The document discusses the function of asking for and giving instructions, particularly in the context of civil engineering and procedure texts. It outlines the essential components of a procedure, including goals, materials, and sequential steps, and provides examples of how to phrase questions and instructions effectively. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of providing extra information and safety advice when giving instructions.

1. Juvrianto CJ, S.Pd., M.Pd.
English for Civil Engineering
LANGUANGE FUNCTION
Asking and Giving Instructions

2. Giving instruction is a way when we order or ask someone to do something for us.
This is very closely related to one type of text that is used to give members a step in
the making or process of something. In this topic, we will use Procedure text. The
procedure which we are going to discuss is the way explains how people perform
different processes in a sequence of steps. A procedure is a specified series of
actions or operations which have to be executed in the same manner in order to
always obtain the same result under the same circumstances (for example,
emergency procedures).
Definition

3.  Goal : It is containt the purpose of the text. (e.g : How to make bricks)
 Material or Ingredient : it is containt of the materials that used in the process.
(e.g: the material make bricks is clay, sand, water, ash etc)
 Step : it is containt of the steps to make something in the goal. (e.g : first, look for
good clay, second clean the clay, after that, make mud from clay, …………… )
Generic Structure of Procedure

4.  How do I…?
 Can you show me how to…?
 Do you know how to…?
 How do I go about…?
 What do you suggest?
 What is the first step?
 What is the best way to…?
Asking for Instructions:

5.  First, you…
 Then, you…
 Next, you…
 Lastly, you…
Giving instructions:

6.  The first thing you do is…
 Before you begin, (you should…)
 The best place to begin is…
 I would start by…
Starting out:

7.  After that,
 The next step is to…
 The next thing you do is…
 Once you’ve done that, then…
 When you finish that, then…
Continuing:

8.  The last step is…
 The last thing you do is…
 In the end,…
 When you’ve finished,…
 When you’ve completed all the steps,…
Finishing:

9. When you give instructions, you can help the other person with extra information and
advice.
 Remember: turn off the electricity before touching any cables.
 Be careful not to … (touch any live wires)
 Try to … (see if the light bulb is broken or just loose)
 Try not to … (touch the light bulb with your hands)
 You need to … (check the wattage of the light bulb first)
Giving extra help:

10.  It's important to … (make sure the electricity is off)
 It helps to … (wait for the light bulb to cool down before you remove it)
 Be sure to … (turn off the electricity before you touch the light bulb)
 Always … (wear gloves when you touch a light bulb)
 Never … (touch a socket with wet hands)
Giving extra help:

11. http://kth-inbali.blogspot.com/2017/06/procedure-text-definition-generic.html
https://basicenglishspeaking.com/asking-giving-instructions-english/
http://languagelearningbase.com/89494/asking-and-giving-instructions-in-english
http://englishadmin.com/2015/09/contoh-dialog-giving-instruction-pendek-dalam-
bahasa-inggris.html
References