Giving Instructions

Before we look more carefully at the process of giving instructions, let’s try a little exercise to see how good we are at following a set of instructions.

Exercise 1: Follow the set of Instructions

Before you start, get a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. You will need them.

Click the exercise button to start the exercise. You have 30 seconds to complete the task.

When you have completed the exercise, click the ‘feedback’ button to see our comments about this exercise. We think you will most probably agree with us!

Making a set of instructions

We have spent a good deal of time in getting to this point! We have looked at how to describe objects; common verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs used in the giving of instructions. We have even looked at some synonyms to the common verbs. Now we have come to the point where we start making our own instructions.

In fact the sentence structure for instructions is rather easy. We use the imperative form of the verb, followed by the object and adverbials.

For example: The instructions for making baked beans on toast might include the following instructions:

ETC...

Our concern now is rather with the orderly structuring of our set of instructions.

There are 3 main points we should consider when making our instructions:

1. The language should be clear, simple and easy to understand
2. All the equipment needed should be stated and if necessary explained
3. The whole process should be explained carefully - don’t leave any stages out because you think they are obvious. They won’t be obvious to everybody!

Then we are only left with the task of putting things in the right order.

Exercise 2: Re-order the list of instructions.

Further Information

For a more detailed look at some of the important points behind the writing of a set of instructions, please refer to the pdf file below.

Click on the pdf icon to get a printer friendly copy of writing instructions