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If you are asked to write instructions to make a cup of tea, you might start by saying "Pour fresh cold water into a kettle; heat the water."

Writing Instructions 01

Great instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow. Practise using imperatives, bullet points, and time order so anyone can complete the task safely and correctly.

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Fascinating Fact:

Test your instructions, ask someone to follow them, fix any point where they pause for more than 5 seconds.

In KS3 English, writing instructions means giving step by step guidance that someone can follow first time. Use clear imperative verbs, sequence words, precise measurements or timings, and include any essential safety notes.

Key Terms

Imperative verb: The command form that tells the reader what to do, for example stir, press, turn.
Sequence word: A time linker that orders steps, for example first, next, then, finally.
Audience: The people who will use your instructions, which affects level of detail and vocabulary choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do you write effective instructions at KS3?

Start with the goal, list equipment, then give numbered steps with imperative verbs and sequence words. Use short sentences, precise measures, and add safety or troubleshooting tips.

What are imperative verbs and why are they used in instructions?

Imperative verbs are command words such as mix, tighten, or click. They make steps direct and easy to follow without extra wording like you should or you need to.

Should instructions use bullet points or paragraphs?

Numbered lists work best for step by step tasks. Use brief paragraphs only for notes, warnings, or explanations that support the steps.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What shall I do first?

Boil the kettle

Pour fresh cold water into a kettle; heat the water

Pour hot water into a kettle

Pour some cold water

The first stage is to fill the kettle

2 .

What shall I do next?

Find some items

Find tea, teapot, cups, spoons, milk and sugar

Heat the water

Pour some more fresh cold water

Rather than instructing someone to find "items", it is important to list those items

3 .

I have found everything. What next?

Drink the tea

Drink the water

Wander off while you wait for the water to boil

Warm the teapot using hot water

Warming the teapot is an important stage!

4 .

I've done that. What now?

Put milk in the tea pot

Put sugar in the tea pot

Put two tea bags or two spoonfuls of tea in the tea pot

Put water in the tea pot

Instructions need to be specific so that the reader may follow them

5 .

I've put tea in the pot, now what?

Add milk

Pour on boiling water, stir and leave to stand for 3 minutes

Pour on cold water, stir and leave to stand for 3 minutes

Stir it

Instructions also need to be accurate. Cold water wouldn't make good tea!

6 .

Is it ready now?

Nearly ready. Add milk

Nearly ready. Give the tea a final stir

No. Wait for another 5 minutes

Yes. Drink it

Some people like VERY strong tea and might choose to wait another five minutes!

7 .

Shall I pour it out now?

No. Wait for another 5 minutes

Not yet

Pour (or strain) the tea carefully into the cups

Yes. Drink the tea

Adverbs like "carefully" are useful in instructions

8 .

Do I need to add anything to the tea?

Nothing. The tea is ready

Add milk if you know that your visitors drink white tea

Coffee perhaps

You could add some cake

Add milk if you know that your visitors drink white tea. "You could add some cake" would be an acceptable instruction if you were aiming for informality or humour

9 .

What about sugar?

Add sugar or provide it in a bowl; provide a spoon

I don't know where to find the sugar

Isn't the tea already sweetened

We don’t have any sugar

Instructions begin with imperative verbs such as "add" and "provide"

10 .

And now?

Ask your visitors to make their own tea

Ask your visitors to serve you the tea

Have a rest and talk to your visitors

Serve the tea to your visitors; drink when cool enough

"Serve" and "drink" are imperative verbs. "Have a rest and talk to your visitors" would be acceptable if you were aiming for a light or humorous tone in your instructions

Author: Sue Daish (English Teacher, Principal Examiner & Published Author)