Text type #5
Instructions vs
Guidelines
INSTRUCTIONS
● Written instructions explain how to make, do or
complete something.
● Clear instructions should describe a set of
procedures to achieve something.
● Instructions should be easy to read and set our in
a logical step-by-step order.
● They should be precise and well detailed.
EXAMPLES OF INSTRUCTIONS
*Recipes
*Assembling a toy, a bookcase.
*Giving directions (google maps or
Waze)
*How to make origami figures.
Instructions
● Phrase each step as if your reader has just
asked “What should I do next?”
● Use simple, but precise verbs.
● Explain each step of the operation.
● Limit the amount of information in each step
● Use bullet points or numbers.
● Instructions have four parts: title, introduction,
the main body, and conclusion.
Title: Explain what are the instructions for.
Introduction: This may be the ingredients of
a recipe, the tools or pieces you may need to
assemble. Sometimes people skip this part directly to the
instructions.
Body: The body should be organized in
chronological order.
Conclusion: Tell the reader what to do after
they’ve finished. If the process is too
complicated, include at the end how to get
further help.
Now it’s your turn!
Create instructions for
anything…
Even the most absurd thing
Instructions to send a
you can think of...
whatsapp, to make a
tiktok, to ask someone
out, to be a good
friend, to be a bad
friend, to be a good
student.
GUIDELINES
-Texts that help you make choices
when deciding on a course of action.
-Unlike instructions, they do not simple
give orders. They suggest solutions and
procedures.
When you are faced with a problem or
decision, guidelines set out standard routines or
good practices you can follow.
They are organized around a topic or a specific
subject. You can organized them as if you were
defining an issue.
You can take a big problem and break it
down.
set out: to start an activity with a particular aim.
issue: subject, topic, theme, problem, question.
break down sth: to separate something, into smaller parts.
Structure
● Use clear main headings to tell the reader what the
instructions are about.
● Number the stages or points to help organize the steps in a
set of instructions.
● Use sub-headings to break down and organize the guidelines
according to different features or subcategories.
● Break down instructions into small steps so each section is
easy to follow with enough detail to help the reader
● Highlight any materials needed using bullet points.
● Add useful diagrams, illustrations, or photographs to help the
reader to understand your advice.
Example of guidelines
WHAT IS A CV?
Curriculum Vitae: an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job
applications. Another name for a CV is a résumé.
A CV is the most flexible and convenient way to make applications. It conveys your personal details in
the way that presents you in the best possible light. A CV is a marketing document in which you are
marketing something: yourself! You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to
employers. It can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area.
There is no "one best way" to construct a CV; it is your document and can be structured as you wish
within the basic framework below.
WHY SHOULD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE A CV?
1. It sets students apart from others.
High school students likely won’t need a resume for service-oriented jobs, but if they’re looking for an
internship or a more professional job, a resume will impress a potential employer and will make them stand
out against other candidates.
Example of guidelines
2. It shows that they’re responsible.
Employers want to know that an employee is going to be dependable. On a high school resume, this can be
demonstrated by prior work experience as well as activities and volunteering, which indicate their
commitment to responsibilities.
3. It highlights their ambition.
One important part of a high school resume is to show the outside activities the student takes part in.
Participating in extracurricular activities and volunteering shows employers that a high school student has
passion and dedication, which are always desired in an employee. In addition, if a student is on the honor roll
it shows that he or she is hard-working.
4. It is helpful for letters of recommendation.
When it’s time for students to ask teachers, counselors, and previous employers for a reference or letter of
recommendation, a resume will help remind them of what you’ve done and why you’re qualified of a specific
position.
Think about one topic that you know a
lot about.
It can be anything!
Ex. Dancing; being a great
student/brother/friend; playing a very
difficult video game; playing a sport;
being a photographer; life in high
school; etc.
Following the structure seen in class throughout this week
you will write your own guidelines for one of these topics.
Choose one of the following topics:
- Explain the school’s rules to a new
student (dress code, masses, important
events, grupos estudiantiles, classes).
- Provide safety tips for tourists coming
into our country.
- How to behave on Facebook, or
Instagram.
Following the structure seen in class throughout this week
you will write your own guidelines for one of these topics.
STEP 1: Organize your topic with
the use of the following charts
FEATURE 1
Topic/Subject matter
FEATURE 3
FEATURE 2
FEATURE 4
Main topic
Sub-category 1
Sub-category 2
Sub-category 3
STEP 2: Write a first draft
● Think about who will be your audience (this
will determine the level of formality)
● Think about the vocabulary you will need.
● Start writing your draft...