Explain the order of a task and check what your colleague understands.
The idea
Use action verbs for the steps and connect them with first, next, then and finally. Ask the listener to explain a step back to you.
Examples
- First, open the customer list.
- Next, sort the entries by date.
- Then save a copy in the shared folder.
- Before you send the invoice, check the total.
- Finally, tell the team that the file is ready.
- Could you explain what you will do after you check the figures?
Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.
No English device voice is available. You can still read the examples.
Watch out
Do not confuse before and after: they put the actions in opposite orders.
Try it yourself
___, open the box; then count the parts. (First / Finally)
Show answer or example answer
First
First identifies the opening action before the parts are counted.
Before you print the labels, ___ the addresses. (check / checked)
Show answer or example answer
check
check is the action to take before printing.
Could you tell me what you will do ___? (next / yesterday)
Show answer or example answer
next
next asks about the following step.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
___, open the box; then count the parts. (First / Finally)
Before you print the labels, ___ the addresses. (check / checked)
Could you tell me what you will do ___? (next / yesterday)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe three steps in a task and ask a question to check understanding.