When I'm making notes on a pattern I'm designing I refer to the units that will be sewn together to make the blocks as squares (or patches). The blocks are what will be sewn together to make the quilt top. Some blocks are one piece.
EXAMPLE:
Cut X number of blue 4-1/2 inch blocks
Cut X number of red 2-1/2 inch squares
Cut X number of white 2-1/2 inch squares
Sew the red and white squares to make 4-patch blocks
Alternate the 4-patch blocks with the blue blocks

Don't know if this is what they had in mind but at least it's something to think about. It might also help to read the pattern entirely so you can determine how the blocks and squares fit together.