1. Giving instructions
Edward Evans
BKC-IH Moscow

2. “So, what I’d like you to do next is
I’m going to give out a text about tips about making decisions
and it’s got gaps in it.
No, don’t start yet!
Later, you’re going to add your own advice. But first,
you’ve got to put one of the words you can find in the box at
the top of the page into the gaps in the text,
like this: “BLANK a list of the positive…” so, look up here and
choose the correct word, which is ‘Make’.
Do you understand?
What do you mean you weren’t listening?!”
What can go wrong?
New English file Pre-Int p69
• Be brief
• Don’t say obvious information
• Explain first before handing out
• Be logical, giving information only when relevant.
• Demonstrate, don’t explain
• Ask instruction-checking questions (ICQ’s)
• Make sure everyone is paying attention before you start.

3. Fill in the gaps using words from the box.
The ‘right’ way to do it
New English file Pre-Int p69
InstructionInstruction
ICQ’sICQ’s
Are you going to think of words yourself?
(No.)
Are you going to use the words in the box?
(Yes.)
Are you going to go on to the next exercise?
(No.)
ExampleExample

4. A simpler way?
New English file Pre-Int p69
“What are you
going to do?”

5. • Don’t neglect the basics of giving
instructions.
• Elicit instructions where possible.
Summary
Harmer, J. (2001). How to Teach English, Harlow, UK: Longman. p4.
Scrivener, J. (2011). Learning Teaching, Oxford: Macmillan. p65.
BibliographyBibliography

6. Giving instructions
Edward Evans
BKC-IH Moscow
eevans@bkc.rueevans@bkc.ru

7. Giving instructions
Edward Evans
BKC-IH Moscow
eevans@bkc.rueevans@bkc.ru