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SS.1 Arrange in alphabetical order by the first letter

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What does it mean to put words in alphabetical order?

Alphabetical order means arranging words by the order of the letters in the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. This helps us find words quickly in dictionaries, glossaries, or word lists.

Examples:
  • Words: dog, cat, bird β†’ Alphabetical order: bird, cat, dog
  • Words: apple, banana, grape β†’ Alphabetical order: apple, banana, grape
Helpful hint

Always compare the first letter of each word. If the first letters are the same, look at the next letter.

Why do we use alphabetical order?

Alphabetical order makes it easier to locate and organize words. Writers and readers use it to find information in word lists, indexes, and dictionaries.

Example Sentences:
  • Without order: zebra, cat, apple (hard to find words)
  • With alphabetical order: apple, cat, zebra (easy to find words)
Helpful hint

Think of alphabetical order as a mapβ€”it shows the way to find words quickly and clearly.

Steps for putting words in alphabetical order

To alphabetize words, follow these steps:

Steps and Examples:
  • Step 1: Compare the first letters.
    Words: hat, fish β†’ Alphabetical order: fish, hat.
  • Step 2: If the first letters are the same, compare the second letters.
    Words: map, man β†’ Alphabetical order: man, map.
  • Step 3: Continue comparing letters until the order is clear.
    Words: blue, black β†’ Alphabetical order: black, blue.
Helpful hint

Work slowly, letter by letter, just like reading the alphabet song: A, B, C, D…

Practice with alphabetical order

When you practice, you get faster and more confident. Use alphabetical order whenever you look up words in a dictionary or glossary.

Examples:
  • Words: tree, flower, grass β†’ Alphabetical order: flower, grass, tree
  • Words: car, bike, bus β†’ Alphabetical order: bike, bus, car
Helpful hint

Always check your work twice. Make sure no words are out of order.