In the text of the pattern it states, “Begin working Chart A:”. Does this mean I have to actually follow the chart or are the instructions for the chart a part of the text?
The words match the charts, but to me they work better in conjunction as opposed to either/or: the words can help the knitter understand what the charts are saying.
If you’re brand-new to lace charts, when to do the correct number of repeats isn’t always clear, so the written instructions may help you reach the correct stitch number.
HTH. 
[COLOR=“Green”]Yes, I am new to knitting and I have no idea what the chart means, so I am hoping I don’t have to follow it. Do I have to follow the chart?[/COLOR]
[COLOR=“Green”]Another question. Is the RS of knitting the first row you knit after you have cast-on?[/COLOR]
No you don’t need to follow the chart, the instructions are written out under the words “Begin working chart A” and in this case row 1 is the RS.