Giving instructions: using the imperative mood

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for A1 learners explores Giving instructions: using the imperative mood through a real article. Across 8 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: The imperative mood with examples and practice
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness

Lesson activities (8 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
5. Grammar — Study The imperative mood — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
7. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• Listen carefully — to pay close attention with your ears
• Pick up — to take something from a surface, like a floor or a table
• Put down — to place something you are holding onto a surface
• Be careful — to do something with care to avoid problems or danger
• Wait a minute — to stop what you are doing for a short time

Grammar

This lesson focuses on The imperative mood.

We use the imperative to give instructions, commands, and directions. To make the imperative, we use the base form of the verb. We do not use a subject like 'you' or 'they'.

Examples from the lesson:

• Open the window. — This is a simple instruction. We use the base verb 'open'.
• Don't close the door. — For a negative instruction, we use 'Don't' + the base verb.
• Please write your name here. — Add 'please' at the beginning or end to make the instruction more polite.

Key rules:

• Use the base form of the verb (e.g., go, stop, look).
• For negative commands, use 'Don't' before the verb.
• Do not add a subject (like 'you'). Say 'Listen', not 'You listen'.