GIVING INSTRUCTIONS/DIRECTIONS TO FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

We are sometimes forced to ask friends or family members to perform an activity on our behalf when we are delayed or due to unavoidable circumstances. In most cases, they do so after receiving verbal or written instructions from us on how to complete the activity.

A road sign indicating different directions road users can use

Instructions are directions given by a person to complete a task or travel to a specific location.

Nonetheless, when communicating instructions, keep the following guidelines in mind:
✔ they must be brief and to the point.
✔ They should be preceded by simple requests like 'please do the following...' or 'I'd appreciate it if...'
✔ They must be arranged in the correct sequence.
✔ They must be exemplified well by numbering them although some may be
communicated in prose.
✔ The language used should be courteous and appropriate for the user's level.
✔ Drawings can be used to highlight any important action, object, or location.
✔ Make good use of headings, especially when there are sub-headings..
✔ They should be easily accessible in cases where you cannot directly hand over the instruction. For example, you can pin them to the person's door.
✔ They should be dated.

Sample of Instruction

14th May,2024

Hi Ruth

I've been called in for an emergency meeting at work. Please do the following for me when you get home.
1. Organize the house.
2. Provide chicken feed.
3. Purchase a kilo of bone meat from Rafiki's butchery; the money is waiting for you on the kitchen table.
4. Prepare a three-course meal.
I hope to return by 8:00 p.m. I'll see you later.

Thank you
Christine

A man giving directions to place to a lady on a street

How to Give Effective Directions

The following key features should be used when conveying directions to a specific location:
❖ Landmarks such as bridges, tall buildings, Mosques, churches.
For example,
Right in front of you will see a big billboard on a church building.
❖ Turns, such as, turn left or right.
For Example,
Turn left after a five-minute walk.
❖ Approximate distance from one place to another.
For example,
Walk for about 100 meters.
❖ Approximate time in the form of minutes or hours.

For example,
Drive for about ten minutes until you reach the junction.
❖ The compass directions such as East or West.
For instance,
Head west and walk for about half a kilometer.

It should be noted that instructions on how to carry out a procedure can also be provided. For example, how to repair a bicycle puncture or how to grow a seedbed.

Practice Exercise.

1.Your relative is coming to visit you from home, unfortunately, you will not be at home early. Write instructions to him/her about preparing supper, sleeping arrangement and ensuring the house is secure.

2.Imagine you are the school president and you will be away for the weekend. Write

instructions to the deputy president giving at least four things you would like done in your absence.

2015 KCSE Paper 1 Question

On your way home from school, you meet a lady who informs you that she is new to the area. She requests that you direct her to the nearest police station. How will you ensure that the directions she receives get her to her destination? 6 Marks