How Things Work

Giving instructions and explaining step by step

Quick Chat

Think about these questions — no right or wrong answers.

Speak
Are you good at explaining things? Or do people usually say "Wait — what?"
Speak
What's something you know how to do really well? How would you start explaining it to someone?

How do you give instructions?

Look at these two explanations. Which one is easier to follow?

Version A: "So you put the stuff in and then you do the thing and then it goes and you wait and then it's done."

Hard to follow! No clear steps, no order, vague words ("stuff", "the thing").

Version B: "First, you need to add the ingredients. Then, mix everything together. After that, put it in the oven. Finally, wait 30 minutes."

Much clearer! Each step is separate. Sequencing words show the order. Specific verbs (add, mix, put, wait).

Today: building the grammar and vocabulary you need to explain any process clearly.

Giving Instructions

When you explain how to do something, you're giving instructions. English uses a special verb form for this.

The Imperative

Use the base verb — no "you", no "to", just the action:

Add the sugar. → Mix it well. → Wait ten minutes. → Don't forget the salt.

No subject needed. Just the verb. For negatives: Don't + verb.

How is "Mix it well" different from "You mix it well"?

"Mix it well" = an instruction (imperative). You're telling someone what to do.

"You mix it well" = a description of what someone does (present simple).

Instructions drop the "you" — they're direct and clear.

"You need to..." / "You have to..."

For steps that are essential — things you can't skip:

You need to preheat the oven first.

You have to wait until it boils.

You don't need to add salt — it's optional.

need to / have to + base verb. Use these when the step is important or required.

"Make sure you..." / "Be careful not to..."

For warnings and important tips:

Make sure you save the file before closing.

Be careful not to burn the butter.

Don't forget to turn it off afterwards.

These add helpful advice inside your instructions.

Try it
Give three instructions for making a cup of coffee. Use an imperative, a "you need to", and a "make sure you".

Word Power

Tap each word to see the meaning. Try to guess first!

Sequencing Words

First / First of all
The beginning step
Then / Next
The following step
After that
When the previous step is done
Once you've done that
When a step is complete (slightly more advanced)
Finally / Lastly
The very last step

Instruction Verbs (Cooking)

chop
cut into small pieces with a knife
stir
move a spoon round and round in a liquid or mixture
pour
make a liquid flow from one container to another
boil
heat water until it bubbles (100°C)
preheat
turn on the oven and let it reach the right temperature before using it

Instruction Verbs (Technology)

click on
press a button or link with your mouse / finger
scroll down
move the page down to see more
type in
write something using a keyboard
select
choose an option from a list or menu
attach
add a file to an email or message

Instruction Verbs (General)

plug in
connect something to electricity
turn on / off
start or stop a machine or device
press
push a button
hold
keep something in your hand / keep a button pressed
adjust
change something slightly to make it right
Challenge
Close all the cards. How many of the 15 instruction verbs can you remember? Say each one in a sentence.

The Instruction Game

You have 90 seconds per round to explain a process. Use sequencing words, imperatives, and "you need to" — make it crystal clear!

1:30
Round 1
Explain how to make your favourite simple meal

Think about a dish you actually cook. Explain it step by step as if talking to someone who has never cooked before.

Must include: at least 4 sequencing words + 2 cooking verbs from Word Power

Round 2
Explain how to send a photo on a messaging app

Imagine you're explaining to someone who has never used a smartphone. Every step matters — don't skip anything!

Must include: at least 3 tech verbs + "make sure you..."

Round 3
Explain a process from your job or daily life

How do you do something at work? Or explain your morning routine from alarm to leaving the house.

Must include: "you need to..." + "don't forget to..." + "after that..."

Round 4 — The Hard One
Explain how to get from the nearest train station to your home

Give clear walking/bus/driving directions. Include landmarks, turns, and distances.

Must include: "first..." + "then..." + "be careful not to..." + at least 5 steps

Recall Zone

From Lesson 16: Fillers & Hesitation
What are three phrases you can use to buy thinking time?

"Well, let me think..." / "That's a good question..." / "How can I put this..."

These are useful at the START of an explanation too: "OK so let me think... right, first you need to..."

From Lesson 11: Cause & Effect
How do you show that one thing causes another? Give two phrases.

"...because..." / "...so..." / "This means..." / "That's why..."

In instructions, use these to explain WHY a step matters: "Make sure you stir it, because otherwise it burns."

From Lesson 4: Telling Stories
What sequencing words did you learn for stories? How are they different from instruction sequencing?

Stories: "So... → First... → Then... → Suddenly... → In the end..."

Instructions: "First... → Then... → After that... → Finally..."

Similar, but instructions don't use "suddenly" — steps are predictable, not surprising!

What did you learn?

Final challenge
Without looking at the lesson — explain how to make a cup of tea in at least 5 steps. Use imperatives, "you need to", sequencing words, and one warning.

Which part of giving instructions do you find easiest? Which is hardest?

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