📖 Introduction
Imagine that a visitor asks you how to get to the library, or your younger sibling asks you how to make a sandwich. How would you explain the steps clearly?
Every day, we give instructions, directions and requests. The words we choose can make it easy—or difficult—for others to understand us. Speaking politely also shows respect and kindness.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to give clear instructions, explain directions and make polite requests with confidence.
🎯 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- give clear instructions in the correct order.
- explain directions using appropriate words.
- make polite requests using respectful language.
- communicate clearly and confidently in everyday situations.
💡 Let’s Explore
What Are Instructions?
Instructions are step-by-step directions that tell someone how to do something.
Good instructions should be:
- clear,
- simple,
- organised,
- easy to follow.
Example
How to Water a Plant
- Fill a watering can with clean water.
- Pour the water gently onto the soil.
- Do not pour water on the leaves.
- Return the watering can after use.
The steps are arranged in the correct order, making them easy to follow.
What Are Directions?
Directions tell someone how to get from one place to another.
Useful direction words include:
- left
- right
- straight ahead
- opposite
- beside
- behind
- between
- next to
- across from
Example
“Walk straight ahead, turn left at the traffic lights, then the museum is next to the post office.”
Giving clear directions helps people reach the correct place safely.
What Are Polite Requests?
A request is a polite way of asking someone to do something.
Instead of giving an order, we use respectful words.
Polite Expressions
- Please…
- Could you…?
- Would you please…?
- May I…?
- Would you mind…?
Examples
✔ Could you please close the window?
✔ May I borrow your dictionary, please?
✔ Would you please help me carry these books?
Polite requests make conversations friendly and respectful.
🌟 Example
Ella is helping a new learner find the school library.
She says,
“Walk straight ahead until you reach the playground. Turn right and continue past the science laboratory. The library is the second building on your left.”
Ella gives clear directions using simple words.
🌍 Real-Life Example
During a camping trip, Mr. Hassan showed the group how to set up a tent.
He explained each step slowly and answered questions before moving to the next step.
Because everyone followed the instructions carefully, the tents were set up correctly.
This shows that clear instructions help people complete tasks successfully.
💡 Tips for Good Communication
✔ Give one step at a time.
✔ Use direction words correctly.
✔ Speak slowly and clearly.
✔ Be polite when asking for help.
✔ Listen carefully before responding.
✨ Quick Tips
🗺️ Use words like left, right and straight ahead when giving directions.
📋 Give instructions in the correct order.
😊 Remember to say please and thank you.
🤝 Politeness makes communication more effective.
🎯 Let’s Practise!
A. Choose the Correct Answer
1. What are instructions?
A. Stories about real life.
B. Questions that test knowledge.
C. Step-by-step directions for completing a task.
D. Poems with rhyming words.
2. Which expression is the most polite request?
A. Give me your ruler.
B. Pass the ruler now.
C. I want your ruler.
D. Could you please lend me your ruler?
3. Which word is commonly used when giving directions?
A. Yesterday
B. Straight ahead
C. Carefully
D. Happily
B. True or False
4. Good instructions should be given in the correct order.
5. It is polite to give commands without saying “please” when asking for help.
C. Short Answer
6. What is the difference between instructions and directions?
7. Write four polite expressions that can be used when making requests.
8. Imagine a visitor asks you how to get from your classroom to the school library. Write four to five clear sentences giving directions.
Answers: 1 C 2 D 3 B 4 T 5 F