From the perspective of office-based employees

c) From the perspective of managers

d) From the perspective of IT

e) From the perspective of Accounting

Advantages:

a) Good for persuasive presentations.

Disadvantages: 

a) Can be repetitive (boring) as you consider each of the perspectives.

7.      Sort-by-property Sequences

Here, property means quality. This sequence is a special topical sequence that allow a presenter to choose one property (quality) of their material and organize content along that property (or dimension). Once a quality is chosen, the content can be organized in an appropriate order, like

a)     Smallest to largest

b)     Most understood to least understood

c)     Most concrete to most abstract (specific to general)

d)     Least impactful to most impactful

Advantages

   a)     Easy for an audience to follow and predict.

Disadvantages

  b)     Difficult to choose right dimension.

8.      Compound and Nested Sequences

When the Presentation grows longer, it may be divided it into seperate parts, and different sequence are used to present each part, one after the other. This is a compound sequence.

Advantage

a)     The complex presentation can be easily presented in this sequence.

Disadvantage

a)     Being complex, it is difficult for beginners.