How to Give Instructions and Directions Revision Notes

What are Instructions?

Instructions are clear, step-by-step guidelines given to someone to perform a task or activity correctly. Effective instructions ensure the recipient understands and executes the task as intended.

How to Give Instructions:

Get the Recipient’s Attention:

1. Clear your throat politely to signal the start.

Call the person by their name, e.g., “John, please listen.”
Gently knock on a table or use a gesture to draw attention.

Ensure the environment is quiet to avoid distractions.

2. Break Down Instructions:

Present instructions in a logical, step-by-step manner.
Use point form or numbered steps for clarity, e.g., 
Step 1: Wash your hands.
Step 2: Boil 2 cups of water.

3. Start with Action Verbs:

Begin each instruction with a clear verb to indicate action, e.g., “Boil,” “Cut,” “Write,” “Mix.”
Example: “Cook 1 kg of rice in 2 liters of water.”

4. Use Simple and Clear Language:

Avoid complex words or jargon.
Use short sentences, e.g., “Add salt to the boiling water.”

5. Be Audible:

Speak loudly and clearly to ensure the recipient hears you.
Adjust your volume based on the environment (e.g., louder in a noisy place).

6. Maintain Eye Contact:

Look at the recipient to engage them and confirm they are following.
Avoid staring; keep eye contact natural and friendly.

7. Confirm Understanding:

Ask the recipient to repeat the instructions in their own words.
Example: “Can you tell me what I just asked you to do?”

8.Clarify any misunderstandings immediately.

Use Visual Aids (if applicable):
For complex tasks, provide diagrams, charts, or written steps.
Example: Show a recipe card while explaining how to bake a cake.

Giving Directions

Directions are guidelines provided to help someone navigate from one location to another. Effective directions are precise, easy to follow, and considerate of the recipient’s familiarity with the area.

How to Give Directions:

1. Minimize Turns:

Provide a route with as few turns as possible to avoid confusion.
Example: “Go straight along the main road until you see the market.”

2. Indicate Turns Clearly:

Use compass directions (north, south, east, west) if known, e.g., “Turn east at the junction.”
Alternatively, use “left” or “right,” e.g., “Turn right at the church.”
Be consistent with terminology to avoid confusion.

3. Mention Landmarks:
Highlight noticeable features like buildings, billboards, trees, or statues.
Example: “When you see the large billboard for Elgon View Estate, turn left.”

4. Specify Distance:

Give approximate distances in meters, kilometers, or steps.
Example: “Walk about 200 meters from the school gate to the church”

5. Specify Time:

Estimate the time it takes to travel the distance by walking, biking, or driving.
Example: “It will take about 10 minutes to walk from the market to the police station.”

6. Warn of Confusing Points:

Highlight areas where the recipient might get lost, such as similar-looking paths.
Example: “You'll see two tall buildings; ours is the one with a red flag on the balcony.”

7. Provide a Drop-Dead Endpoint:
Mention a point that indicates the recipient has gone too far.
Example: “If you get to the kiosk with the Safaricom sign, you’ve gone too far; our gate is just before it, next to the mango tree.”

8. Confirm Understanding:
Ask the recipient to repeat the directions in their own words.
Correct any errors and clarify unclear points.

9. Use Visual Aids (if possible):

Draw a simple sketch map showing key landmarks, turns, and the destination.
Example: Sketch a line for the main road, a box for the police station, and an arrow for the turn.

Exam Tips for students 

Language Use: Use polite and formal language when giving instructions or directions, as expected in KCSE functional writing tasks. Example: “Kindly follow these steps” or “Please proceed as follows.”

Clarity and Brevity: Avoid unnecessary details. Stick to essential information to score high marks.

Context Awareness: Tailor instructions or directions to the recipient’s knowledge level (e.g., a newcomer needs more landmarks than a local).

Practice Application: Be ready to apply these skills in oral skills (Paper 2) or functional writing (Paper 3) questions, such as giving directions in a dialogue or writing instructions for a process.

Sample KCSE 2015 Question and Answer 

Question: 

On your way home from school, you meet a lady who tells you that she is new in the neighbourhood. She requests you to give her direction to the nearest police station. How would you ensure that the direction you give enables her to reach her destination? (6 marks)

Answer:

To ensure the lady reaches the nearest police station, I would use clear and simple directions tailored to her unfamiliarity with the area. 

First, I would get her attention by saying, “Excuse me, madam, please listen carefully.” 

Then, I would give the directions step-by-step: “Walk straight along this main road for about 300 meters until you see a large supermarket on your right. Turn right at the supermarket and walk 100 meters; the police station is the building with a blue roof next to a tall mango tree.” 

I would minimize turns to avoid confusion and mention landmarks like the supermarket and mango tree, which are easy to spot. I would estimate the time, saying, “It will take about 5 minutes to walk.” 

To prevent mistakes, I would warn her, “If you see a petrol station, you’ve gone too far; the police station is before it.”

I would ask her to repeat the directions to confirm understanding, correcting any errors.

If possible, I would draw a quick sketch showing the main road, supermarket, and police station. This approach ensures clarity and helps her reach the police station easily.

Notes for KCSE Exam Preparation

Marking Points: In KCSE, marks are awarded for clarity, logical sequence, use of landmarks, politeness, and confirmation of understanding. Ensure all points are covered concisely.

Practice Questions:

1. Give instructions on how to prepare a simple meal (e.g., ugali and sukuma wiki).

2. Direct a friend from your school to the nearest market.

3. Explain how to operate a basic device, like a radio, to a beginner.

Exam Revision Tip: Memorize the key steps for both instructions and directions, and practice applying them in written and oral formats.

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