Lesson 4: My Favorite Recipe

Write instructions for preparing your favorite simple dish or snack.

• Materials: Paper, dictionary
• Focus: Imperative verbs, sequence words (first, then, next, finally)
• Example: “How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich: First, take two slices of bread. Next, spread peanut butter on one slice…”
• Extension: Make a video tutorial of yourself following your written instructions.

Lesson 4: My Favorite Recipe

Overview

This practical, hands-on lesson helps you develop your English writing skills by creating instructions for preparing a simple dish or snack. By writing a recipe, you’ll practice using imperative verbs (command form), sequence words, and food-related vocabulary in a fun and useful context.

Learning Objectives

• Master the imperative form of verbs (cut, mix, stir)
• Use sequence words correctly (first, then, next, finally)
• Build food and cooking vocabulary
• Practice writing clear, step-by-step instructions
• Learn the standard format for recipes in English

Materials Needed

• Paper or notebook
• Pen or pencil (or digital device for typing)
• Dictionary or online translation tool
• Optional: Photos of your favorite dish
• Optional: Smartphone/camera to take pictures of your cooking process
• Optional: Actual ingredients to prepare the recipe while writing it

Preparation (15 minutes)

1. Think about a simple dish or snack you know how to prepare. Good options include:
   • A sandwich or wrap
   • A simple breakfast
   • A fruit salad or smoothie
   • A simple pasta dish
   • A traditional snack from your culture
2. Create a vocabulary reference page with these categories:
   • Cooking verbs: cut, chop, slice, mix, stir, pour, add, heat, boil, bake, fry, grill, toast, spread, sprinkle
   • Sequence words: first, second, third, then, next, after that, finally, lastly
   • Time expressions: for 5 minutes, until golden brown, when bubbling
   • Measurement words: cup, teaspoon (tsp), tablespoon (tbsp), pinch, handful, slice

Recipe Writing Activity (30 minutes)

Part 1: Recipe Planning (10 minutes)

1. Choose one dish you can explain clearly
2. Make notes about:
   • All ingredients needed (with approximate quantities)
   • The main steps in order
   • Any special equipment needed
   • Approximate preparation and cooking time

Part 2: Writing the Recipe (20 minutes)

1. Create your recipe with these standard sections:
   • Title: The name of your dish
   • Introduction: 1-2 sentences about the dish (origin, why you like it, when to eat it)
   • Ingredients: List all ingredients with quantities
   • Equipment: List any special tools needed
   • Preparation Time: How long it takes to make
   • Instructions: Step-by-step directions using imperative verbs and sequence words
   • Tips: Any helpful advice or variations
2. Focus on using:
   • Verbs in the imperative form (Cut the tomatoes. Mix the ingredients.)
   • Clear sequence markers (First, Then, Next, Finally)
   • Specific measurements where possible

Example Recipe Format

Extension Activities

1. Make a Video Tutorial: Record yourself making the dish while explaining the steps in English.
2. Recipe Illustration: Draw pictures for each main step of your recipe.
3. Recipe Translation: If this is a traditional dish from your culture, include both the original name and the English translation.
4. Nutrition Information: Research and add basic nutrition facts about the main ingredients.
5. Recipe Expansion: Write an additional paragraph about the history of this dish or why it’s special to you.

Self-Assessment Checklist

After completing your recipe, review your work using this checklist:

• Did I use imperative verbs correctly for all instructions?
• Did I include sequence words to make the order clear?
• Are my ingredients listed with approximate quantities?
• Would someone else be able to follow my instructions?
• Did I check my spelling, especially for food words?

Food Vocabulary Categories

Expand your food vocabulary by categorizing ingredients:

• Fruits: apple, banana, orange, strawberry, blueberry, etc.
• Vegetables: carrot, tomato, lettuce, potato, onion, etc.
• Proteins: chicken, beef, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, etc.
• Grains: rice, pasta, bread, oats, cereal, etc.
• Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, etc.
• Condiments: salt, pepper, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc.

Tips for Success

• Choose a dish you know well – it’s easier to explain something familiar
• Imagine teaching someone who has never made this dish before
• Be specific about quantities and cooking times
• Use simple, direct language for instructions
• Read your recipe aloud to check if it sounds clear

Real-World Applications

This skill is useful for:

• Sharing recipes with English-speaking friends
• Following recipes in English cookbooks or websites
• Ordering food in restaurants or asking about ingredients
• Future jobs in hospitality, tourism, or food service
• Creating content for social media about food

Remember that recipes are a perfect way to practice giving clear instructions in English. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become with imperative verbs and sequence words!