Giving instructions

In this video, Vanya helps Emir learn how to use a new coffee machine. Listen to the language Vanya uses to give instructions and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Preparation

Speaking A2: Giving and receiving instructions – preparation

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you give instructions? Listen out for useful language for giving instructions. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

Emir: Argh! It's not working.

Vanya: Are you OK?

Emir: Do you know how to use this machine?

Vanya: Yeah, I'll show you.

Emir: Ah, thanks.

Vanya: OK. First, you have to put the correct amount of coffee in here.

Emir: Aha.

Vanya: Then you press it down with this.

Emir: I see.

Vanya: Right, OK. Next, you put this here and turn it until it's quite tight.

Emir: Right.

Vanya: After that, you just press this button.

Emir: OK, that seems clear.

Vanya: Great! Now it's your turn.

Emir: Is this OK?

Vanya: Yes, that's right. Now press it down.

Emir: Like this?

Vanya: Yeah, you're doing well.

Emir: Thanks! What do I do next?

Vanya: Connect it to the machine.

Emir: Is there anything else?

Vanya: That's it. Just press the button.

Vanya: Well?

Emir: Delicious! Thank you.

Vanya: You're welcome.

Ana: Hello again! Oh, I love a good coffee! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for giving instructions? Listen to me and then repeat.

First, you have to put the coffee here.

Then you press it down with this.

I see.

Right, OK. Next, you put this here.

After that, you just press this button.

OK, that seems clear.

Is this OK?

Yes, that's right.

Like this?

You're doing well.

What do I do next?

Is there anything else?

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you give instructions in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

When was the last time you gave instructions in English?

Download

Worksheet116.29 KB

Language level

A2 Pre-intermediate

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I've never given instructions in English, because I've never had the occasion to do it.

i think i gave instruction tow or three years ago.

I regret to say that I've never given instruction to others with business. Honestly, I would like to give instruction in english

I recently gave the instructions on how to use some features of a new smartphone which i bought for my mother. My instructions to her were pretty clear and were in short sentences. I first showed her how to do it and later asked her to do it on her own. She was understood my instructions very well.

first, do........ then...... next, press... and finally ......

First, you have to put the coffee here. Then you press it down with this. I see. Right. Ok. Next, you put this here. After that, you just press this button. Ok, that seems clear. Is this OK? Yes that's right. Like this? You're doing well. What do I do next? Is there anything else?

So far, I have never given instructions in English, only in Spanish, and I think that I am a well instructor.

I regret to say that I've never given instructions in English. And it's a pity because giving instructions is a good way to practice the target language. Honestly, I quite rarely use English in my life and that's why I use the British Council site to improve my skills (and it helps a lot). Sometimes I give some simple instructions to my son when we study English together. I help him to learn because he's on his first steps now So I tell him "let's read this", "let's write that", or "well done, you're doing right".

Just yesterday. I had an online English course and I gave instructions in English with my partner about our homework.

I gave instructions in English a few years ago at univesity. It was in a user manual for an information system that we developed as the practical part of a subject.

Giving instructions

Preparation

Transcript

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Online courses