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Find out what to do in this quiz if there is a fire.

Writing Instructions

Write clear instructions using bossy verbs, exact measurements, and numbered steps readers can follow the first time.

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Fascinating Fact:

Say Bake for 15 minutes at 180°C, not Bake until ready. Give quantities, timings, temperatures, and sizes.

In 11 Plus English, instruction writing tells someone exactly what to do and in what order. Use imperative verbs, precise measurements, and logical steps so success is repeatable.

Key Terms

Imperative verb: A command word that tells the reader what to do, for example mix, stir, measure.
Sequence words: Organisers that guide order, such as first, next, then, finally.
Precision: Exact details like time, temperature, size, or quantity that remove guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is an instruction text in 11 Plus English?

An instruction text is a step-by-step guide that uses imperative verbs and precise details so the reader can complete a task safely and correctly.

Should I use bullet points or numbers for instructions?

Use numbered steps for actions that must be done in order. Bullets are fine for unordered lists like equipment or ingredients.

How can I make my instructions more precise?

State exact amounts and timings, include temperatures and sizes, and avoid vague words like “some”, “a bit”, or “until ready”.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
The left handle has to be turned to the right, and then the right handle has to be turned to the left.

Turn the handles left and right

Turn the left handle to the right, then turn the right handle to the left

Turn both handles in the opposite directions

Turn the left handle to the left, then turn the right handle to the right

Use the imperative mood: the verb used in the instruction is 'turn'

2 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
The water has to be boiled before you add the sugar.

Boil the sugar before you add the water

Boil water and sugar

Put the sugar in the water and boil it

Boil the water first, then add the sugar

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'boil' and 'add'

3 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
Having pressed the blue button, you have to enter the code, and then press the red button.

Press the blue and red buttons and enter the code

Enter the code, then press the red button, and finally press the blue button

Press the blue button, then enter the code. Finally, press the red button

Press the red button, then enter the code. Finally, press the blue button

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'press' and 'enter'

4 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
You have got to go either to the baker's or to the butcher's first. You might decide to go the butcher's first, in that case you'll have to go to the barber's afterwards. If you decide to go to the baker's first, then you'll have to go the builder's afterwards.

First go either to the baker's or to the butcher's. If you go to the butcher's first, then go to the barber's. If you go to the baker's first, then go to the builder's

First go either to the baker's or to the butcher's. If you go to the baker's first, then go to the barber's. If you go to the butcher's first, then go to the builder's

First go either to the builder's or to the barber's. If you go to the builder's first, then go to the butcher's. If you go to the barber's first, then go to the baker's

Go to the baker's or the butcher's, then go to the barber's or the builder's

Use the imperative mood: the verb used in the instruction is 'go'

5 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
You'll have to clean the wound first, then put on the bandage.

Put on the bandage, then clean the wound

Bandage clean the wound

Clean the wound, then put on the bandage

Clean the wounded bandage

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'clean' and 'put'

6 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
You'll have to unscrew the lid, then slide it to the left. You mustn't slide it beyond the red mark.

Slide the lid beyond the red mark

Unscrew the lid, then slide it to the left. Slide the lid beyond the red mark

Unscrew the lid, then slide it to the left. Do not slide the lid beyond the red mark

Unscrew the lid, then slide it to the left

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'unscrew' and 'slid'

7 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
If there's a fire, you'll have to leave the building and phone the fire brigade.

If there's a fire, leave the building and phone the fire brigade

Leave the building and phone the fire brigade

If there's a fire brigade, leave the building and phone the fire

Leave the building and the fire

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'leave' and 'phone'

8 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
You mustn't tell anyone, and you mustn't write anything about this meeting.

Don't tell anyone and don't write anything

Don't tell anyone and don't write anything about this meeting

Don't speak or write

This meeting must not be speak or write

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'tell' and 'write'

9 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
If you haven't checked all the doors and windows, do that first. You'll also have to inform the duty officer after that, but before you do that - return the keys.

Check all the doors and windows, then return the keys. Finally, inform the duty officer

Check all the doors and windows, then inform the duty officer. Finally, return the keys

Check all the doors and windows, and keys. Finally, inform the duty officer

Check all the doors and windows, then inform the duty officer about the keys

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'check', 'return' and 'inform'

10 .

In the given situation, which one of the instructions is correct?
You should slowly pour the liquid into the beaker and at the same time you should stir it.

Pour the liquid into the beaker and at the same time stir it slowly

Pour the liquid into the beaker and at the same time stir it

Pour the liquid slowly into the beaker, then stir it

Pour the liquid slowly into the beaker and at the same time stir it

Use the imperative mood: the verbs used in the instructions are 'pour' and 'stir'

Author: Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)