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INSTRUCTIONS

CONTEXT:

In your first major assignment (technical description) you broke down a subject and identified all its important components in order to thoroughly describe a subject. Now, you will build on those skills to create a set of instructions.

 

Instructions do more than merely describe a subject; rather, they explain how to do something with it, for example, how to put together a product or perform a task. So, while technical descriptions might describe a process, instructions are all about explaining that process -- in other words, explaining to an audience how to complete the process itself.

 

PURPOSE:

AUDIENCE:

According to Johnson-Sheehan (2015), instructions help people “complete simple and complex tasks” and are “among the least noticed but most important documents in the technical workplace” (p. 160). He explains two categories of documents that you may create for this assignment:

  • instructions: “describe how to perform a specific task ... how to assemble a product or do something step-by-step” (p. 160).

  • procedures/protocols: similar to instructions but with the added task of “ensur[ing] consistency and quality in a workplace” (p. 160).

 

Again, there is a “catch”: Your instructions or procedures/protocols must be connected to the zombie apocalypse. You are writing to save lives.

CONTENT

AND

FORMAT:

The audience for your instructions or procedures/protocols will be determined by the product or procedure you choose to write about, the purpose of it, and the ways in which it will be used.

 

The audience, however, must be primary readers also known as action takers: “people who will use your documentation to complete a task” (Johnson-Sheehan, 2015, p. 170). Allow this audience’s specific interests, needs, and likely emotions to guide you as you create your instructions or procedures/protocols.

STYLE

AND

DESIGN:

Your instructions or procedures/protocols is a stand-alone document and must include the features described by Johnson-Sheehan (p. 161):

  • specific and precise title

  • motivating introduction that includes

    • necessary background information on subject

    • purpose statement

    • importance of the subject

    • necessary technical ability

    • time required for completion

  • list of materials, parts, tools, and conditions required

  • sequentially ordered steps that

    • address only one action per step (generally)

    • use command voice

    • offer comments and examples when helpful

    • refer to graphics/images

  • conclusion that

    • signals completion of the subject

    • describes the finished subject/task

    • offers troubleshooting advice (if relevant)

  • images or graphics (4 minimum) with citation information provided

  • OPTIONAL: safety information that signals danger, warning, or caution

ASSESSMENT:

DUE DATE:

Your instructions or procedures/protocols must be written in a plain style that avoids jargon and lengthy sentences.

 

The design of your instructions or procedures/protocols is extremely important. The document must be functional, attractive, and visual. Therefore, consider using some (or all) of the following:

  • numbered steps

  • columns and boxes

  • borders and lines

  • headings and subheadings

 

Make sure you choose images/graphics that reinforce your instructions or procedures/protocols and label them appropriately.

 

You may create print (ex: flyer, poster), digital (video), or web instructions. You should make this decision based on your subject’s purpose and audience as well as your own technology skills.

As a class we will develop a rubric develop that your peers and I will use to assess your instructions or procedures/protocols. You will be provided with a copy of the rubric before this project is due so that you can consult it as you draft, peer review, and revise.

A rough draft of your instructions or procedures/protocols is due at the start of class Tuesday, October 13. This draft will be peer reviewed using the rubric in class.

 

The final draft of your instructions or procedures/protocols is due at the start of class Tuesday, October 20.

 

Remember: at any time you can take your instructions or procedures/protocols to the Writing Center for help with your content, style, and format or to the Design Center for help with your design/layout.

 

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