6Module 14

ENGLISHWRITING 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 youhad fun in answering the exercises and did a great job.

Let us move on to another learning experience. I know you areeager to learn more. In this module, you can write a good paragraphby arranging details according to time order.

Let’s Learn This

This module will help you write a good paragraph by arrangingdetails according to time order. Time order makes sequencing ofevents or details clearer. It also helps describe how to do or makesomething.

Let’s Try This

Read the selection about the operetta you read.

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One morning, Pretty Little Hen was walkingin the garden. She saw a shining, delicious grainon the lane. She picked it up and ate it.

Suddenly, Pretty Little Hen was surprised tohear sounds as of the heart beating wild andfast. When she looked up she saw Mr. Hawk upthe tall mango tree.

Mr. Hawk was suddenly pierced by Cupid’sdart. He fell in love with the Pretty Hen. ThePretty Hen was very flattered. Mr. Hawk was sohappy and he flew away.

Contemplating his victory in his suit, Mr.Hawk came back the next day. He brought anengagement ring for the Pretty Hen. The henwore the ring around the neck to show the worldthat they’re steady through and through.

The Pretty Hen walked away trying to showeveryone her ring when from behind the bushes,Mr. Cock appeared and crowed. The Hen wassurprised and startled. Mr. Cook stared angrily atthe hen looking at the ring around her neck. Heshouted at the hen loudly. “You promised to bemy wife. You must not wear any ring from anyother men. Throw that away”, he said.Reluctantly, Pretty Hen threw the ring away.

The Pretty Hen was sadly pondering theloss of her ring when the Hawk appeared. Henoticed that the ring was missing. The hencarefully, frightfully groped for words. “I’msorry”, she said, “A snake frightened me and Idropped the ring when I ran away.”

Mr. Hawk did not believe Pretty Hen. Hefound 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 thesentences on your paper. Number the sentences 1-7.

_____ Mr. Hawk saw Pretty Little Hen’s 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 answerswith the correct answers below.

5 7 1 6 2 4 3

Let’s Study This

Arranging Sentences According to Time Order

You can write a good paragraph by arranging details accordingto time order. Time order makes sequencing of events or detailsclearer. It also helps describe how to do or make something.

Read the model paragraph taken from the story Little BlackSambo. Note the use of time order words.

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First,  Little  Black Sambo put on the beautiful  redcoat and blue trousers that his mother gave him.  Next, hewore a lovely pair of purple shoes with red soles. Then, heopened a beautiful green umbrella which his father bought.Soon, Little Black Sambo reached the jungle where he metseveral tigers. These tigers all wanted his clothes. But hefinally escaped them by climbing a tree.

What happened first in the story? What did Little Black Sambodo next? What finally happened?

The time order signals such as first, next, then, soon and finallyshow how the events follow one another.

You maybe guided by words or phrases that tell time, like in1904, 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 that’s why,can also help. These serve as your signals in arranging the eventsone after the other.

Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that link yoursentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are noabrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. They help carry a thoughtfrom one sentence to another to make it easier for our reader tofollow your ideas.

Let’s Do This

On your paper, arrange the following events in order. Numberthem from 1 to 5.

1. _____As Balagtas grew older, he wanted to learn more aboutpoems.

_____ Balagtas was born in Bigaa, Bulacan, to poor parents.

_____Soon, he was writing poems better than his teacher’s.

_____ He died at the age of 74._____ He fell in love with a beautiful lady from Pandacan.

1742. _____ First, he studied with private teachers.

_____Later, he studied law at the University of Santo Tomas.

_____ Fernando Ma. Guerero was born of rich parents whowere from Ermita, Manila.

_____Then, he went to Ateneo de Manila to finish his collegeeducation.

_____ After his studies, he worked for La Independencia, AFilipino newspaper.

3. _____ When the fight for our freedom started, Apo Menajoined 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 people’s interestin arts, letters, and music.

_____ He formed bands and orchestras which played nativemusic.

1• Are you done?

2• Look at the answer key to check the answerS.

3• Let’s move on…

Let’s Do More

Read the set of sentences below. Write a paragraph by rearrangingthe sentences in the correct order. Do this on a piece of paper.

1. - Miss Lapuz and her pupils had a picnic last Saturday. 1- Afterwards, some boys tried chasing dragonflies whilesome girls picked flowers.

2- Many of the children wrote poems and drew pictures underthe trees.

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

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2. - Next, cut off the lower part of the radish. 1- First, put some ink or dye into a glass of water. 2- Find out how roots absorb water and minerals from the

soil. 3- Then, place the upper part with leaves in the water withink or dye in the glass.

4- Leave it for a day or overnight and you will be surprisedto see the colored stems of the leaves of the plants.

3. - The best way to recycle effectively is to organize arecycling center in your home.

1- Next, label each can. 2- The first thing you should do is buy as many trash cans as

you’ll need-one for paper, one for aluminum, one for glass, onefor compost, and so on.

3- Finally, use the cans; believing in recycling doesn’t meananything unless you actually do it.

4- Place the cans in an area where you’ll be sure to use them.If you hide them in the basement, you’ll forget to recycle.

2• Are you done?

3• Look at the answer key again to check your answers.

4• What’s your score? _________

5• That’s good.

Let’s Remember This

1• You can write a good paragraph by arranging detailsaccording to time order. Time order makes sequencing ofevents or details clearer. It also helps describe how to door make something.

2• Transition words such as first, next, then, afterwards,finally, however, consequently, etc. can also help. Theseserve as your signals in arranging the events one afterthe other.

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Let’s Test Ourselves

Read the selection.

The ChallengeAdapted from Highlights for Children

Rico ran towards the gate and he bumped into aboy tucking his white shirt into his tennis shorts.

“Sorry, I’m late!” Rico excused himself. “It’s okay. Go, hurry!” the boy said.For the first time, Rico didn’t 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 doublescompetition. They were the champion. Now, Ricowould be playing singles.

For his coach, Mr. Torres, Rico had all thepotentials of being the year’s champion. He’s tall andlanky for a ten-year-old boy. Rico had won most of thetournaments around the area. In this city tournament,Rico was not sure because he was going to bewithout a buddy.

He went to Court 10 at the far end of the park,behind the concession stand. He sat down on thebench waiting for his opponent.

Rico bent down to retie the lace of his tennisshoe when he heard the gate open then close behindhim.

“Hi!” the boy he bumped outside walked intothe court carrying a worn tennis racket. He smiled,“I’m Eric.”

“Oh, you’re the boy I bumped into. I’m Rico.”

“Guess what? We’re 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 tohis side of the court. “I’d better get this over fast so Ican take a rest for my next match,” he thought.

“Ten-minute warm-up,” shouted the man. “Makeyour own calls. Be fair. Have a good time!”

Pic, pac, pic, pac!... the two boys sent the ball back and

forth.

“He’s good,” thought Rico as he scrambled tomake 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 Rico’s court. Rico’s racket never touched the ball.An ace!

Rico adjusted his grip and bounced on his toesas Mr. Torres had instructed. He waited for Eric’s nextserve. Oops! It was a spin serve close to the outsideedge. Rico slammed the ball into the net, losingpoint.

Eric won the next two. When they had each wonsix games, they played a tiebreaker to know whowould win the set. Rico squeezed out a win.

Eric tapped Rico on the shoulder, as they sat onthe bench for a minute between sets. “Boy, you’regood!”

Rico wiped his forehead with his towel and said,“You’re good, too, Eric!”

“Thanks,” Eric smiled.

“How did you learn to play that?” Rico asked.“Haven’t seen you there before.”

“Only this summer with Mr. Ferrer, the coachwho thought I had some talents. He urged myparents to allow me to join the competition.”

“Well, he’s right!” Rico said. “You’re a boy to watch!”

Eric won the second set. It was down to anothertiebreaker in the third and final sets.

“Lord, I have to win,” Rico thought. “Can’t loseto someone who has only played last summer.”

The tiebreaker was close but Rico was able tomanage a 6-4 lead. Another point would win it forhim.

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Suddenly, he thought of Tony, his partner lastyear. Eric reminded him of his pal, Tony. He could spinthe ball just in the right direction.

“Right on the line,” Rico said as he jogged to theback line to serve. “Score in 6-5. I’m leading.”

He could still take the match if he won the nextpoint. He looked across the court at Eric bouncing onhis toes, ready to receive the serve. He thought aboutthe close call on Eric’s last serve. Would Eric be asfair? The ball as tossed by Eric touched the floor nearRico’s feet. Rico smiled triumphantly.

“You win!” Eric called. Without hesitation, Ericran toward the net. “Good match!” he said, givingRico a high five. “But watch out next time, I’m goingto win!”

Rico followed Eric to the bench. He tucked hisracket into his bag and wiped the sweat from hisforehead. Can’t believe that you’ve never played in atournament before,” he said looking at Eric. “Youalmost won!”

“Almost, but didn’t,” Eric twirled his jacket. “Ilearned 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;Rico’s 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 hisopponent.

________ 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• What’s your score?

4• If you got 7-9, that’s Terrific, proceed to the next module.

5• If your score is 5-6, answer the next activity “Let’sEnrich Ourselves.”

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

Let’s Enrich

Ourselves

Read the selection.

The Swan’s Gift by Brenda Seabrooke

Anton was a farmer who lived with his wife, Rubina andtheir seven children at the edge of the forest. He worked hardand they were happy for many years. Then one spring, therains didn’t fall and Anton’s wheat died in the fields.

As winter came, their food supply grew smaller and smaller. Soon, Anton’s shoulders were stooped with worry. Rubina’s

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 returned180

without firing a shot. And every day, Rubina added water tothe onion soup until there was nothing in the pot but water.When Anton saw his family crying from hunger, he wanted tocry too. But instead, he took his gun and went out again intothe cold, cold night.

He had to find something for them to eat; a bird or arabbit. But the black branches were empty of birds and norabbits crouched in the frozen scrub. The only tracks Antonsaw were his own.

He came to a small hill and knew it was the last one hewould be able to climb before his strength was gone. His feetwere numb and his breath rasped in the freezing air. At the topof the rise, he stopped to rest, scanning the snow for animaltracks.

In despair, Anton turned to go. Just then, he saw belowhim a lake that had not yet frozen over. Its edge was lacedwith ice and in its center floated a swan of such dazzlingbeauty that Anton could not look away. Its stark white feathersgleamed against the dark water and as Anton watched, theswan seemed to grow larger until its image filled his eyes.

Suddenly, the juices flowed in Anton’s mouth. He couldtaste succulent roasted swan and see his children’s facesglowing as his family sat at the table eating again. He raisedhis gun and sighted the swan down the long barrel.

Anton put his finger on the trigger. The swan seemed tobe looking at him, listening for the shot that would kill it.

He lowered the gun. The swan was the most beautifulcreature Anton had ever seen. As he watched, the swanfanned its magnificent wings in a way that seemed to embracethe night. Anton closed his eyes and thought of his family.Again he raised the gun.

Hours seemed to pass. The feathers on the swan’s breastmoved gently with each beat of its heart, and Anton could feelhis own heart beating. He lifted his heavy wet feet, walked afew steps, and then dropped to his knees.

“I can’t 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 hungryagain and it will have been for nothing.”

Anton was too tired to be surprised that he was speakingto the swan or the wind or the night. He was too tired to walkback 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

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water hit the snow it froze into crystals that sparkled in themoonlight. 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 themand set off through the snow to a nearby village.

Anton was no longer tired. He no longer felt the cold. Hewoke up the innkeeper calling, “I need food.”

“Your crops failed,” said the innkeeper. “Everyone knowsyou have 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 innkeeper’s wifepacked a sledge for him with roast chickens and cheese andonions and turnips. Then they sent Anton on his way so thatthey 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 herthe 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 eatingslowly, enjoying the flavor of the food and the wonderfulfeeling in their stomachs. Rubina’s black eyes sparkled as shefilled her children’s 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 theyused their diamonds wisely and well. News of the magic swanspread throughout the land and many people searched for it.But the swan was never found.

Sometimes, when Anton was alone in the forest, theimage of the swan rose before him. He saw again the gleam ofits feathers, the coral glow of its beak, and the magnificentreach of its wings as it glided silently across the sky.

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The following events are taken from the story. Arrange theM inorder and put the number of each event in the chain graph. Write theanswers 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 homefood 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 edgeof 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 foundnone.

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

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

1• Are you done? 2• Look at the answer key to check the answer. 3• What’s your score? __________ 4• Congratulations! Job well done!!!

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Answer Key

Let’s Do This

1. 2 2. 2 3. 11 4 23 1 55 3 34 5 4

Let’s Do More

1. Miss Lapuz and her pupils had a picnic last Saturday. Theybrought their packed lunch and ate under some shady trees.Many of the children wrote poems and drew pictures under thetrees. Afterwards, some boys tried chasing dragonflies whilesome girls picked flowers. In the afternoon, they all went homehappily.

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 lowerpart of the radish. Then, place the upper part with leaves in thewater with ink or dye in the glass. Leave it for a day or overnightand you will be surprised to see the colored stems of the leavesof the plants.

3. The best way to recycle effectively is to organize a recyclingcenter in your home. The first thing you should do is buy asmany trash cans as you’ll need – one for paper, one foraluminum, one for glass, one for compost, and so on. Next, labeleach can. Place the cans in an area where you’ll be sure to usethem. If you hide them in the basement, you’ll forget to recycle.Finally, use the cans; believing in recycling doesn’t meananything unless you actually do it.

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Let’s Test Ourselves

Rico prepared hurriedly for his tennis single match. He met alanky boy named Eric who turned out to be his opponent. The matchstarted and it was a good match. It was a tiebreaker event. Rico wonthe match although Eric played very well, too. Rico found Eric as apotential tennis champion like Tony; Rico’s partner. Rico missed histennis partner, Tony. Rico offered Eric to be his partner for the nexttournament. Eric considered the offer and called Rico, “partner”.

Let’s Enrich Ourselves

First Second Third Fourth3 7 6 1

Title: _____________________

Eighth Seventh Sixth Fifth2 8 4 5

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