Then: actions in sequence
Say シャワーを浴びます. Tap the table once and say それから、寝ます. The pause makes it clear that both steps keep a complete verb.
1. それから connects complete steps
First build two independent sentences, each with a complete verb: 朝ご飯を食べます and 学校へ行きます. Then put それから before the second sentence: 朝ご飯を食べます。それから、学校へ行きます.
それから means the second action happens later. The first ending therefore remains 食べます; this lesson does not form a new linking form of the verb. With three steps, you can use それから again between each complete sentence.
朝ご飯を食べます。それから、学校へ行きます。
シャワーを浴びます。それから、寝ます。
2. The order carries meaning
Put the action that really happens first before それから. 起きます。それから、朝ご飯を食べます describes getting up before breakfast. If you reverse the sentences, you tell a different routine even though the grammar remains formed.
For a prompt, first write step 1 and step 2 in your own language. Then write both Japanese sentences. This lets you check meaning and form separately and prevents それから from appearing without an earlier step.
3. それから establishes chronological sequence
そして from lesson 20 more broadly adds another statement or quality. Here, それから deliberately means ‘then’ and makes the sequence of actions important. Therefore, choose それから when there is an explicit step 1 and step 2.
In natural Japanese, そして can also connect events, so do not treat it as always wrong. The exercise states whether the second part mainly adds a quality or follows as a later action.
この町は静かです。そして、きれいです。
宿題をします。それから、テレビを見ます。
4. Three steps without a new verb form
For three steps, repeat the pattern: A ます。それから、B ます。それから、C ます. Each verb keeps the polite form you already know. After building, check that there are three complete actions and two clear transitions.
This lesson does not derive a general て form. Even though you will encounter other ways to connect actions later, 調べます, 書きます, 浴びます, and 寝ます are complete final forms around それから here.
5. Read the full sequence before answering
Read the existing dialogue about homework at the library, shopping, and the evening routine. Number the actions. The separate questions provide time frames; それから connects the steps that directly follow each other.
Then create a new sequence with three familiar actions. The open application provides criteria; the final check fixes the required order and asks only for forms already explained.