Giving instructions

In this video, Vanya helps Emir learn how to use a new coffee machine. Listen to the language Vanya uses to give instructions and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say

Do you know what to say when you give instructions? Listen out for useful language for giving instructions. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Emir: Argh! It's not working. 

Vanya: Are you OK?

Emir: Do you know how to use this machine?

Vanya: Yeah, I'll show you.

Emir: Ah, thanks.

Vanya: OK. First, you have to put the correct amount of coffee in here.

Emir: Aha.

Vanya: Then you press it down with this.

Emir: I see.

Vanya: Right, OK. Next, you put this here and turn it until it's quite tight.

Emir: Right.

Vanya: After that, you just press this button.

Emir: OK, that seems clear.

Vanya: Great! Now it's your turn. 

Emir: Is this OK?

Vanya: Yes, that's right. Now press it down.

Emir: Like this? 

Vanya: Yeah, you're doing well.

Emir: Thanks! What do I do next?

Vanya: Connect it to the machine.

Emir: Is there anything else?

Vanya: That's it. Just press the button.

Vanya: Well?

Emir: Delicious! Thank you.

Vanya: You're welcome. 

 

Ana: Hello again! Oh, I love a good coffee! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for giving instructions? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

First, you have to put the coffee here. 

Then you press it down with this.

I see.

Right, OK. Next, you put this here.

After that, you just press this button.

OK, that seems clear.

Is this OK?

Yes, that's right.

Like this?

You're doing well.

What do I do next?

Is there anything else?

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you give instructions in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Average: 4.2 (45 votes)
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Submitted by FREDY ANDRES C… on Thu, 01/02/2024 - 21:05

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Hello, today I gave instructions at work about activities for today's meetings, they were clear, short and easy to do.

Submitted by bob21 on Tue, 09/01/2024 - 00:19

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I gave instructions to my colleagues every day , and I try always to use simple phrases

Submitted by master370 on Wed, 27/12/2023 - 13:38

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To be honest I have never in my life doing this. It seemed to me very difficult.

Submitted by DzhusAngela on Thu, 14/12/2023 - 11:11

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Hello everyone.I have a little sister and recently I gave instructions her,how use an electric kettle

Submitted by arizonova on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 11:39

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Unfortunately, I haven't given any instructions in English before. But this video file taught me how to make a cup of coffee with this type of coffee machine!

Submitted by Carlos Panjoj on Tue, 31/10/2023 - 00:36

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Well, I have never said any instructions in English, only in Spanish, and the last time was last week, at work.

Submitted by Toan3002 on Sat, 21/10/2023 - 07:51

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Frankly speaking, I don't remember exactly the last time I gave instructions in English.

Submitted by tarekbouzidi on Wed, 18/10/2023 - 22:37

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It was at work. I gave instructions to my new colleague to show him how to use a tool for work.

Submitted by OmarHaddad on Fri, 13/10/2023 - 12:32

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I don't remember the last time I gave advice to someone. However, every day I give myself advice to improve from the previous day. For example, I'm currently learning English, and I need to work hard and practice more to pass the IELTS exam in two weeks. After that, I must set a plan for what I will do next, such as deciding which university I want to attend for a master's degree. So, I need to follow the instructions provided by my teacher to increase my chances of passing the IELTS exam.

Submitted by utland on Sat, 07/10/2023 - 18:23

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Frankly speaking, I can't remember the last time, when I gave instructions to anyone. In the same time, I am not confident I haven't never done that. I think it happens at the permanent basis during our casual life, but we just don't pay attention to that.