A set of instructions: A set of instructions tells the reader how to do something, step by step — a recipe, a how-to guide, a set of rules.
In Paper 1 you choose it when the task asks you to explain how to make or do something. It is part of Unit 2: Text Types, so most of the marks come from getting its conventions and register right (Criterion C), not just the message.
- a set of instructions
- a text that tells the reader how to do something, step by step
- the title
- a heading that says what the reader will make or do
- a step
- one action the reader has to carry out, in order
- the imperative
- the command form of a verb: "peel", "add", "stir"
- sequence (order)
- the order the steps come in; first, next, then, finally
- a warning / a tip
- advice to be careful or to get a better result
- what you need
- the list of things or ingredients required before you start
Spot it in the task: The task asks you to explain a process. "Explain how to prepare…", "Write instructions for…" → a set of instructions.
If instead it said "Write to a friend to tell them about…" you would switch to an informal email (a different text type). Always read the command term first.
Clear and direct: Use the imperative to give each step ("peel", "add", "stir"), address the reader directly as you, and keep the language precise and ordered.
The reader has to follow you exactly, so use short, unambiguous sentences — one action per step. Tentative phrases like "I think it might be nice to…" don't belong here; they weaken the command register and cost you Criterion C.
Instructions — do this
- First, peel the banana.
- Add the milk and blend for a minute.
- Be careful with the blade.
Avoid here
- I think it would be nice to peel the banana.
- Maybe you could add a little milk.
- I would be grateful if you could be careful.
Stay consistent: Keep the same command form from the first step to the last — the imperative ("peel", "add", "serve"). Don't drift into "you should peel…" or "peeling the banana…" halfway through; switching forms breaks the register.
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The five parts: Every set of instructions follows the same shape. Hit all five parts and you have covered the conventions the examiner is looking for.
Instructions — 5 parts
1
Title
A clear title that says what the reader will make or do. "How to make a smoothie in five minutes."
2
What you need
A short intro and the things or ingredients required. "Before you start, you need a banana, milk and a blender."
3
Numbered steps
The steps in order, in the imperative — the longest part. "First, peel the banana. Next, add the milk."
4
Tip / warning
A tip or a warning so it goes well. "Be careful with the blade."
5
Encouraging close
A short, encouraging ending. "That's it! Give it a go."
Title → What you need → Numbered steps → Tip/warning → Encouraging close
Don't skip the frame: Students lose easy Criterion C marks by jumping straight into the steps with no title and no list of what you need. They take seconds to write and show you know the text type — never leave them out.
A model, part by part: Here is a complete set of instructions built from the five parts above. Read it once for the message, then look at how each part does its job.
Model: the 5 parts in action
The written instructions, part by part
- How to make a banana smoothie in five minutes
- This recipe is very easy and quick. Before you start, you need a ripe banana, a glass of milk, a spoonful of honey and a blender.
- First, peel the banana and cut it into pieces. Next, put the pieces in the blender and add the milk. Then, pour in the honey and blend everything for a minute. Finally, serve the smoothie in a cold glass.
- Be careful with the blender blade, and make sure you close the lid properly before you switch it on.
- That's it! You'll see it's really easy. Give it a go and tell me what you think.
A second model — homemade lemonade: How to make homemade lemonade in five minutes
This drink is easy and refreshing. Before you start, you need three lemons, cold water, sugar and a jug.
First, squeeze the lemons into the jug. Next, add the cold water and two spoonfuls of sugar. Then, stir well until the sugar dissolves. Finally, serve the lemonade with ice.
Be careful when you squeeze the lemons, and make sure you taste it before you serve it.
That's it! You'll see it's really easy. Give it a go and make it this summer.
IB-style task — reading the conventions
One question, step by step
- The question — "What title does the text use, and what does the title tell the reader?"
- Find it in the text. The first line is the title: "How to make homemade lemonade in five minutes."
- The answer — The title "How to make homemade lemonade in five minutes" tells the reader exactly what they will make. "How to + [action]" is the standard way to open a set of instructions.
Why it scores: These short instructions earn marks on all three Paper 1 criteria — here's how:
A — Language /12
- Clear imperatives: peel, cut, put, add, pour, blend, serve
- Sequence connectors: First, Next, Then, Finally
- Precise vocabulary: banana, blender, spoonful, lid
B — Message /12
- Clear purpose: a process the reader can actually follow
- Ideas developed: ingredients, ordered steps and a warning
C — Conceptual /6
- Instructions conventions: title + what you need + steps
- Consistent command register (imperative throughout)
- An ordered, precise, direct tone
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A toolkit you can reuse: Learn a few ready-made phrases for each part. They make your instructions sound natural and save you time in the exam.
To begin (title & what you need)
- How to + [verb]… — the standard title ("How to make a smoothie…")
- Before you start, you need… — to introduce the things required
- This recipe is easy and quick. — a short framing line
For the steps (ordering the actions)
- First,… / Next,… — to start and to move on
- Then,… / Finally,… — to continue and to close the sequence
- Make sure you… — to stress an important action
To finish (warning & close)
- Be careful with… — to give a safety warning
- That's it! You'll see it's really easy. — an upbeat close
- Give it a go. — to invite the reader to try it
| Part | A phrase you can reuse |
|---|---|
| Title | How to make homemade lemonade in five minutes |
| What you need | Before you start, you need three lemons, water and sugar. |
| A step | First, squeeze the lemons into the jug. |
| Warning / tip | Be careful when you squeeze the lemons. |
| Close | That's it! Give it a go this summer. |
Use one from each: A clear title, two or three sequence connectors in the steps, and a short encouraging close is plenty — and it instantly makes the text feel like the real text type.