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 (124 votes)

Submitted by the algerian. on Thu, 09/07/2026 - 09:39

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The last time I gave someone instructions was almost a week ago. I taught him how to do his first pull-up, he listened to me carefully, and he was able to do his first pull-up perfectly in just three days.

Submitted by mariam1127 on Wed, 24/06/2026 - 00:52

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TheVideoDidn’t WorkWith me I don’t know why

Hello mariam1127,

I'm sorry to hear you're having problems with the videos. I've checked the page and it seems to be working correctly so it may be an issue with either your system (your security settings, particularly if you use a firewall) or it may be that your network provider blocks multimedia from certain sites.

You can also find our videos on YouTube. If you do a search for 'british council learn english a2 giving instructions' then you'll find the video there:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLvGYEjutWo

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

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Submitted by Paulo51 on Fri, 19/06/2026 - 14:21

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Icostume give instructions in english everyday, because I´m Teacher in English. So, this is normal for me.

Submitted by soeminthan on Mon, 15/06/2026 - 05:43

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Task 2 doesn't seem to work.

Thank you so much for letting us learn to English.

Hello soeminthan,

I've checked the task and it seems to be working correctly. To move the items you need to first click on the item and then click where you want it to go, not click, hold and drag - perhaps this is the issue. If you click on an empty space the item will appear there. If you click on an already occupied space then the new item will replace the older one.

I hope that helps.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by moaad04 on Mon, 18/05/2026 - 12:18

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Honestly i did not give instructions in English before because i live in an Arabian country and do not know people who talk in English, but i will try find people who also learning English and make conversations with them to improve our speaking skills and making learning journey more enjoyable 

Submitted by Maryam-english on Tue, 12/05/2026 - 15:54

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Yesterday I gave instruction to my coworker about autoclave machine. she was happy and said me" That seems clear"