DTW GED PREP

Skill Focus: Understanding Sequence of Events

Being able to identify the correct order in which events occur within a text is a key reading comprehension skill. On the GED® test, this may be assessed using multiple-choice or drag-and-drop formats.

Passage Summary: White Fang’s Encounter with Kiche

In this excerpt from White Fang by Jack London, the main character, White Fang, returns to a village and unexpectedly encounters his mother, Kiche. While he remembers her and approaches her with affection, she does not recognize him and reacts aggressively. After a second attack when he interacts with one of her puppies, White Fang realizes that their former bond no longer exists.

Question: Arrange the following events in the order in which they occur in the passage.

Events:

A. Kiche attacks White Fang when he gets close to one of her puppies.
B. White Fang sees Kiche and remembers her.
C. White Fang realizes his mother has no meaning to him anymore.
D. Kiche snarls and attacks White Fang the first time.
E. White Fang approaches the newly built teepee.

Correct Sequence:

1. E. White Fang approaches the newly built teepee.
2. B. White Fang sees Kiche and remembers her.
3. D. Kiche snarls and attacks White Fang the first time.
4. A. Kiche attacks White Fang when he gets close to one of her puppies.
5. C. White Fang realizes his mother has no meaning to him anymore.

Rationale:

• The first event introduces White Fang’s approach to the new teepee.
• Next, he encounters Kiche and recognizes her from his past.
• Kiche, however, attacks him shortly after, not recognizing him.
• When he investigates one of her puppies, she attacks again.
• This leads to White Fang’s emotional realization that their relationship is over.

ORDER OF EVENTS

After reading the passage, return to the beginning and trace the sequence of actions. Identify when each event occurs and how they relate to one another. Place the events in the order they appear in the text.

Example from White Fang by Jack London

Events to Sequence:

• A. White Fang has no place for Kiche in his life.
• B. White Fang backs away from Kiche.
• C. White Fang looks into a teepee.
• D. Kiche lifts her lip at White Fang in a snarl.

Correct Sequence of Events:

Explanation:

1. White Fang approaches the teepee and unexpectedly encounters Kiche.
2. Kiche snarls at him, triggering memories of his past.
3. After being attacked, White Fang retreats in confusion.
4. Eventually, he emotionally detaches, realizing that she no longer holds meaning in his life.

QUESTIONS

.   Indicate the order in which the following events took place. (Note: On the real GED® test, you will click and drag each choice to its proper location in the diagram.)

ORDER OF EVENTS

ANSWER

Order of Events:
1️⃣ Linda asks Jonathan if he goes back to work on Monday
2️⃣ Jonathan says he will never get used to his work
3️⃣ Linda suggests that Jonathan will get used to his job
4️⃣ Jonathan says he feels like an insect

Explanation:
The dialogue unfolds in this exact sequence, gradually building Jonathan’s metaphor about being trapped and intensifying his emotional state.