This document provides instructions for a game called Dictionary Chase where students compete to find dictionary definitions for words that appear on a board. It also identifies characteristics of instructional texts like using clear guidance, an ordered structure, and imperative verbs. Examples of imperatives are provided and students are tasked with listing all the imperatives in instructions for making a milkshake. Finally, students are given an imaginary scenario where they must write a letter to a police partner using imperatives to direct them through a house to find a weapon from the board game Clue.
2. Dictionary Chase
Confidential
This game is a competition
A word will appear on the board. You
must find it in your dictionary as
quickly as possible.
When you have found it you must
stand up and wait to be asked to read
the meaning aloud.
8. Bossy Verbs…Imperatives
• Here are some clues to help you recognise an
instruction text:
• It instructs the reader, giving clear guidance
about how to do something.
• It will be ordered.
• It can use bullet points, pictures or diagrams, to
make the information clear.
• It will use imperative verbs (bossy verbs), which
tell you what to do - for example "make","add"
and "stick!".
10. How to make a milkshake
• Put ingredients in blender or jar with the lid tightly
closed and blend or shake until the mixture is
smooth. Be sure not to overdo it, or the ice-cream
will melt. Pour into tall glasses and enjoy. Slurping
your milkshake through a straw is traditional and
indeed adds to the enjoyment.
• Serves four, or one generously.
• If you don't want to make such a large amount,
simply use half or even a quarter of the amounts
listed above - and feel free to play with the
proportions.
Write a list of all the imperatives in this
piece, including the ones I underlined.
Look back at the definition of imperative if
you aren’t sure!
11. Task
• These are the weapons you have in Cluedo.
• I want you to imagine you are writing a letter
to your police partner and you need to direct
them from the front door of the house to the
room that your weapon is in.
• Use imperatives to make sure your directions
are as good as possible.
• Don’t forget to tell your partner where the
weapon is…use your imagination!
Notes de l'éditeur
To test their directions ask one child to read their directions, whilst another child is at the board marking their journey through the house. For my group I instructed them to use only the Kitchen, Ballroom and Conservatory. However, they were allowed to use the shortcuts the house has.
