Instructions for a colleague

Instructions for a colleague

Learn how to write instructions for a colleague.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Checklist for opening the shop

Start at 8 a.m.

  1. Firstly, when you enter the shop, remember to turn off the alarm.  
    • Do this by holding your key card to the alarm panel. It's behind the door near the light switches.
  2. Open all the blinds and turn on the lights.
  3. Please don't forget to start the coffee machine so your colleagues have fresh coffee for when they arrive.
  4. At 8.15 a.m., watch out for the fresh deliveries at the back door. They usually arrive at that time.
    • Pay attention to the order list and what is actually delivered.
    • Remember not to sign for anything that isn't in the delivery as there are often items missing.
  5. Check the answer phone and shop email account for any new messages.
  6. Leave the heating and the air conditioning alone. They are on an automatic timer. So please, don't go near the control panels.

Finally, you need to finish everything above before 8.45 a.m. and open the shop at 9 a.m. There is a red logbook under the counter. Make sure you sign it for each day when you have completed all points on this checklist. Make a note of any issues.

If you have any problems, call your supervisor or the 24-hour support line number below.

Tips

  1. Use imperative verb forms to give orders and instructions:
    Turn off the alarm / make sure to sign the logbook.
  2. Tell people exactly what you want them to do and when:
    You need to do everything above before 8.45 a.m.
  3. Tell people where things are – they might not know:
    It's near/behind/over/under the …
  4. Give emergency contact information.
  5. Have a sheet for people to sign after they have completed the process, e.g. cleaning a machine or balancing the cash register.

Discussion

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Worksheet97.8 KB

Language level

Average: 5 (2 votes)

Submitted by Moon Wathan on Wed, 21/10/2020 - 16:56

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I need to give instruction to my student to do homework or exercise. After that I always give instruction is to give pay attention to other teacher and listen carefully teacher's instruction.

Submitted by Matt18 on Sun, 04/10/2020 - 11:44

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I am trying to express a broadband setup procedure in this case. Initially, plug in the phone line and electric socket. Then, wait to power light start being green. Next, search the broadband name with your mobile or computer. Make sure enter the right password on it. Finally, check the connection and enjoy it. Remember if you have any issues call the support service in 24 hours open line or contact the by live chat.

Submitted by Ugulhan on Tue, 29/09/2020 - 07:01

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I am so happy because I see the instructions which are related to my job. I am a technical writer and like this vocabulary will help me to improve my facilities in English.
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Submitted by danisep on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 02:22

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Always I need to give instructions to my siblings or parents that need help to fix any bug or issue with their computers or phones, sometimes it is not fun and I just ask myself why don't you look for an answer on youtube?, I'm busy!. but I think that would be rude.

Submitted by shironeiko on Mon, 31/08/2020 - 01:21

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I think I need to give instructions for my student that make sure he is have work done everyday.
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Submitted by shelly on Wed, 26/08/2020 - 03:03

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I want to talk about the procedure of shopping on-line. First you log in the shopping app, find out the stuff you have selected. Second click the "buy" button and it will jump to the pay page, check your delivery address and input your account code. Till now you already bought it and all you need to do is waiting for the courier. Third when the stuff is in your hand, check whether the appearance is good. If everything is fine, please sign your name on the courier receipt. If the appearance is broken, you should refuse to sign it. Fourth open the package and check if the stuff is what you want or whether you like it or not. If you donot like it, you could return it back to the seller through a new courier. This is a comprehensive procedure when you bought on-line, for more information please contact me again or ask the on-line customer service at the right of the shopping page.

Submitted by Venus on Mon, 24/08/2020 - 02:41

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Of course. The instructions are different from day to day. However, when my shift is over, I need to give handover to the employees of next shift.

Submitted by sindhallb on Thu, 20/08/2020 - 18:36

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Instructions should be clear and loud

Submitted by M. B. Jiruka on Thu, 20/08/2020 - 07:46

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Here are very useful and effective ways of giving instructions. ***** (5 stars).

Submitted by Rinaa on Wed, 19/08/2020 - 00:02

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As the biggest sibling, I need to give instructions to my brother and sister in order to keep your house safe and tidy. I remind them to regular their beds, to put their clothes in the wardrobe, to select dirty clothes, to clean dust, and to make tidy their rooms. I want to be sure that they will do their house chores on time and will feed our pets.