ASKING FOR AND GIVING INSTRUCTIONS

GIVING INSTRUCTIONS
Asking for Instructions

How do you (do this)?
How do I . . . ?
What is the best way to . . . ?
How do I go about it?
What do you suggest?
How do you suggest I proceed?
What is the first step?
Giving Instructions
Sequencing
First, (you) . . .
Then, (you) . . .
Next, (you) . . .
Lastly, (you) . . .
Starting out
Before you begin,(you should..)
The first thing you do is . . . .
I would start by . . .
The best place to begin is . . .
To begin with,

Continuing
After that,
The next step is to . . .
The next thing you do is . . .
Once you've done that, then . . .
When you finish that, then . . .
Finishing
The last step is . . .
The last thing you do is . . .
In the end,
When you've finished,
When you've completed all the steps,

7.1 Put the steps for the following tasks in the correct order
_____ Press the start button
_____ Place the bag inside the oven
_____ Listen carefully, when all kernels are popped, turn off the microwave
_____ Set the timer for 5 minutes
_____ Open door and remove bag carefully, it may be hot
_____ Remove the cooking bag from the wrapper
_____ Shut the microwave door
What is the task? _____________________________

_____ Press the brew button
_____ Put a disposable filter in place in the basket
_____ Put in the desired amount of grounds in the filter basket
_____ Place the pot into place
_____ Pour the water into the receptacle
_____ Plug in the appliance into the nearest electrical outlet

What is the task? ______________________________







Match the appropriate responses with the questions. Put the correct number of the question on the line.

1. How do I open this bag? ___ Yes, just put one cup of the grain in the
cooker and add one half cup of water
and turn the cooker on.
2. What do I need to do to operate the
safe? ___ Sure, open up the bag, put the bag in
the microwave, then set the timer for
four minutes and turn it on.
3. How do I get connected to the Internet? ___ Move to a speaking where English is
the native language.
4. Do you know how to make this
popcorn? ___ Sure, first put the paper on the glass
and close the lid, then enter the
number of copies you want and finally
press start.
5. Is it easy to make rice? ___ Look for the Internet Explorer icon on
the desk top and click it.
6. I can’t get the remote to work. ___ Look for a small slit on the top right
hand corner of the bag and start
tearing there.
7. Can you show me how to copy this? ___ One- put three scoops of your
favorite flavor into a blender, two- add
about a third of a cup of milk, and
three- turn on the blender.
8. How do you make sun tea? ___ Easy, fill a jug with water, put in a
couple of tea bags, and place in the
sun.
9. How can I dramatically improve
my English ability? ___ First, select a four digit number
as your code, then enter the numbers in
the new combination setting.
10. What are the steps in making a milk
shake? ___ Well, you have to point it at the TV
before it will work.


ASKING FOR AND GIVING DIRECTIONS
How can you ask someone to do something for you in English without sounding rude? Here are some of the ways that you can give orders and instructions.
1. Use the imperative form
We use the imperative form to give orders, warnings and advice: An imperative sentence expresses a command or request.
• Be quiet!
• Take care!
• Listen to me carefully!
Because it can sound rude to give direct orders (especially if you are talking to an adult), we "soften" the imperative form with "let's" or "please":
Let's go now.
Please listen to what I'm saying.
2. Use a modal verb to turn the order into a request
We use modals to change the mood of a sentence. For example, "You should help her" is more polite than "Help her!"
Other modal verbs you can use to make requests are:
Could: Could you make me some tea?
Can: Can you come here please?
Will: Will you shut the door please?
Would: Would you wait here until the doctor is ready for you?


3. Use an introductory phrase to ‘soften’ the order
Instead of using an imperative, you can use a phrase instead. Here are some common ways of phrasing an order, in order of the most indirect to the most direct:
Would you mind possibly… (+ ing) (Most indirect)
Would you mind possibly moving your car? It's parked right in front of mine.
I was hoping you could … (+ infinitive without to)
I was hoping you could spare me a few minutes this morning.
Do you think you could … (+ infinitive without to)
Do you think you could do this photocopying for me?
If you have a couple of minutes spare…
If you have a couple of minutes spare, the office needs tidying up.
I'd like you to…
I'd like you to file this correspondence for me.
I want you to…
I want you to finish this by tomorrow.
4. Use sequencing words
You can use sequencing words to make instructions clear.
Firstly, make sure the appliance is disconnected.
Secondly, open the back with a screwdriver.
Then, carefully pull out the two black cables…

Quick notes:
Asking for Instructions
How do you (do this)?
How do I . . . ? What is the best way to . . . ?
How do I go about it? What do you suggest?
How do you suggest I proceed? What is the first step?

Giving Instructions
Sequencing (sequence connectors)
First, (you) . . .
Then, (you) . . .
Next, (you) . . .
Lastly, (you) . . .
Starting out
Before you begin, (you should . . .)
The first thing you do is . . . .
I would start by . . .
The best place to begin is . . .
To begin with,
Continuing
After that,
The next step is to . . .
The next thing you do is . . .
Once you've done that, then . . .
When you finish that, then . . .

Finishing
The last step is . . .
The last thing you do is . . .
In the end,
When you've finished,
When you've completed all the steps,