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Writing Instructions & Processes

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B2 (Upper-Intermediate)Writing

Writing Instructions & Processes

Writing clear instructions and describing a process is a practical skill for work and study: how to use something, how to complete a task, or how something happens. Good instructions are clear, ordered, and easy to follow. This lesson covers both the command style and the process style.

Writing clear instructions and describing a process is a practical skill for work and study: how to use something, how to complete a task, or how something happens. Good instructions are clear, ordered, and easy to follow. This lesson covers both the command style and the process style.

1. Two ways to write steps

Style Verb form Example
Instructions (telling someone) imperative (base verb) Open the box. Connect the cable.
Process (describing how it happens) present simple, often passive The beans are roasted, then they are ground.

2. The imperative for instructions

Instructions use the base verb with no subject (the “you” is understood). For negatives, use Do not / Don’t.

  • Press the start button.
  • Do not force the parts together.

3. Sequence words are essential

Steps must be in order. Guide the reader with sequence words: First, Next, Then, After that, Once, Finally.

Word Use
First / To begin the first step
Next / Then / After that middle steps
Once / When a step that depends on another
Finally the last step

4. The passive for processes

When who does the action is not important, we often use the passive (be + past participle). This is common in describing processes.

Active vs. passiveActive: “Workers pick the coffee cherries.” Passive: “The coffee cherries are picked.” In a process description, the passive keeps the focus on the steps, not the people.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersFor instructions, start each step with the base verb (“Add,” “Mix,” “Pour”) — do not add “to” or “you”: it is “Add water,” not “To add water” or “You adding water.” Keep each step short and about one action. And do not forget the sequence words — they are what turn a random list into instructions someone can actually follow.

Examples from EduCareer

  • Instruction: First, log in to your account. Then, click “Lessons.” Finally, choose your level.
  • Process: The essay is written, checked, and then submitted online.
  • Negative: Do not share your password with anyone.
Common mistakes

To add the water and you mixing it.  →  Add the water and mix it.

(Steps with no order)  →  First… Next… Finally…

Not force the parts.  →  Do not force the parts.

The beans roast then people grind them (mixed styles).  →  The beans are roasted, then they are ground.

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.Instructions use which verb form?
Imperative: "Open the box."
2.In an instruction, the subject "you" is:
"(You) open the box." \u2014 understood.
3.How do you make an instruction negative?
"Do not force the parts."
4.Which signals the first step?
"First," begins the steps.
5.Which signals the last step?
"Finally," ends the steps.
6.A process (how something happens) often uses:
Passive keeps focus on the steps.
7.Passive of "Workers pick the cherries":
be + past participle: are picked.
8.Fix: "To add the water and you mixing it."
Base verbs: Add... mix.
9.Why are sequence words essential?
They order the steps.
10.Which is a correct instruction?
Base verb: Press.
11.When do we prefer the passive?
Passive when the doer is unimportant.
12.Fix: "Not force the parts."
"Do not" + base verb.
13.Each instruction step should be:
One clear action per step.
14.Which word links a dependent step?
"Once/When" links steps that depend on another.
15.Which sentence describes a process correctly?
Passive process description.
16.Which is a well-ordered instruction set?
Ordered with sequence words.
17.Mixed styles ("The beans roast then people grind them") should become:
Keep one consistent process style (passive).
18.Good instructions are:
Clear, ordered, easy to follow.
19."Add water" is an example of:
Base verb command = imperative.
20.Best instruction line:
Clear base-verb steps.

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