A2 Listening for Specific Information: Following Step-by-Step Instructions
Welcome! In this lesson, we will practice listening to and understanding step-by-step instructions1. This means following a series of actions in the correct order. This is a very useful skill for things like following a recipe or understanding directions.
1. How to Listen for Sequential Instructions
When you listen to instructions, pay close attention to 'sequence words'. These words tell you the order of the actions. Common sequence words are: First..., Next..., Then..., and Finally...
2. Practice 1: A Simple Recipe3
Let's practice with a simple recipe for making a cup of tea. Listen to the three steps and think about the order.
Instructions:
"Here is how to make tea. First, boil some water. Next, put the tea bag in a cup. Finally, pour the hot water into the cup."
What is the correct order of the actions?
- A) 1. Pour water, 2. Boil water, 3. Put tea bag in cup.
- B) 1. Boil water, 2. Put tea bag in cup, 3. Pour water.
- C) 1. Put tea bag in cup, 2. Pour water, 3. Boil water.
Click to Show Answer
Answer: B). The sequence words "First," "Next," and "Finally" tell you the correct order.
3. Practice 2: Simple Directions4
Imagine you are lost in Siem Reap and you ask for directions to the market. Listen to the two steps.
Directions:
"First, go straight on this road for two hundred meters. Then, turn left at the big hotel. The market is on your right."
What is the first thing you should do?
- A) Turn left.
- B) Find the market.
- C) Go straight.
Click to Show Answer
Answer: C). The sequence word "First" tells you the first action is to "go straight".
Final Quiz: Follow the Instructions
Listen to a set of instructions for using an ATM. Then, put the actions in the correct order (1, 2, 3, 4).
Instructions: (Listen to the audio)
Put these actions in the correct order:
- ( ..... ) Choose the amount.
- ( ..... ) Take your card and money.
- ( ..... ) Insert your card.
- ( ..... ) Enter your PIN.
Click to Show Answers
Correct Order: (3) Choose the amount, (4) Take your card and money, (1) Insert your card, (2) Enter your PIN.
Homework Task
1. Follow a Real Recipe: Find a simple video recipe online for a food you like (e.g., "how to make an omelette"). Listen to the instructions carefully. Can you understand the steps?
2. Give Directions: With a friend, stand in your classroom or home. Give your friend simple, two-step directions in English to get to another part of the room. Use the words "First" and "Then." For example: "First, walk to the window. Then, touch the wall."
Vocabulary Glossary
- Step-by-step (adjective) - Khmer: ជាជំហានៗ - Following a process in a specific, ordered sequence. ↩
- Instructions (noun, plural) - Khmer: ការណែនាំ - Detailed information about how to do or use something. ↩
- Recipe (noun) - Khmer: រូបមន្ត - A set of instructions for preparing a particular dish of food. ↩
- Directions (noun, plural) - Khmer: ទិសដៅ - Instructions on how to get to a particular place. ↩