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)

Submitted by Moon Wathan on Wed, 14/10/2020 - 15:49

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I always give the instruction to my pupils in my classroom. The last time I give the instruction is this morning when we are teaching online class because class teacher connection is not good and she goes offline.

Submitted by habibao.medo on Sat, 10/10/2020 - 09:08

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i don't remember giving instruction in english at my life maybe because i live in middle east :)

Submitted by Pola on Wed, 07/10/2020 - 19:09

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It's lately gave to me some instructions from British council , it was at that time the diagnostic speaking test by IELTS counselor, next she's tested me for all things in the English language, then I finished the exam, after that in the ending of speaking test she's told me for about my score and assessment.

Submitted by Shiv on Wed, 07/10/2020 - 18:14

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I am new here and i have started to learn English from your website learnenglish.britishcouncil. it is really very nice cool people in video. I am very thankful to your team.who are putting their efforts.thank you so much

Submitted by erwindedi on Mon, 05/10/2020 - 03:54

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everybody, can you help me to download the video in this marvelous site?

Hi erwindedi,

I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid these videos are not available for download.

All of the audio on our site, however, can be downloaded, so if you find any that could be useful (see our Listening section), please feel free to do so.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Thanks a bunch for the great advice. I'll try it

Submitted by Ugulhan on Tue, 22/09/2020 - 08:04

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When I was in South Germany, during my work in Stuttgart, I met a woman who was from Canada and she asked me how to come to the main station? Then I tried to give her directions to the main station in English.

Submitted by Lena on Thu, 17/09/2020 - 12:38

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I've never had a chance to give instructions in English:(