Welcome to the World of Instructions and Requests!

In this chapter, we are going to learn how to tell people what to do and how to ask for help in English. Whether you are playing a game with friends, helping a teacher in class, or asking for a favor, knowing these expressions makes talking to others much easier and more fun!

Don't worry if it feels a bit strange at first. In English, we often use our bodies (gestures) and simple words to get our message across. Let's get started!

Note: If you want to learn about saying hello, check out the chapter on "Exchanging Greetings."

1. Giving Simple Instructions

Instructions are words we use to tell someone to do an action. In the classroom, your teacher might use these a lot! In Grades 3 and 4, we focus on listening and responding. By Grades 5 and 6, we practice saying them clearly to our friends.

Common Instruction Words

  • Look (as in "Look at the board")
  • Listen (as in "Listen to the music")
  • Open (as in "Open your book")
  • Close (as in "Close the window")
  • Stand up / Sit down

How to be Polite

To make an instruction sound friendly rather than bossy, we add one very important word: Please.

Example: "Sit down, please." or "Please open your book."

Quick Review: The Power of Gestures

Did you know? When giving instructions, using your hands helps people understand you better. Pointing to your ear while saying "Listen" or mimicking opening a book helps everyone follow along!

2. Making Requests (Asking for Help)

A request is when you ask someone if they can do something for you. This is a big part of "Interaction" in Grades 5 and 6. Instead of just telling someone what to do, you are asking for their help.

Using "Can you...?"

We often start a request with the words "Can you...?". It is a polite way to see if someone is able to help.

Common Requests:

  • "Can you help me?"
  • "Can you pass me the pen, please?"
  • "Can you repeat that?" (Use this if you didn't hear someone clearly!)

How to Respond

When someone asks you to do something, you should give a clear answer. Here are some simple ways to respond:

  • To say YES: "Sure!", "OK!", or "All right."
  • To say NO (Politely): "I'm sorry, I can't."

Key Takeaway: Always remember to say "Thank you" after someone helps you with a request!

3. Important Phrases for Smooth Interaction

To be good at speaking with others, we use specific "helper phrases" to make the conversation flow nicely. These are very common in daily life.

  • Excuse me: Use this to get someone’s attention before you give an instruction or make a request. (Example: "Excuse me, can you help me?")
  • I see: Use this to show you understand what the other person is saying.
  • I'm sorry: Use this if you cannot do what is asked of you.
  • You're welcome: Use this after someone says "Thank you" to you.

4. Sentence Building Blocks

In English, the order of words is very important. For instructions and requests, we usually follow simple patterns. Don't worry about memorizing grammar names—just look at how the sentences are built!

Pattern A: [Action + Object]

This is used for simple instructions.

"Open (Action) + the door (Object)."

Pattern B: [Can you + Action + Object?]

This is used for requests.

"Can you + read (Action) + this (Object)?"

Memory Trick: The "Please" Rule

Think of "Please" as a "Magic Key." You can put it at the very beginning or the very end of your sentence to unlock kindness!
"Please help me."
"Help me, please."

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even grown-ups make mistakes sometimes! Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Forgetting "Please": Without it, instructions can sound a bit like you are shouting. Always try to include it!
  • Using only Japanese gestures: Some gestures in Japan might mean something different in other countries. Try to use clear, universal actions like nodding or pointing.
  • Worrying about perfect English: The goal of "Speaking: Interaction" is to communicate. Even if you only use one or two words and a gesture, you are doing a great job!

Summary Checklist

Check yourself: Can you do these things?

  • Can I use "Please" with a simple instruction like "Sit down"?
  • Do I know how to ask "Can you help me?"
  • Can I respond with "Sure!" or "I'm sorry"?
  • Do I remember to say "Excuse me" and "Thank you"?

If you can do these, you are ready to interact in English! Keep practicing with your classmates and teachers.