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DEFINITION
What is instruction?

Instructions are directions, orders, or recommended rules for

guidance, use, etc.

It can also refer to a manual that usually accompanying a technical

device and explaining how to install or operate it.
Example: book of instructions, instruction manual, operating
instructions manual - a small handbook. Instruction can be given
verbally and through reading the manuals.

INSTRUCTIONS
For example, we may give instructions on:

how to play a game of petanque

how to make a paper flower

how to operate a remote car

how to prepare fried rice

how to make paper doves

INSTRUCTIONS
Most of the instructions involve a number of steps or stages
which must be in sequence.
A simple method of describing the steps in a process or
sequence of events is as follows:

INSTRUCTIONS..
We could also describe the arrangement as a serial ordering
or a numerical ordering of the steps in the process.

SEQUENCE CONNECTORS/LINKERS
The sequence of steps in the process is indicated
by linkers / connectors / discourse markers such
as: First, next, after that, during, while, once, by
the time, meanwhile, etc.
Example:
First,
buyto
a sturdy,
narrow
bookshelf. Next turn it
How
do a D.I.Y
Bench
on the side. The side on the floor will eventually
become the top or seat of the bench. Then attach
feet at the corners of the bench. Turn the shelf so
that it sits on its new feet. After that, make a
custom cushion or buy relatively flat, square
cushions to go on top of the bench. Finally, glue
strips of velcro to the top of the bench and then
attach the other side of the velcro to the underside
of your pillows.

Look at the label of a glue gun. Read the instructions

then discuss the following with a partner.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

How to Use a Glue Gun

Inspect the glue gun for cracks in the
handle and body
Take the plug and insert it into an
electrical outlet or wall socket.
Place the glue gun on a secure
surface such as a table
Insert glue stick into the back of the
glue gun
Once the glue gun has been plugged
in for a few minutes, gently squeeze
the trigger to see if the glue is hot
enough to flow out of the nozzle.
Now it's time to try

DISCUSS
1. Have you ever used a glue gun?
2. Do you think the instructions were clear? Explain the
process again to your partner.
3. Now, think about one simple process that you have done
before. (it can be how to draw a rose, how to apply
polyutherane and others).
4. Explain to your partner the process that you chose
First, I ..
Then, I

IMPERATIVE

WHAT IS IMPERATIVE?
Imperative is form of a verb which is
usually used in giving orders or
instructions.

TAKE A LOOK AT THESE SENTENCES:

Take two tablets every evening.
Give me the details.
Stand up straight.

The above sentences are imperative sentences.

An imperative sentence has an understood subject (you),
and the verb e.g. take, give is in the simple form.

An imperative sentence can be used to give instructions.

USES OF
IMPERATIVE

Give Orders

Come here at once

Take that gum out
of your mouth

Make Invitations

Have some tea.

Its still hot
Come in and sit
down. We are
having dinner

Give Instructions

Take 2 pills every 6

hours
Open your book on
page 32

Give advice

Go home and get

some sleep
Tell me about your
trip to Penang

Give Warnings

Dont smoke. Its

bad for your health
Dont sit on the
bench. Its wet
paint

On signs

Do not smoke here

Do not enter

HOW TO FOLLOW AND WRITE

INSTRUCTIONS?
The imperative is formed by using
the verb (the action word) without to or any noun
pronoun in front of it.
Example:
You need to turn left at the
post office

Turn left at the post office

*This type of instruction doesnt say WHO has to follow it

Examples of instructions written using the imperative.

Sentence
You should not smoke here

Dont smoke here

You must fix this with glue

Fix this with glue

You must not run

You will need 2 cups of sugar

Often
written
as a list

Imperative instruction

Not
written in
full
sentence

Dont run
Use 2 cups of sugar
Should
never be
used when
writing
formally

May
have
bullet
points

TRY THIS!
Which word is correct to complete the sentences?
1. (Presses, Pressed, Press) the red button to stop the machine.
2. (Inserts, Insert, Inserted) plugs into the holes in the wall.
3. (Turn, Turns, Turned) the heated bolt with a spanner.
4. (Drew, Drawn, Draw) a vertical straight line at the middle of the paper.

The exercise you did are called the imperative with the infinitive sentences.

What is infinitive?

It is the basic form of a verb that usually follows 'to'.

As example: to sing

LETS DISCUSS
Look at these signs. What do you think they mean and where
would you see them?