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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Language level

Average: 4.1 (61 votes)

Submitted by Rita25 on Wed, 21/12/2022 - 00:51

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Well! We've set a rule to speak English at home, So I normally give instructions and speak to my 6yr old daughter in English. The result of this reinforcement is tremendously rewarding. She speaks English with clarity and confidence although few grammar mistakes are unavoidable since we're not native speaker and we are still constantly learning!
The point is you'll make mistakes along the way, That's just part of the learning process. So, when you give instructions try to say it English and make it simple. Most Importantly, Don't be afraid to make mistakes!

Submitted by inmedik on Wed, 30/11/2022 - 11:48

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I think to give instruction its very easy if you know how does that work, and if you had the coffee machine like in this video.

Submitted by Fiorela_Sanchez on Fri, 21/10/2022 - 20:58

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I never gave instructions in English. I hope can do it soon.

Submitted by farhadwahaj on Sat, 27/08/2022 - 07:45

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To be honest, so far I did not instruct people in English. I wish to learn English at that level to instruct people correctly and precisely in English.

Submitted by Ayoub-XxBuoYaxX on Sat, 20/08/2022 - 21:55

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Honestly, I've never ever gave instructions in English, but still sometimes I gave them with my native language

Submitted by jade0 on Tue, 19/07/2022 - 08:57

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I never give instructions in English but I hope do it one day :(

Submitted by zo_fia on Tue, 19/07/2022 - 05:31

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I have never given instructions in English. If I get the chance, I would like to do it.

Submitted by redragons0 on Fri, 27/05/2022 - 12:23

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One day, I gave instruction to a foreigner in Istanbul.I guided her how to reach Sirkeci district while using public transport.

Submitted by amarigh_mustapha on Thu, 12/05/2022 - 09:21

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I never gave instructions in English, but I wish to do to help others, for this, I work hard to learn English.

Submitted by Kamelbenslimane on Tue, 05/04/2022 - 12:03

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The last time I give instructions is during my work. As product manager, I always review tasks for my teams. Firstly I write instructions for the modification, and after I will say it.