Giving and Checking Simple Instructions
1. Warm-up discussion
Discuss these questions:
- How often do you give instructions to others (e.g., friends, family, colleagues)?
- Do you find it easy or difficult to follow instructions? Why?
- What makes instructions clear or unclear in your opinion?
2. Key Vocabulary: Understanding Instructions
Drag the terms from the word bank to match them with their correct definitions.
3. Listening: Following simple instructions
Listen to the audio and fill in the gaps with the exact words you hear.
, open the book to page ten.
Got it? Page ten. , read the first paragraph.
Is that clear? After that, write down three new words. Did you understand ?
4. Grammar Focus: Imperatives and Sequence Adverbs
When we give simple instructions, we often use imperative verbs. This means we use the base form of the verb without a subject.
Example: Open the book. Listen carefully. Don't touch that.
We also use sequence adverbs to order our instructions. Common adverbs are: First, Next, After that, Then, Finally.
Example: First, open the box. Next, take out the parts. Finally, put it together.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct sequence adverb
1. ______, mix the flour and sugar in a bowl.
2. Stir well for two minutes. ______, add the eggs one by one.
3. Put the cake in the oven. ______, let it cool completely before eating.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the instructions using sequence adverbs (First, Next, After that, Finally)
(Rewrite)
2. Go to the supermarket. Buy some milk. Pay at the checkout.
(Rewrite)
5. Reading and Instructions: How to Make a Simple Paper Boat
Read the blog article about making a paper boat and fill in the missing sequence words.
Fun with Paper: Make Your Own Paper Boat!
Hello everyone! Do you want to try a fun and easy activity? Today, I will show you how to make a simple paper boat. It’s perfect for kids and adults!
What you need:
- One rectangular piece of paper (like A4 or letter size)
Let's start!
- , take your paper and fold it in half lengthwise. Make sure the edges meet perfectly.
- , fold it in half again, widthwise. Then, open it back up. You will see a crease in the middle.
- , take the top two corners and fold them down to meet the center crease. It should look like a triangle on top of a rectangle.
- , take the bottom flap of the rectangle and fold it up over the triangles on both sides. Turn the paper over and do the same with the other flap.
- Now, open the middle of the paper and bring the corners together to form a square.
- , fold the bottom corners of this square up to the top corner, creating a smaller triangle. Repeat on the other side.
- , gently pull the sides of the triangle apart from the middle. Open it carefully, and you will see your paper boat!
Have fun playing with your new boat!
6. Practical Phrases: Giving and Checking Instructions
Giving Instructions:
- First, you need to...
- Next, ...
- After that, ...
- Then, ...
- Finally, ...
- The first step is to...
- Make sure you...
Checking Understanding:
- Got it?
- Is that clear?
- Do you understand?
- Did you get that?
- Do you have any questions?
- Let me know if you need help.
7. Speaking Practice: Let's give some instructions!
Work with a partner. Take turns giving and checking instructions for these simple tasks:
- How to make a cup of tea or coffee.
- How to get to your school/work from a specific point.
- How to use a common app on your phone (e.g., camera, calculator).
Remember to use:
- Imperative verbs (e.g., "Open the app," "Press this button").
- Sequence adverbs (First, Next, After that, Finally).
- Phrases for checking understanding (Got it? Is that clear? Do you understand?).