Sentence Sequencing

When writing, it's important to think about the sequencing of statements.  Just as a sentence has particular parts (subject, verb, direct object) that go in particular orders, sentences should also be arranged in a way that maximizes impact.

There is no one right way to organize sentences, but the organization should be logical and you should havea reason for your sequencing.

Let's say you were trying to convince someone to protest a new law.  You might write either of the following sentences:

The city is lowering the minimum wage. This means that many citizens of our city will receive less pay for the same amount of work.   The cost of living in the city remains high.  We still have to pay the same high rents, high transportation costs, high food costs, high health care costs.  When costs remain high, it is unjust for the city to lower the wages of our city's lowest paid workers. Join me to in our march to city hall to show the mayor and city council that we vehemently disagree with the law.Join me to in our march to city hall to show the mayor and city council that we vehemently disagree with its new law lowering the minimum wage. This means that many citizens of our city will receive less pay for the same amount of work. The cost of living in the city remains high. We still have to pay the same high rents, high transportation costs, high food costs, high health care costs.  When costs remain high, it is unjust for the city to lower the wages of our city's lowest paid workers.
In this paragraph the author starts with a simple fact, explains that fact, provides arguments for why that law is wrong, and then issues a call to action.In this paragraph, the author starts with a call to action.  It then explains what has changed. It then gives reasons why that change is wrong.

Both of these organizations work, but they are a little different. The first one explains what is going on, makes its case, and then asks for action.  This format might be better when talking to a group that isn't sure what's going on.  Before you ask them to do something, you need to explain why.  The second paragraph might work better in a case when everyone already knows what's going on: it explains what people should do, and then supports its case.

Either way, when you write, you must think about what each sentences does for the sentence before it.

Here are what sentences often do for the sentences before them:

  • Provides supporting details/information
  • Provides an example/additional example
  • Provides a counter-example/contradictory view
  • Explains in more depth
  • Draws a conclusion
  • Shows the effect of a cause
  • Analyzes the prior statement
  • Evaluates the prior statement
  • Disclaims or disproves the prior statement
  • Questions the prior statement

Any of the above are good functions for a "second sentence" (and remember, every sentence but the last has a second sentence), but think about what function your sentence needs most before you write that second sentence!

Test Prep Practice

  • Sentence Sequencing Test Prep

    In the following questions, the two sentences have an implied logical relationship.  Read each pair of sentences and the question that follows, and then choose the answer that identifies the relationship.

    1)

    The nonprofit focuses on rescuing Pit Bulls from high-kill shelters.

    They have found homes for 27 Pit Bulls this year.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides additional information.
    2. It draws a conclusion.
    3. It provides contradictory information.
    4. It provides an additional example.

    2)

    Organic foods are healthier for people because they contain no pesticides or herbicides.

    Organic foods have not been proven to improve people's health, although people are willing pay a premium for produce that is labeled organic.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides additional information.
    2. It draws a conclusion.
    3. It provides contradictory information.
    4. It shows the effect of that cause presented in the first sentence.

    3)

    Swimming is known for working out a wider range of muscles that do most other sports.

    Even very fit people who exercise often are often sore after a long swim.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides evidence to support the first sentence.
    2. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
    3. It provides contradictory information.
    4. It shows the effect of that cause presented in the first sentence.

    4)

    People often find that learning a second language helps them to understand the details of English grammar.

    No one thinks about the pluperfect tense on English, but once they learn the pluscuamperfecto tense in Spanish, they start to.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides a contrast
    2. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
    3. It provides an example to support the first sentence.
    4. It analyzes the first sentence.

    5)

    Knitting is a relaxing hobby that is inexpensive and can help people accomplish a wide range of goals.

    After the 2016 election, knitting hats even became a form of feminist protest.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides an example to support the first sentence.
    2. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
    3. It provides contradictory information.
    4. It shows a logical conclusion to the first sentence.

    6)

    Tomato plants love to grow in places that receive direct, hot sun for at least six hours a day.

    Tomato plants in shadier areas tend to be spindly and bear little fruit.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides evidence to support the first sentence.
    2. It evaluates the first sentence.
    3. It provides contradictory information.
    4. It provides an example that disproves the first sentence.

    7)

    Shopping for a laptop can be very confusing.

    Some people just buy whatever the sales people recommend.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides an example to support the first sentence.
    2. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
    3. It provides contradictory information.
    4. It shows offers a reason for the first sentence.

    8)

    Charles Darwin studied finches in the Galapagos islands to develop his scientific theories.

    Noting how birds on different islands developed different characteristics contributed to his theory of natural selection.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It explains the first sentence
    2. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
    3. It provides evidence to support the first sentence.
    4. It shows the effect of that cause presented in the first sentence.

    9)

    Windmills are an important alternate energy source, creating electricity by harnessing the power of nature.

    Windmills kill hundreds of birds every year.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It provides evidence to support the first sentence.
    2. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
    3. It provide a contradictory point of view.
    4. It adds emphasis to the first sentence

    10)

    Emily heard nothing from her best friend after their big fight.

    She kept staring at her phone but it refused to light up.

    What does the second sentence do?

    1. It notes an exception
    2. It suggests a reason.
    3. It gives emphasis.
    4. It shows the effect of that cause presented in the first sentence.

    Answer Key:

Skill: