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 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, so 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.
Clear and direct: Use the imperative (or the infinitive) to give each step, a second-person «tú» or an impersonal voice, and precise, ordered language. The reader has to follow you exactly, so keep sentences short and unambiguous. Consistency matters — mixing «pela» (tú) with «pelar» (infinitive) breaks the register and costs you Criterion C.
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 🔊 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 🔊 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.