Giving return directions

A1.2 · Write instructions that let the reader act and check the result.

Print (PDF)

Present tense, common nouns and adjectives, times and basic connectors. Use a dictionary if needed.

Model

Pour garer le vélo : passer par la petite porte. Le parking est à gauche. Mettre le vélo près du mur. Fermer la porte après le passage et garder la clé dans le sac.

1. passer par la petite porte · It starts with a step that prepares the action.
2. Le parking est à gauche. · The concrete fact makes the instruction usable.
3. Fermer la porte après le passage · It adds a check or finishes the procedure.

Task

Write French instructions for returning books. Use the main door; the return table is on the right. Books go in the green box; the blue box holds magazines. Decide which box to indicate and add a final check.

30–50 words

Planning

1. Who will read your text, and what do they need to know first?
2. Note the facts you must keep and decide what information you will add.
3. Plan the order of your ideas and a sentence for your decision or request.

Criteria

1. Give the main entrance.

   Identify the referent: the reader needs to know who or what you mean.

2. Locate the table on the right.

   Keep the fact that lets the reader act without guessing.

3. Distinguish the green book box from the blue magazine box.

   Connect your decision to the need in this situation.

4. Add a useful check of the return.

   End with useful information for the next step.

Review

Keep your draft. Mark an improvement and explain why it helps the reader; if it already meets the criteria, identify and justify a specific check.

Guide and answers