A set of instructions: A set of instructions (el conjunto de instrucciones) tells the reader how to do something step by step — a recipe, a how-to, a set of rules.
In the exam
- In Paper 1 you choose it when the task asks you to explain how to make or do something.
- It's part of Unit 2: Text Types: the marks come from getting its conventions and register right (Criterion C), not just the message.
- el conjunto de instrucciones
- a set of instructions
- el título
- the title (says what the reader will make/do)
- el paso
- the step
- el imperativo
- the imperative (command form: pela, añade)
- el orden / la secuencia
- the order / sequence of steps
- la advertencia
- the warning / a tip to be careful
Spot it in the task: The task asks you to explain a process. “Explica cómo preparar…”, “Escribe las instrucciones para…” → a set of instructions. If it said “Escribe a tu amigo para contarle…” you'd switch to an informal email (a different text type). Read the command term first.
Tasks where it fits
- Guidelines for new students joining your school
- Advice on how to avoid internet fraud
- Steps to take part in a campaign or a clean-up
Conventions the examiner checks
- A title that says what the guide is for
- Numbered steps or bullet points
- Imperatives (usa, evita / use, evite) used consistently
Traps that cost Criterion C
- Mixing tú and usted imperatives
- Long paragraphs instead of steps
- No introduction or no closing tip
También aparece como: directrices, conjunto de instrucciones, guía práctica (guidelines / set of instructions)
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Clear and direct: Instructions are clear and direct. The reader has to follow you exactly, so keep sentences short and unambiguous.
How to give the steps
- Use the imperative (or the infinitive) to give each step.
- Use a second-person tú or an impersonal voice.
- Keep the language precise and ordered.
- Consistency matters — mixing pela (tú) with pelar (infinitive) breaks the register. Keep one form.
Instructions — do this
- Primero, pela el plátano.
- Añade la leche y bate un minuto.
- Ten cuidado con la cuchilla.
Avoid here
- Creo que sería bonito pelar el plátano.
- Quizás podrías añadir un poco de leche.
- Le ruego que tenga cuidado.
Stay consistent: Pick one command form — imperative tú (pela, añade, sirve) OR infinitive (pelar, añadir, servir) — and keep it from the first step to the last. Don't switch halfway through.
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The five parts: Every set of instructions follows the same shape. Hit all five parts and you've 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. Cómo preparar un batido en cinco minutos
2
What you need
A short intro and the things or ingredients required. Necesitas un plátano, leche y una batidora.
3
Numbered steps
The steps in order, in the imperative — the longest part. Primero, pela el plátano. A continuación, añade la leche.
4
Tip / warning
A tip or a warning so it goes well. Ten cuidado con la cuchilla.
5
Encouraging close
A short, encouraging ending. ¡Ya está! Anímate a probarlo.
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 steps with no title or list of what you need. They take seconds and show you know the text type — never leave them out.
A model, part by part: Here's a complete set of instructions built from the five parts above. Read it once for the message, then tap Ver traducción to check the English or the audio button to hear it.
Modelo: las 5 partes en acción
Las instrucciones escritas, parte por parte
- Cómo preparar un batido de plátano en cinco minutos
- Esta receta es muy fácil y rápida. Antes de empezar, necesitas un plátano maduro, un vaso de leche, una cucharada de miel y una batidora.
- Primero, pela el plátano y córtalo en trozos. A continuación, pon los trozos en la batidora y añade la leche. Después, echa la miel y bate todo durante un minuto. Por último, sirve el batido en un vaso frío.
- Ten cuidado con la cuchilla de la batidora y asegúrate de cerrar bien la tapa antes de encenderla.
- ¡Ya está! Verás que es facilísimo. Anímate a probarlo y dime qué te parece.
Por qué puntúa — why it scores: These short instructions earn marks on all three Paper 1 criteria — here's how:
A — Language /12
- Clear imperatives: pela, córtalo, pon, añade, echa, bate, sirve
- Sequence connectors: Primero, A continuación, Después, Por último
- Precise vocabulary (plátano, batidora, cucharada, tapa)
B — Message /12
- Clear purpose: a process the reader can actually follow
- Ideas developed (ingredients, ordered steps, a warning)
C — Conceptual /6
- Instructions conventions: title + what you need + steps
- Consistent command register (imperative throughout)
- 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 time in the exam. Tap the audio button to hear them.
Para empezar (title & what you need)
- Cómo + [infinitivo]… — How to + [do something]…
- Antes de empezar, necesitas… — Before you start, you need…
- Esta receta es muy fácil y rápida. — This recipe is very easy and quick.
Para los pasos (ordering the steps)
- Primero,… / A continuación,… — First,… / Next,…
- Después,… / Por último,… — Then,… / Finally,…
- Asegúrate de… — Make sure you…
Para terminar (warning & close)
- Ten cuidado con… — Be careful with…
- ¡Ya está! Verás que es facilísimo. — That's it! You'll see it's super easy.
- Anímate a probarlo. — Give it a go.
Use one from each: A clear title, two or three sequence connectors in the steps, and a short encouraging close is plenty — and instantly makes it feel like the real text type.