Writing: B1 Lesson 12: How to Write a 'How-to' Guide

Writing: Expository Writing

B1 Lesson 12: How to Write a "How-to" Guide

Listen to key concepts for writing instructions.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a clear, sequential "how-to" guide using imperative verbs and sequencing words.

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Let's learn these important words for writing instructions.

Imperative

| ទម្រង់បញ្ជា

A verb form that gives a direct command or instruction (e.g., Open the book, Do not talk).

Sequence

| លំដាប់

The correct order for a series of steps or events (1, 2, 3, 4...).

Materials

| សម្ភារៈ

The tools or ingredients you need *before* you start a task.

Chronological

| តាមលំដាប់លំដោយ

Arranged in the order of time (what happens first, second, etc.).

The 3 Key Ingredients of a Good "How-to" Guide

A good guide is easy to follow. It must have three key parts in the correct order.

1.

Title & Introduction

Tell the reader the goal. What will they learn to do?

e.g., "How to Make a Great Cup of Coffee"

2.

Materials / Tools

List everything the reader needs *before* they start.

e.g., "You will need: coffee, hot water, a cup, and a filter."

3.

Clear Steps

Give the instructions one by one, in chronological order.

e.g., "First, put the coffee in the filter. Next, pour the water..."

The Most Important Tool: Imperative Verbs

Imperative verbs are direct commands. They are the strongest and clearest way to give instructions. You should not use "You should..." or "You must..." in a guide.

WEAK (Unclear) 👎

• You should probably boil the water first.
• Then, if you want, you can add the coffee.
• It might be good to stir it.

STRONG & CLEAR (Good) 👍

• First, boil the water.
• Next, add one spoon of coffee to the cup.
• Finally, stir it well.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Choose the Correct Instruction

Choose the clearest and most correct sentence for a "how-to" guide.

1. How to start:

• A) First, open the app.
• B) You could open the app.
• C) Opening the app is a good idea.

2. What is the correct sequencer? "___, press the green button."

• A) Because,
• B) Next,
• C) But,

3. Which is the clearest negative command?

• A) You probably shouldn't be clicking that.
• B) Do not click the red button.
• C) No click red button.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Imperative | ទម្រង់បញ្ជា
  A command. The verb form used for instructions (e.g., Open, Stir, Click).
• Sequence | លំដាប់
  The correct order for a series of steps (1, 2, 3...).
• Sequencing Words | ពាក្យសម្គាល់លំដាប់
  Words that put steps in order (e.g., First, Next, Then, Finally).
• Chronological | តាមលំដាប់លំដោយ
  Arranged in the order of time (what happens first, second, etc.).
• Materials | សម្ភារៈ
  The tools or ingredients you need *before* you start a task.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write Your Own "How-to" Guide

Choose one topic below and write a short "how-to" guide (4-6 steps) in your notebook or in the comments. Remember to use the 3 Key Ingredients!

• How to make your favorite instant noodles
• How to send an email with an attachment
• How to change your profile picture on Facebook

Remember: 1. Give it a title. 2. List the materials. 3. Use imperative verbs and sequencing words (First, Next, Then, Finally) for your steps!