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6

Module 14

ENGLISH
WRITING A COMPOSITION
(ARRANGING DETAILS IN
ORDER)

A DepEd-BEAM Distance Learning Program supported by the Australian Agency for International Development

To the Learner
Dear Learner,
Did you enjoy working in your previous module? I am sure you
had fun in answering the exercises and did a great job.
Let us move on to another learning experience. I know you are
eager to learn more. In this module, you can write a good paragraph
by arranging details according to time order.

Lets Learn This


This module will help you write a good paragraph by arranging
details according to time order. Time order makes sequencing of
events or details clearer. It also helps describe how to do or make
something.

Lets Try This


Read the selection about the operetta you read.

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1

One morning, Pretty Little Hen was walking


in the garden. She saw a shining, delicious grain
on the lane. She picked it up and ate it.
Suddenly, Pretty Little Hen was surprised to
hear sounds as of the heart beating wild and
fast. When she looked up she saw Mr. Hawk up
the tall mango tree.
Mr. Hawk was suddenly pierced by Cupids
dart. He fell in love with the Pretty Hen. The
Pretty Hen was very flattered. Mr. Hawk was so
happy and he flew away.
Contemplating his victory in his suit, Mr.
Hawk came back the next day. He brought an
engagement ring for the Pretty Hen. The hen
wore the ring around the neck to show the world
that theyre steady through and through.
The Pretty Hen walked away trying to show
everyone her ring when from behind the bushes,
Mr. Cock appeared and crowed. The Hen was
surprised and startled. Mr. Cook stared angrily at
the hen looking at the ring around her neck. He
shouted at the hen loudly. You promised to be
my wife. You must not wear any ring from any
other men. Throw that away, he said.
Reluctantly, Pretty Hen threw the ring away.
The Pretty Hen was sadly pondering the
loss of her ring when the Hawk appeared. He
noticed that the ring was missing. The hen
carefully, frightfully groped for words. Im
sorry, she said, A snake frightened me and I
dropped the ring when I ran away.
Mr. Hawk did not believe Pretty Hen. He
found out that the hen was not telling the truth.
The Hawk

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Rearrange the following events to make the story right. Copy the
sentences on your paper. Number the sentences 1-7.
_____ Mr. Hawk saw Pretty Little Hens neck without his ring.
_____ The chicks would never be safe with the hawk.
_____ Mr. Hawk fell in love with Pretty Little Hen.
_____ Mr. Hawk got angry and punished the hen to keep scratching
the ground in search of the ring.
_____ Mr. Hawk gave Pretty Little Hen a ring to show his love for her.
_____ Mr. Cock got angry at Pretty Little Hen so she threw away
the ring.
_____ Mr. Cock saw his girlfriend, Pretty Hen, showing off her ring.
1 Are you done answering the exercise? Compare your answers

with the correct answers below.


5
7
1
6
2
4
3

Lets Study This


Arranging Sentences According to Time Order
You can write a good paragraph by arranging details according
to time order. Time order makes sequencing of events or details
clearer. It also helps describe how to do or make something.
Read the model paragraph taken from the story Little Black
Sambo. Note the use of time order words.
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3

First,LittleBlackSamboputonthebeautifulred
coatandbluetrousersthathismothergavehim. Next,he
worealovelypairofpurpleshoeswithredsoles.Then,he
openedabeautifulgreenumbrellawhichhisfatherbought.
Soon,LittleBlackSamboreachedthejunglewherehemet
severaltigers.Thesetigersallwantedhisclothes.Buthe
finallyescapedthembyclimbingatree.
What happened first in the story? What did Little Black Sambo
do next? What finally happened?
The time order signals such as first, next, then, soon and finally
show how the events follow one another.
You maybe guided by words or phrases that tell time, like in
1904, when he was young, two years after, at the age of 56.
Transition words, such as first, next, then, afterwards, finally,
however, consequently, so, then, since, therefore, and thats why,
can also help. These serve as your signals in arranging the events
one after the other.
Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that link your
sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no
abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. They help carry a thought
from one sentence to another to make it easier for our reader to
follow your ideas.

Lets Do This
On your paper, arrange the following events in order. Number
them from 1 to 5.
1. _____
_____
_____
_____
_____

As Balagtas grew older, he wanted to learn more


about
poems.
Balagtas was born in Bigaa, Bulacan, to poor parents.
Soon, he was writing poems better than his
teachers.
He died at the age of 74.
He fell in love with a beautiful lady from Pandacan.

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2. _____
_____
_____
_____
_____
3. _____
_____
_____
_____
_____

First, he studied with private teachers.


Later, he studied law at the University of Santo
Tomas.
Fernando Ma. Guerero was born of rich parents who
were from Ermita, Manila.
Then, he went to Ateneo de Manila to finish his
college
education.
After his studies, he worked for La Independencia, A
Filipino newspaper.
When the fight for our freedom started, Apo Mena
joined the rebels.
He served as governor of Ilocos Sur.
He was sent to the U.S. to represent the country in
World Fair.
He spent his time in keeping alive the peoples
interest
in arts, letters, and music.
He formed bands and orchestras which played native
music.

1 Are you done?


2 Look at the answer key to check the answerS.
3 Lets move on

Lets Do More

Read the set of sentences below. Write a paragraph by rearranging


the sentences in the correct order. Do this on a piece of paper.
1. - Miss Lapuz and her pupils had a picnic last Saturday.
1Afterwards, some boys tried chasing dragonflies while

some girls picked flowers.

Many of the children wrote poems and drew pictures under


the trees.
3In the afternoon, they all went home happily.
4They brought their packed lunch and ate under some
shady trees.
2-

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2.

- Next, cut off the lower part of the radish.


1First, put some ink or dye into a glass of water.
2Find out how roots absorb water and minerals from the
soil.
3Then, place the upper part with leaves in the water with
ink or dye in the glass.
4Leave it for a day or overnight and you will be surprised
to see the colored stems of the leaves of the plants.

3.

- The best way to recycle effectively is to organize a


recycling center in your home.
1Next, label each can.
2The first thing you should do is buy as many trash cans as
youll need-one for paper, one for aluminum, one for glass, one
for compost, and so on.
3Finally, use the cans; believing in recycling doesnt mean
anything unless you actually do it.
4Place the cans in an area where youll be sure to use them.
If you hide them in the basement, youll forget to recycle.
2 Are you done?
3 Look at the answer key again to check your answers.
4 Whats your score? _________
5 Thats good.

Lets Remember This


1 You can write a good paragraph by arranging details

according to time order. Time order makes sequencing of


events or details clearer. It also helps describe how to do
or make something.

2 Transition words such as first, next, then, afterwards,

finally, however, consequently, etc. can also help. These


serve as your signals in arranging the events one after
the other.

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6

Lets Test Ourselves


Read the selection.

The Challenge

Adapted from Highlights for Children

Rico ran towards the gate and he bumped into a


boy tucking his white shirt into his tennis shorts.
Sorry, Im late! Rico excused
himself. Its okay. Go, hurry!
the boy said.
For the first time, Rico didnt want to play in this
tournament. His best friend and doubles partner,
Tony, has transferred to another town.
Last year, he remembered they won the doubles
competition. They were the champion. Now, Rico
would be playing singles.
For his coach, Mr. Torres, Rico had all the
potentials of being the years champion. Hes tall and
lanky for a ten-year-old boy. Rico had won most of the
tournaments around the area. In this city tournament,
Rico was not sure because he was going to be
without a buddy.
He went to Court 10 at the far end of the park,
behind the concession stand. He sat down on the
bench waiting for his opponent.
Rico bent down to retie the lace of his tennis
shoe when he heard the gate open then close behind
him.
Hi! the boy he bumped outside walked into
the court carrying a worn tennis racket. He smiled,
Im Eric.
Oh, youre the boy I bumped into. Im Rico.
Guess what? Were playing with each
other, Eric said. You play a lot? Rico
asked.
For some time. Never played in a tournament
before. Some people gathered outside the
fence, and a man
handed Rico a can of yellow tennis balls.

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Rico shook a ball out of the can and moved to


his side of the court. Id better get this over fast so I
can take a rest for my next match, he thought.
Ten-minute warm-up, shouted the man. Make
your own calls. Be fair. Have a good time!
Pic, pac, pic, pac!... the two boys sent the ball
back and
forth.
Hes good, thought Rico as he scrambled to
make a backhand shot.
Pic, pac, pic, pac!
Hey, are you ready? Eric yelled from the
back court. Sure! Rico answered.
Eric served first, a hard serve landing squarely
into Ricos court. Ricos racket never touched the ball.
An ace!
Rico adjusted his grip and bounced on his toes
as Mr. Torres had instructed. He waited for Erics next
serve. Oops! It was a spin serve close to the outside
edge. Rico slammed the ball into the net, losing
point.
Eric won the next two. When they had each won
six games, they played a tiebreaker to know who
would win the set. Rico squeezed out a win.
Eric tapped Rico on the shoulder, as they sat on
the bench for a minute between sets. Boy, youre
good!
Rico wiped his forehead with his towel and said,
Youre good, too, Eric!
Thanks, Eric smiled.
How did you learn to play that? Rico asked.
Havent seen you there before.
Only this summer with Mr. Ferrer, the coach
who thought I had some talents. He urged my
parents to allow me to join the competition.
Well, hes right! Rico said. Youre a boy to
watch!
Eric won the second set. It was down to another
tiebreaker in the third and final sets.
Lord, I have to win, Rico thought. Cant lose
to someone who has only played last summer.
The tiebreaker was close but Rico was able to
manage a 6-4 lead. Another point would win it for
him.

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Suddenly, he thought of Tony, his partner last


year. Eric reminded him of his pal, Tony. He could spin
the ball just in the right direction.
Right on the line, Rico said as he jogged to the
back line to serve. Score in 6-5. Im leading.
He could still take the match if he won the next
point. He looked across the court at Eric bouncing on
his toes, ready to receive the serve. He thought about
the close call on Erics last serve. Would Eric be as
fair? The ball as tossed by Eric touched the floor near
Ricos feet. Rico smiled triumphantly.
You win! Eric called. Without hesitation, Eric
ran toward the net. Good match! he said, giving
Rico a high five. But watch out next time, Im going
to win!
Rico followed Eric to the bench. He tucked his
racket into his bag and wiped the sweat from his
forehead. Cant believe that youve never played in a
tournament before, he said looking at Eric. You
almost won!
Almost, but didnt, Eric twirled his jacket. I
learned a lot from this tournament.
Arrange the events of the story in order. Write it in a
paragraph form in your notebook.
________ The match started and it was a good match.
________ Rico found Eric as a potential tennis champion like Tony;
Ricos partner.
________ Rico prepared hurriedly for his tennis single match.
________ It was a tiebreaker event.
________ Eric considered the offer and called Rico, partner.
________ He met a lanky boy named Eric who turned out to be his
opponent.
________ Rico offered Eric to be his partner for the next tournament.
________ Rico missed his tennis partner, Tony.
________ Rico won the match although Eric played very well, too.

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1 Are you done?


2 Look at the answer key to check your answers.
3 Whats your score?
4 If you got 7-9, thats Terrific, proceed to the next module.
5 If your score is 5-6, answer the next activity Lets

Enrich Ourselves.

6 If your score is 4 and below, review the whole module.

Lets Enrich
Ourselves
Read the selection.

The Swans
Gift by Brenda
Seabrooke

Anton was a farmer who lived with his wife, Rubina and
their seven children at the edge of the forest. He worked hard
and they were happy for many years. Then one spring, the
rains didnt fall and Antons wheat died in the fields.
As winter came, their food supply grew smaller and
smaller. Soon, Antons shoulders were stooped with
worry. Rubinas
plump apple cheeks withered. The children no longer sang or
laughed or danced, for they were too hungry.

Every day, Anton went out to look for game but returned

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0

without firing a shot. And every day, Rubina added water to


the onion soup until there was nothing in the pot but water.
When Anton saw his family crying from hunger, he wanted to
cry too. But instead, he took his gun and went out again into
the cold, cold night.
He had to find something for them to eat; a bird or a
rabbit. But the black branches were empty of birds and no
rabbits crouched in the frozen scrub. The only tracks Anton
saw were his own.
He came to a small hill and knew it was the last one he
would be able to climb before his strength was gone. His feet
were numb and his breath rasped in the freezing air. At the top
of the rise, he stopped to rest, scanning the snow for animal
tracks.
In despair, Anton turned to go. Just then, he saw below
him a lake that had not yet frozen over. Its edge was laced
with ice and in its center floated a swan of such dazzling
beauty that Anton could not look away. Its stark white feathers
gleamed against the dark water and as Anton watched, the
swan seemed to grow larger until its image filled his eyes.
Suddenly, the juices flowed in Antons mouth. He could
taste succulent roasted swan and see his childrens faces
glowing as his family sat at the table eating again. He raised
his gun and sighted the swan down the long barrel.
Anton put his finger on the trigger. The swan seemed to
be looking at him, listening for the shot that would kill it.
He lowered the gun. The swan was the most beautiful
creature Anton had ever seen. As he watched, the swan
fanned its magnificent wings in a way that seemed to embrace
the night. Anton closed his eyes and thought of his family.
Again he raised the gun.
Hours seemed to pass. The feathers on the swans breast
moved gently with each beat of its heart, and Anton could feel
his own heart beating. He lifted his heavy wet feet, walked a
few steps, and then dropped to his knees.
I cant do it, he said.
Why not? asked a voice as soft as snow or feathers
ruffling in a gentle wind.
I cannot kill beauty. If I kill this swan, my family will have
food for one or two meals. And then what? We will be hungry
again and it will have been for nothing.
Anton was too tired to be surprised that he was speaking
to the swan or the wind or the night. He was too tired to walk
back home. He bowed his head with sadness for his family.
With a cry, the swan lifted its wings, rose from the
lake, and circled over Anton, water dropping from its wing
feathers. As the

181

water hit the snow it froze into crystals that sparkled in the
moonlight. Anton reached out and touched one. It was hard,
harder than ice, and did not melt in the warmth of his hand.
A diamond! Anton said.
Quickly, he scooped up the diamonds that lay in a
glittering circle around him. He filled his pockets with them
and set off through the snow to a nearby village.
Anton was no longer tired. He no longer felt the cold. He
woke up the innkeeper calling, I need food.
Your crops failed, said the innkeeper. Everyone knows
youhave no money.
I have a diamond, said Anton.
Where would the likes of you get a diamond? the man
scoffed. Let me in and I will explain.
The innkeeper fed Anton cold venison and sweet
dumplings while Anton told his story and the innkeepers wife
packed a sledge for him with roast chickens and cheese and
onions and turnips. Then they sent Anton on his way so that
they could begin looking for the magic swan themselves.
Rubina met him at the door. Did you find any game?
Mischa was fainted.
No. But look what I have brought. Anton showed her
the sledge.
But how did you get it? she asked.
For answer, he spilled the diamonds on the
table. Oh, cried Rubina, You have turned
to robbery!
No, said Anton. And he told her all about the swan, and
how it had circled him with diamonds falling from its wings.
Anton and Rubina woke the children even though it was
the middle of the night, and they all sat at the table eating
slowly, enjoying the flavor of the food and the wonderful
feeling in their stomachs. Rubinas black eyes sparkled as she
filled her childrens bowls. Anton felt his strength returning.
Several of the children hummed as they were put to bed.
Anton and Rubina and their children prospered, for they
used their diamonds wisely and well. News of the magic swan
spread throughout the land and many people searched for it.
But the swan was never found.
Sometimes, when Anton was alone in the forest, the
image of the swan rose before him. He saw again the gleam of
its feathers, the coral glow of its beak, and the magnificent
reach of its wings as it glided silently across the sky.
182

The following events are taken from the story. Arrange theM in
order and put the number of each event in the chain graph. Write the
answers in your notebook.

First
______

Second
______

Third
______

Fourth
______

Title:_____________________
Eighth
______

Seventh
______

Sixth
______

Fifth
______

1. Anton saw a beautiful swan and planned to kill it to bring home

food for his family.

2. His family lived prosperously for they used the diamonds wisely.
3. Anton and Rubina had seven children and they lived at the edge

of the forest.

4. He saw brilliant stones known as diamonds and took them all.


5. He decided not to kill the swan.
6. Anton went out and looked for food but unfortunately, he found

none.

7. Winter came and there was no food for his family because of

famine.

8. His friends asked about his secret and searched for the swan but

failed.

1
2
3
4

Are you done?


Look at the answer key to check the answer.
Whats your score? __________
Congratulations! Job well done!!!
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3

Answer Key

Lets Do This
1.

2
1
3
5
4

2.

2
4
1
3
5

3.

1
2
5
3
4

Lets Do More
1. Miss Lapuz and her pupils had a picnic last Saturday. They

brought their packed lunch and ate under some shady trees.
Many of the children wrote poems and drew pictures under the
trees. Afterwards, some boys tried chasing dragonflies while
some girls picked flowers. In the afternoon, they all went home
happily.
2. Find out how roots absorb water and animals from the soil. First,

put some ink or dye into a glass of water. Next, cut off the lower
part of the radish. Then, place the upper part with leaves in the
water with ink or dye in the glass. Leave it for a day or overnight
and you will be surprised to see the colored stems of the leaves
of the plants.

3. The best way to recycle effectively is to organize a recycling

center in your home. The first thing you should do is buy as


many trash cans as youll need one for paper, one for
aluminum, one for glass, one for compost, and so on. Next, label
each can. Place the cans in an area where youll be sure to use
them. If you hide them in the basement, youll forget to recycle.
Finally, use the cans; believing in recycling doesnt mean
anything unless you actually do it.

184

Lets Test Ourselves


Rico prepared hurriedly for his tennis single match. He met a
lanky boy named Eric who turned out to be his opponent. The match
started and it was a good match. It was a tiebreaker event. Rico won
the match although Eric played very well, too. Rico found Eric as a
potential tennis champion like Tony; Ricos partner. Rico missed his
tennis partner, Tony. Rico offered Eric to be his partner for the next
tournament. Eric considered the offer and called Rico, partner.
Lets Enrich Ourselves

First
3

Second
7

Third
6

Fourth
1

Title:_____________________
Eighth
2

Seventh
8

Sixth
4

Fifth
5

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