Writing Chronological Paragraph

Chronological order is used for something as simple as a recipe and for something as complex as a history book. In academic writing, chronological order has many uses. One of the primary ways you might use it is to write a historical review of the subject of a term paper. For example, you might review the history of labor unions before you discuss the current situation.

To write a chronological paragraph, whether it is history or a process:

1. Make a simple outline that lists the events (in a history) or the steps (in a process) in the order of their occurrence.
2. Add transition signals at appropriate points in the left margin of your outline.
3. Write a topic sentence that names the event or the process.
4. Write the paragraph, following your outline. Add enough details to make the chain of events or steps in the process very clear.