Reading Explanatory Texts, Instructions, and Recommendations
Hello everyone! Have you ever bought a new toy, some snacks, or used an electrical appliance and had to read the little sheet of paper that came with it? Or has your teacher ever handed out a worksheet with rules to read before you begin? Those texts are called explanatory texts, instructions, and recommendations. If they seem tricky at first, don't worry... this lesson will help you understand them easily, follow them correctly, and stay safe in your everyday life!
(Note: For reading maps, diagrams, or various symbols, you can explore more in the lesson "Reading Diagrams, Maps, Charts, and Symbols".)
---1. Getting to Know: What are Explanatory Texts, Instructions, and Recommendations?
The main goal of this type of writing is to help readers understand how things work and follow steps correctly, safely, and accurately. They can be divided into 3 simple categories:
1) Explanatory Texts: Texts that explain and clarify what something is, how to use it, or what components it has. Examples include instructions for using materials and equipment, or directions on a worksheet.
2) Instructions (Directives): Texts that clearly tell you what to do or what not to do. They often use mandatory words such as "must," "shall," "do not," or "never." Examples include "Do not take more than 2 tablets a day" or "Cross out the most correct answer."
3) Recommendations (Advice): Texts that offer warnings, guidance, or suggested practices for the best results or for safety. They often use words like "should," "please," or "recommended." Examples include "Should be kept out of reach of children" or "Please close the lid tightly after use."
---2. Common Types of Explanatory Texts and Recommendations in Daily Life
According to the primary school curriculum, there are several important types of media and documents that we should read and practice following correctly:
A. Using a Dictionary
A dictionary is a book that compiles vocabulary, showing spellings, pronunciations, and word meanings, which follows clear explanatory search guidelines:
• Arranged alphabetically by initial consonant: Starting from ก ข ฃ ค ... through to ฮ (with the special vowels ฤ ฤๅ placed after ร, and ฦ ฦๅ placed after ล).
• Arranged by vowel forms: Words without a written vowel symbol come before words with a written vowel symbol, such as กลม (klom) coming before กาง (kaang).
• Arranged by tone marks: Words without tone marks come before words with tone marks.
B. Reading Medicine Labels
Medicine labels are explanatory texts and recommendations that are essential for our health. Things you must always look out for include:
• Medicine name and indications: What symptoms or conditions this medicine treats.
• Directions for use and dosage: For example, take 1 teaspoon at a time, or take 3 times a day.
• When to take: Before meals or after meals (Very important: medicine to be taken after meals should be taken immediately or 15–30 minutes after eating, as specified).
• Warnings and precautions: For example, this medicine may cause drowsiness, or should be stored in a cool, dry place.
• Manufacturing date and expiration date: Helps you know whether the medicine is still effective and safe to use.
C. Equipment and Material User Manuals
Whether it is stationery, school supplies, or small electrical appliances, reading the manual helps to:
• Use the equipment correctly and ensure it lasts a long time.
• Prevent accidents, such as connecting electrical cords or handling sharp tools.
• Learn proper maintenance and hygienic storage methods.
D. Handbooks, School Documents, and Official Announcements
• Student Handbooks / School Regulations: Explain rules, dress codes, and school hours so that everyone can live and learn together happily and orderly.
• Official Announcements and Notices: Inform us of important news, such as term dates, exam schedules, or school and community activities. You need to read them to find out who, what, where, when, and what procedures must be followed.
3. Simple Steps for Reading and Following Instructions
Whenever you come across long procedural instructions, you can follow these 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Read once from start to finish to get the whole picture. Don't rush into doing it right after reading the first line!
Step 2: Spot the key words. Look for directives and conditions, such as "before," "after," "do not," "must," or "unless."
Step 3: Check the sequence of steps. Look for sequence numbers like 1, 2, 3 or sequence words like first, next, finally.
Step 4: Follow one step at a time. Work through the steps patiently in order. If you are unsure, reread that step again.
Did You Know?
Good instructions and recommendations usually use concise, short, and clear language so that readers can understand them immediately without complicated interpretation. For example, a sign that says "Please remove your shoes" is much clearer than "If possible, we would like you to walk in barefoot."
---Common Mistakes
• Skipping steps: Rushing to do Step 2 before Step 1 can lead to mistakes or damage your equipment.
• Ignoring warnings and prohibitions: For example, forgetting to read the words "Do not" or "Shake well before use" on a medicine label.
• Not checking expiration dates: Consuming expired medicine or snacks can be dangerous to your body.
Key Takeaways
• Explanatory texts aim to provide knowledge and explain how things work.
• Instructions aim to mandate actions or forbid them (using words like must, shall, do not).
• Recommendations aim to give advice for safety or best results (using words like should, please).
• When reading medicine labels and equipment manuals, always read thoroughly, pay attention to warnings, and follow the sequence of steps for maximum accuracy and safety in your daily life.