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: 4.1 (59 votes)

Hello phyuhan,

The video is working for me at the moment. If you can't see it, I would suggest you try using a different web browser or, if possible, a different device. You could also try updating the browser you are using.

If none of this works, please let us know what version your web browser is.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Carlos Cabrera on Wed, 18/11/2020 - 04:18

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I never give instructions in English. But, I like to do that.

Submitted by Sana Omar on Tue, 17/11/2020 - 09:25

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Unfortunately, I don't give instruction in English. but I do that always in my language.

Submitted by O'Prata on Thu, 05/11/2020 - 07:36

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Well, I don't have a coffee machine, so I just use a coffee pot.

Submitted by June Pann Phyu on Fri, 23/10/2020 - 20:08

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I don't remember giving instruction in English.

Submitted by alexiaimogen on Fri, 23/10/2020 - 06:56

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I think it's about 6 days ago there was an English group discussion. As a moderator, I give them the instruction and the rules about the event.

Submitted by Ye Min Oo on Wed, 21/10/2020 - 13:23

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I gave instructions to my friend yesterday. He wanted to join one online course developed by British Council. I said like the followinfs. First, you have to switch your internet on. Then, you click on Browser icon. Next, you type the website on search bar.Finally, you can join any course from the world experts.

Submitted by Nway on Thu, 15/10/2020 - 05:43

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I gave instruction to someone and i said that like that and like that......hehehe now i knew how to give instruction to someone. You have to put the correct amount of coffee here and then you just press it with this. You fit it with machine and just press the button. After that you will get a delicious coffee. Thanks.

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 :)