DM Lesson 5: Sequencing - Firstly, Secondly & Finally
DISCOURSE MANAGEMENT
6/21/2026
Sequencing connectors help us organise information in a clear and logical order.
Today's connectors:
Firstly = introduces the first point
Secondly = introduces the second point
Finally = introduces the last point
Warm-up
Answer using full sentences.
How do you usually start your day?
What steps do you follow when learning something new?
How do you prepare for an important meeting or exam?
What makes a presentation easy to understand?
What advice would you give to someone learning English?
Target Language
Firstly
Use firstly to introduce your first point.
Structure
Firstly, + first idea.
Examples
Firstly, I check my emails.
Firstly, we need to identify the problem.
Firstly, the company should understand its customers.
Firstly, it's important to set realistic goals.
Firstly, make sure you understand the instructions.
Secondly
Use secondly to introduce your next point.
Structure
Secondly, + second idea.
Examples
Secondly, I organise my tasks.
Secondly, we should discuss possible solutions.
Secondly, practise speaking every day.
Secondly, the team needs clear communication.
Secondly, remember to review your work.
Finally
Use finally to introduce your last point.
Structure
Finally, + last idea.
Examples
Finally, I review everything before finishing.
Finally, we can make a decision.
Finally, don't forget to ask questions.
Finally, celebrate your progress.
Finally, submit your work on time.
Same Idea, Better Organisation
These connectors make your ideas easier to follow.
Without sequencing:
I check my emails. I organise my tasks. I start working.
With sequencing:
Firstly, I check my emails.
Secondly, I organise my tasks.
Finally, I start working.
Activation
Complete the sequence using firstly, secondly, and finally.
Preparing for a holiday
__________ book your transport.
__________ reserve your accommodation.
__________ pack your suitcase.
Giving a presentation
__________ introduce the topic.
__________ explain your main points.
__________ answer questions.
Cooking a meal
__________ prepare the ingredients.
__________ cook the food.
__________ serve the meal.
Applying for a job
__________ update your CV.
__________ prepare for the interview.
__________ send a thank-you email.
Learning English
__________ learn new vocabulary.
__________ practise speaking.
__________ review what you learned.
Practice
Complete the sentences with firstly, secondly, or finally.
__________, we need to understand the problem.
__________, let's consider the possible solutions.
__________, we can choose the best option.
__________, I check my calendar before planning my week.
__________, I decide which tasks are most important.
__________, I begin working on them.
__________, students should listen carefully.
__________, they should ask questions if something is unclear.
Language Support
Firstly
Firstly, ...
Firstly, I think ...
Firstly, it's important to ...
Secondly
Secondly, ...
Secondly, another point is ...
Secondly, we should ...
Finally
Finally, ...
Finally, the most important thing is ...
Finally, I would ...
Personal Questions
Try to organise your answers using firstly, secondly, and finally.
How do you prepare for a productive day?
What advice would you give to someone starting a new job?
How can someone improve their English speaking skills?
What steps would you follow to organise a successful event?
How do you make an important decision?
What should someone do before travelling to another country?
How do you usually complete a difficult task?
What makes a team work effectively?
If you wanted to learn a new skill, what would you do first, next, and last?
How would you explain your daily routine to someone who has never met you?