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)
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Submitted by lean on Sun, 07/03/2021 - 09:14

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Hello I have one question Why was it wrong, when I put Ok or ok in the gap in item 3 in Task 3 ? That is correct when I only write OK ?
Profile picture for user Kirk Moore

Submitted by Kirk Moore on Sun, 07/03/2021 - 13:46

In reply to by lean

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Hello lean,

On this page, we have followed the spelling that the Cambridge Dictionary has for 'OK'. It's also possible to write 'ok', but 'Ok' would be strange since it's not at the beginning of the sentence.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by PARIMALA MADIAZHAKAN on Thu, 04/03/2021 - 13:34

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This week I gave instruction to my group mates about upcoming Workshop. I gave them instruction via google meet.

Submitted by Brenda Patrici… on Thu, 25/02/2021 - 14:36

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Two weeks ago, I gave some instructions to my father, I showed him how to use the printer.

Submitted by PALLAVRPATIL202 on Fri, 12/02/2021 - 11:57

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One more good communication video. Step by step, with very general vocabulary shown how to have effective communication. I can surely able to use this while conversing with my daughter while teaching and guiding for craft. Thank you.

Submitted by Sara Kalafat on Fri, 05/02/2021 - 17:49

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when i worked as an interpreter, i gave a lot of instructions for foreign tourists about how to use the treatment products of dead sea

Submitted by kaveh on Sat, 30/01/2021 - 23:24

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Hi, I give instructions to patients every day about how they should take their pills.

Submitted by tenedos on Sat, 30/01/2021 - 14:20

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I think it is easy to give instructions in English.