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)
Profile picture for user MahmoudAhmed

Submitted by MahmoudAhmed on Fri, 13/09/2024 - 00:23

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when i working in a project with my professors 

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Submitted by zino on Thu, 12/09/2024 - 07:30

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  • I haven't given instructions in English before; however, I do some exercises on the British Council website.
  • In the future, I will give more instructions in English to my students, colleagues, and others.

    Best regards.

Submitted by Rou Kia on Tue, 30/07/2024 - 15:17

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Hello, I'll give you some instructions on how to prepare a healthy ice cream. First, you have to put your fruits one night before in the freezer, and the next day, put the fruits in the blender.  then, mix the fruits very well you can add some honey, nuts, or peanut butter. Finally, transfer the mix to a bowl.

Submitted by sawpaing on Tue, 23/07/2024 - 20:11

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I have never given instructions in English. I just had some conversations in English with my friend two months ago.

Submitted by waajid on Thu, 27/06/2024 - 06:25

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i was in university gave instruction new comer

Submitted by shakilwillbe on Sat, 08/06/2024 - 15:01

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The last time I survived an accident I was in a situation where I was trying to overtake a tricycle by bicycle but the front wheel of my bicycle collided with the rear wheel of the tricycle. I went backwards but regained control and managed to stand on my right leg.

Submitted by ubaid332 on Fri, 17/05/2024 - 07:37

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When was the last time you gave instructions in English?

I instructed my friend on his research model. He did not know how to run the program, so I helped him step-by-step, and he followed me. After that, his program ran successfully. I like this type of English writing practice. Through this method, I have learned more English and am improving my English daily. Thank you to the British Council for arranging this amazing environment.

Submitted by PauloHahn on Tue, 16/04/2024 - 15:58

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Hello. I'm working at the restaurant and I gave instructions every weekend for the tourists. 

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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