Giving Instructions
Lesson Plan- Giving Instructions
Every now and then someone may ask you instructions on how to do something. It may be something simple like how to operate a coin operated washing machine at a laundry mat or it may be something more difficult, like programming a remote control for a TV. Giving instructions may sound difficult, (especially detailed instructions) but if the instructions are broken into small steps and the steps are clearly identified, it becomes a more manageable task.
To do this use sequence markers. These are words which guide the listener or reader through the instructions, by giving them the order of steps to follow. Common sequence markers are:
first second third forth
after that next before that then
you begin by the last step is now finish
There are several standard expressions that can be used when asking for instructions. Look at these examples.
Expression- Giving Instructions
Question: How do you operate (…this can opener)?
Instruction: First, put the can under that sharp wheel and push
that lever down.
Question: Can you show me how to (…use this copier)?
Instruction: After putting the paper under the cover, enter
the number of copies needed and then press start.
Question: Do you know how to (… use this rice cooker)?
Instruction: Sure, put 3 cups of dried rice in, add 2 cups
of water, and hit the start button.
Question: How do I go about (… baking a cake)?
Instruction: Buy a box of cake mix and follow the instructions on the
back.
It’s likely to happen that when giving instructions the listener may become confused and need to have things repeated. This could also happen in any normal conversation between people- one person will not hear or understand what the other has said. Of course, there are other things that hinder communication besides not hearing someone. Examples include unknown vocabulary words, or idiomatic expressions that the listener does not understand, or the speaker is just talking way too fast for the listener to comprehend. Fortunately there are expressions that can be used to cover these situations as well.
English Expressions- Asking for Repeats
Expression: I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.
Responce: First, fill in this form and take it to window 3.
Expression: Could you repeat that, please?
Response: Certainly, the answer is no.
Expression: What did you say?
Response: I said the answer is the planet Pluto.
Expression: One more time.
Response: What is the chemical symbol for zinc?
Expression: Once more.
Response: I said put the book in the refrigerator.
Expression: Come again.
Response: The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
Expression: Could you run that by me again?
Response: After mixing the ingredients, stir vigorously until well
blended, let it sit for one hour, and then put it in the oven.
Expression: Huh?
Response: Do you have any money?
Expression: Please speak more slowly.
Response: Of course, I’m sorry.
Expression: I’m sorry; I don’t understand the expression (… fill in
this form).
Response: It means to answer all the questions or supply the information
on that piece of paper.
Expression: What does (… ingredient) mean ?
Response: A ingredient is one thing of many that is in a dish or
food. For example, flour is an ingredient in cakes.
Expression: I’m sorry, I don’t know what you mean.
Response: I mean you should be very careful.
Expression: Can you give me an example?
Response: Things like necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.
If someone is in the middle of something, say giving instructions, and you become confused, you may need to interrupt them so they can repeat what they said or make it clearer. Interruptions in a conversation can be made for different reasons, not only to have instructions repeated. For example, you may interrupt someone who is working at a desk and you enter the office to talk to them, or you may interrupt someone who has said something that you disagree with. There are several expressions that can be used to interrupt someone. Look at the examples below.
English Expressions- Interrupting
During a conversation
Expression: Wait a second, (… could you repeat that)?
Response: I said a half past three.
Expression: Excuse me, ( … I didn’t catch that).
Response: I baked an apple pie.
Expression: Now hold on, (… I totally disagree).
Response: You have that right.
Expression: If I may interrupt?
Response: Yes.
While someone is working
Expression: I hate to bother you but ( … could I speak to you for
a minute)?
Response: Yes, what is it?
Expression: Sorry for bothering you.
Response: No problem, what can I do for you?
Expression: Sorry for interrupting, ( …I just need a second).
Response: I’ll be with you in a moment.
Expression: Excuse me, (… but could I have a minute of your time)?
Response: I’m really busy now. How about in 30 minutes in my office?
Dialogue- Giving Instruction
Tommy: Hi David. You look busy? What are you doing?
David: I’m trying to figure out how to make these cookies, but I lost
the instructions that came with the box.
Tommy: Making cookies from a box is easy. Want me to tell you?
David: Yes, these have to be done in an hour.
Tommy: Okay, first, pour the cookie mix from that bag into a large bowl.
David: Is this bowl big enough?
Tommy: No, you need a bigger one. You’re going to be adding more
ingredients. Use that one.
David: Okay, now what?
Tommy: Next, add two eggs and a cup of milk to the bowl and beat until
very creamy, with no lumps.
David: Won’t the egg shells be hard to eat?
Tommy: You have to break the eggs first, and just put in the whites
and yolks. You throw the shells away. You’ve never cooked anything,
have you?
David: No, this is my first time. What should I mix it with, a fork or spoon?
Tommy: You could use either, but if I were you, I’d use an electric mixer.
David: You mean this? No wonder mom put it out. That’s done, what next?
Tommy: Now, grease the cookie sheet with butter. Then put one
tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie on the cookie sheet. You should
space the dough evenly around the cookie sheet, leaving at least an
inch between each cookie.
David: Got it. Now they go in the oven, right?
Tommy: Yes.
David: Okay, they’re in. How long will it take before they’re done?
Tommy: The way you did it, forever. You didn’t turn the oven on.
David: Oh yea, I forgot. What temperature and for how long?
Tommy: Cook them at 3250 and for about 35 minutes.
Conversation Activities- Giving Instruction
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you gave instructions to someone? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more information.
when was it
what were the instructions for
did the listener understand you
did the listener follow the instructions correctly
was it difficult
2. Pair work- practice
Work with a partner and give instructions on how to do or make the
following items. Be sure to use sequence markers in your
instructions and to use complete sentences. Also try out some of
the expressions for asking for repeats listed on the previous
page, even if you don’t need them.
Making an omelet Change oil in a car
Video taping a movie on TV Playing Tic Tac Toe
Saving a file on a computer Setting an alarm clock
Use a washing machine Getting a visa to a foreign country
Using a camera
Converting Fahrenheit degrees to Centigrade
(Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, then multiply by 5/9)
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