Writing Instructions

Analyze purpose and audience

Main features

• Title
• Introduction
• Step-by-step directions
• Conclusion

Considering safety

• Write in a clear and concise manner
• Sometimes, phrases work better than sentences
• Signal words

Signal Words

• Danger: used to alert readers about an immediate/serious hazard that will likely be fatal
• Warning: used to alert readers about the potential for serious injury/death or damage to equipment
• Caution: used to alert readers about anything from moderate injury to serious equipment damage or destruction

Titles

• Effective titles are clear and simple
• How-to --> "How to make a peanut butter sandwich"
• Gerund --> "Making a peanut butter sandwich"

Introductions

• provides the preliminary information that readers will need to follow the instructions
• who should carry out the task?
• why should the reader carry out this task?
• when should they carry out this task?
• what safety measures should they take?
• what items are needed? how long will it take?

Step-by-Step

• Number the instructions
• Present the right amount of information in each step
• Use the imperative mood (vs indicative)
• Do not confuse steps with feedback statements
• Include graphics
• Don't omit articles (a, an, the) to save space

Conclusions

• conclude by stating that the reader has now completed the task or describing what the reader should do next
• can also end with maintenance tips or a troubleshooting guide

Review

• Introduction should state the purpose of the task, describe safety measures, list tools and materials
• Step-by-step instructions should be numbered, expressed in the imperative mood, simple and direct, and accompanied by graphics
• Conclusion should include any follow up advice